H.A. Baker wrote:Geoff,
She's coming along a treat and I can't wait for the 2nd July when hopefully I'll see her in all her glory. I do like the idea of the piping for the electrical leads. I must try that on the 'Derffl.'
HAB
Sheesh! This is my second post today!
I didn't know you were coming on July 2nd, it will be nice if you could come.
Okay guys, rather a mixed bag today, and quite a bit done as well. I have to keep moving now, as there is still quite a lot to get done for Vic's Big Day in July.
First let me show you what I have been using to make some of the guard rails around the superstructure.
Two types of meshing. The one on the left is a medium used for paint stripping, it is a fine cloth net covered in carborundum and is quite rigid. If rubbed accross a wood surface, it gets rid of the roughness and becomes a bit more pliable for use as guard netting. It has square holes about 1.5mm square. The other type on the right is alluminium mesh, used for car body repairs, which has diamond shaped holes and is ideal for deck gratings and catwalks.
Here you can see where I have cut it into suitable widths approx 5/16" wide.
Now I will show you some of its uses which I have done today.
On the Illustrious Carriers, at the period I am building the Vic, there was a conning bridge, that swung out over the flight deck. This was suspended on a pillar which was against the inboard side of the Island. It was used for incoming aircraft and contained a light system to let pilots know that a landing was clear or not. This bridge was done away with in 1944, when the ship had a major refit and a more updated landing system was installed.
This is the bridge walkway which was made from two very narrow strips of angled styrene, with a deck made from the alluminium mesh. The gaurd netting was made from the carborundum meshing. This has a thin alluminium tube glued to it, which fits inside the pillar ( a slightly larger tube) to allow it to pivot.
Here you can see the pillar and the platform to get onto the bridge in either the folded or open position. Incidently, the platform is a shelf support bracket.
Bridge fitted in the folded position, alongside the superstructure.
Bridge in the open position, swung out over the flight deck, with wire support cable above.
Painted and fitted with it's lights
Note that the superstructure has now been fitted with guard netting and has been painted, except for a few areas which need black and other colours added. A bit more work on the funnel has yet to be done, such as navigation lights platform and ladders.
In this shot, the call up lights, have been covered with masking tape, whilst I sprayed the superstructure. I forgot to remove it for the photo, also I fitted the mast wrong way round, the ladders should be at the rear. Good job it is not fixed in position yet.
Guard nets have also been applied around the various platfoms along the flight deck.
These are the top set of Carley Floats attached to the starboard side of the Island.
Finally for today, I have been doing some work on the Corsairs. I have cut the wings on one of them and repositioned them in the folding position, so that it will now fit on the lifts. It was proped up by the pliers, until the super glue was set. A piece of brass rod was glued between the wing halves for extra strength.
Here you can see the completed plane on the rear aircraft lift. Note also the guard netting around the rear gun platform, searchlight and director plarforms.
And finally for today, I painted one of the Corsairs in a darker blue, the nose cone will be painted yellow, when all the rest have been done.
Enjoy.
Victorious