The Ship Model Forum

Hello everyone!

As the first step into the ship modelling has almost been finished, a time for the second one. The objective is to verify that the lessons, trials and errors experienced during the Maryland's project were understood and, if possible, to make another small progress forward. Moreover, maybe I'd like to add a little more life to the final result.

The main components of the intended build:
- 1/700 USS California (1945) kit; Trumpeter #5784
- Wooden deck; Artwox #20153A. Needs to be repainted. The color on this particular deck is as close to the actual 20-B Deck Blue (1942 Rev.) as I am to the Higgs boson discovery.
- Brass USN 14''/50 Mark 11 Barrels; Master #SM-700-050
- Brass USN 5''/38 Mark 12 Barrels; Master #SM-350-017
- Resin 5''/38 Gun Turrets (Reduced Scale); 3D Model Parts #U711
- PE Modernized West Virginia, California and Tennessee set; Tom's Modelworks #788
- PE WWII USN Radars Set; Five Star Model #FS700029 (added during the build, better proportions of the Mk 8 and SP radars, additional Mk 27s)
- Resin Quadruple 40-mm Bofors Autocannons (no shields); 3D Model Parts #U706
- PE 40-mm mounts (just for railings); Tom's Modelworks #740
- Resin Single 20-mm Oerlikon Cannons - Pedestal Mount; 3D Model Parts #U701
- Resin Twin 20-mm Oerlikon Cannons - Tripod Mount; 3D Model Parts #U703
- PE US Deck Details; Tom's Modelworks #759
- PE US Naval Doors; Tom's Modelworks #753
- PE USN Ship Doors and Windows; Eduard #99041
- PE USN Ladders; Eduard #99038
- PE USN Extra Ladders; Eduard #99060
- PE WWII USN Liferaft Cable; Five Star Model #FS700026 (added during the build)
- PE WWII USN Floater Net Baskets & Life Rings; Five Star Model #FS700046 (added during the build)

I have not found any review of the kit so far, so a couple of points:

The kit basically represents the Prune Barge as she appeared when she returned to Okinawa in June 1945 after she spent a couple of months undergoing repairs and refits in the PSNY. The notable modifications included replacement of the superstucture Oerlikon platforms for four more Bofors quads, switching most of the single Oerlikons for twins and installation of the SP radar on a top of the main mast. Moreover, the distinct Measure 32/16D scheme was repainted to the Measure 21.

Trumpeter uses one generic hull for all three heavily rebuilt Big-5s. Not a big deal for the TN and VW, however, the California has two Oerlikon nests hanging over the edge of the main deck. As such, it requires a careful cutting, sanding and filling. There is no other way, otherwise it is physically impossible to place the main deck onto the hull. The hull-deck fitting is nice, the filling requirements are quite limited (but not absolutely).


I was quite pleasantly surprised with a level of detail present on the parts of the superstructure (ladders, doors, cable lines etc.)



As I am not building the kit OOB, I don't care about the rather ugly faces of the 5'' turrets, the missing SP radar and some other minor stuff.

_________________
- David

Have you looked at the single and twin 20mm Oerlikon's by Blue Ridge Models? these are resin also, and are one piece. Free Time hobbies carries them.

Yes, I've seen them but I'm sticking to the 3DMP. In fact, just because they are separated. It is much easier to paint them correctly (the weapon and the mount should usually be painted differently). Moreover, it enables the modeller to install them in various angles and elevations.

_________________
- David

A long time ago, in a galaxy, far,
far away...

After two spectacular failures
of the Galactic Empire superweapon
projects, Darth Vader has been entrusted with
a supervision of a little less ambitious one: building
a mock-up of an ancient fighting vessel for the Emperor.
.
.
.
From: Vader, Darth (darth.vader@headquarters.empire.gov)
To: Palpatine, Emperor (emperor@headquarters.empire.gov)
Cc: Jerjerrod, Tiaan (tiaan.jerjerrod@construction.empire.gov); Wessex, Lira (lira_wessex@kuat.com)
Subject: The Ancient Vessel Project, Status Report 1
--------------------
Master,

the project goes according to the plan. We started to alter the basic Kuat Drive Yards' package (product line "Trumpeter") with special add-ons. However, as the KDY core is sufficiently detailed, we decided to replace just the ladders and retain the original doors and other details (at least on this deck).


As you can see, we managed to restore the cable lines that had to be removed during the previous filling and sanding.


The main deck hatches have been detailed as well.


Meanwhile, workers finished all cutting, filling and sanding procedures required by the improper design of the hull. I assure you, my Master, that this apparent lack of focus will be adressed with the KDY representatives with a highest severity.


I will keep you updated, my Master.

Vader

_________________
- David

Ahahahaha, that's certainly an interesting way to flavor a project update! Especially given Vader's technical acumen...

_________________
Sean Nash, ACG (aircraft camo gestapo)

On the ways:
1/200 Trumpeter HMS Nelson
1/700 Tamiya USS Yorktown CV-5

In the stash:
1/35 Italiari PT-109
1/35 Tamiya "Pibber" Patrol Boat
1/350 Trumpeter USS Yorktown CV-10

From: Vader, Darth (darth.vader@headquarters.empire.gov)
To: Palpatine, Emperor (emperor@headquarters.empire.gov)
Cc: Jerjerrod, Tiaan (tiaan.jerjerrod@construction.empire.gov); Wessex, Lira (lira_wessex@kuat.com)
Subject: The Ancient Vessel Project, Status Report 2
--------------------
Master,

most of the core modules have been prepared and the construction team arranged them together to give you the first overall impression of the build. In the meantime, the Kuat Drive Yards specialists started to enhance the original "Trumpeter" package with the detailing parts (product line "Tom's Modelworks"). So far, the following details have been made: The front Mark 8 fire control radar, Mark 27 fire control radar, TDY-1 radar jammer, the front yardarm supporting structure including anemometers and doors and ladders all around the ship.

We have not been affected by any issues worth being noted, the admiral Thrawn's campaign against the rebels bears the fruit.





I will keep you updated, my Master.

Vader

_________________
- David

DUDE!!!! Star Wars and Rebuilt Big-5, I don't think there are two things that I love seeing meshed together more!!! Great looking work so far, really enjoyed the Maryland and this should be even better.

Keep up the great work!

Matt

_________________
In the yards right now:
USS Utah AG-16
On Hold
1/350 USS Portland CA-33 1942
1/350 Trumpeter Texas with a twist

Great concept (and execution). Looking forward to future updates. Don't forget to shield the funnel exhaust against proton-torpedoes!

_________________
- Greg

It's good to see your work again.

Thank you, everyone I hope, the Emperor will be pleased...

_________________
- David

From: Vader, Darth (darth.vader@headquarters.empire.gov)
To: Palpatine, Emperor (emperor@headquarters.empire.gov)
Cc: Jerjerrod, Tiaan (tiaan.jerjerrod@construction.empire.gov); Wessex, Lira (lira_wessex@kuat.com)
Subject: The Ancient Vessel Project, Status Report 3
--------------------
Master,

we replaced the original plastic foremast with the scratchbuild one. Installation of the SK and SG radars and the mast suport braces is planned as a next step.



I will keep you updated, my Master.

Vader

_________________
- David

How did you get your Mk. 8 radar antenna to look like that? I mangled mine and ended up using the kit part on my Colorado. What size did you use for your mast? My worry is that I'll break the kit parts when I try to remove the from the sprue.

I wouldn't be able to do anything without the photoetch bending tool as we discussed in the Maryland thread. Do you have any? Except this, the photoetch part itself must be reasonably designed (which TMW parts are). Moreover, I ceased to use the CA glue for putting (most of) the PE stuff together, I switched to the water-diluted PVA + 3/0 brush combo (the PVA joint is tight enough but more flexible, leaves no residuals and is easy to soften when a correction is needed).

The only problem is that I find the TMW radars slightly overscale (in fact, I suspect the Trumpeter's superstructure being underscale; the TMW set was originally designed for the Blue Ridge resin ships). So I ordered the Five Star USN Radar Set just to have a benchmark.

The mast has been made using following rods:
- 0.8 mm brass rod (the main column)
- 0.3 mm steel rod (the upper part of the mast that carries the SG radar; in fact, the yardarms have been made of the same rod)
- the supporting braces next to the ladder were made of a stretched sprue

What parts are you afraid of being broken?

_________________
- David

I have a new bending tool that is 2" by 2". I might get the next size up, the 2"x4". I used it on some ladders I installed on my Colorado.

I have a radar antenna set from Flyhawk in addition to my TMW's PE. Some of that stuff is too small for me to work with.

The parts I'm afraid of breaking are the masts and yardarms themselves. I broke the prop shafts on my Colorado removing them from the sprue.

The build is looking very good so far, but the Star Wars narrative is simply fantastic. Will be watching this with interest.

_________________
Vlad

From: Vader, Darth (darth.vader@headquarters.empire.gov)
To: Palpatine, Emperor (emperor@headquarters.empire.gov)
Cc: Jerjerrod, Tiaan (tiaan.jerjerrod@construction.empire.gov); Wessex, Lira (lira_wessex@kuat.com);
Subject: The Ancient Vessel Project, Status Report 4
--------------------
Master,

it is my pleasure to present you with the current achievements. However, the progress was significantly affected by a series of sabotages. Subsequent investigation revealed the existence of a rebel cell operating within the construction detachment. What is even more serious, a number of junior officers were included in the disruptions as well. The appropriate measures were taken, the interrogation brought us valuable information that have been handed over to the Imperial Security Bureau. I have personally stressed the importance of the appropriate personnel screening procedures to the chief of the local security.




I will keep you updated, my Master.

Vader

_________________
- David

Yet an illustration what the detailed upper tower brings in an overall context. The braces fixing the foremast to the superstucture have not yet been installed as everyhing is still in a dry-fitting stage.

_________________
- David

From: Vader, Darth (darth.vader@headquarters.empire.gov)
To: Palpatine, Emperor (emperor@headquarters.empire.gov)
Cc: Jerjerrod, Tiaan (tiaan.jerjerrod@construction.empire.gov); Wessex, Lira (lira_wessex@kuat.com);
Subject: The Ancient Vessel Project, Status Report 5
--------------------
Master,

after a direct comparison we decided to install the Sienar Fleet Systems' version of the Mk 8 fire control radar (product line Five Star). It is of much better proportions to the build itself. The same will be installed on the rear Mk 34 director. Moreover, as you can see, the Mk 37 directors were equipped with the Mk 12 + Mk 22 radar combos. Everything is still in a dry fitting stage yet.

The increased security resulted in no incidents during the last week.




I will keep you updated, my Master.

Vader

_________________
- David

From: Vader, Darth (darth.vader@headquarters.empire.gov)
To: Palpatine, Emperor (emperor@headquarters.empire.gov)
Cc: Jerjerrod, Tiaan (tiaan.jerjerrod@construction.empire.gov); Wessex, Lira (lira_wessex@kuat.com);
Subject: The Ancient Vessel Project, Status Report 6
--------------------
Master,

the original instructions did not reflect the fact the rangefinders of the turret no. 3 were actually removed and replaced by a couple of the Mk 27 radars. As such, we had to build this from scratch. Moreover, we are starting to equip turrets with guns.



I will keep you updated, my Master.

Vader

_________________
- David

You know, I've never realized just how small 1/700 is until you started putting turrets in the hands of Lego minifigures.

_________________
De quoi s'agit-il?