1/72 USCGC Bertholf rc

[Alex 750]

Hi guys
I started this project no long ago,thinking "how hard can it be?" so with what I found kicking in the basement started taking shape so the cost so far is 0$ here are some pics.
I also have a lot of questions
1. soon I should start planking, and I have two options bamboo stripes that I slice from a flooring plank, or 1/12 mm ply from oranges cases
2. Also I have some fiberglass matt but I dont know if it is the right one.

Waiting for your comments, critics, ideas and reply.
tx

[Neptune]

Hi,
very interesting subject! Something strikes me though, where is the lower hull? Does she really have such a small bulbous bow? Or am I not seeing it right? Finally a "new" subject being scratchbuilt! Looking forward for any updates on this one. Sorry that I can't help you with the planking as I'm looking into this myself for my next build.

[Neptune79]

Like Neptune says, you do appear to be missing the underwater body, at least in the aft end - your model seems accurate to the waterline so far though, good start. The Legend Class has no bulbous bow. Here's a link to a good shot of BERTHOLF just before being floated for the first time

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=107047

Lots more available at that site that might help.

Best of luck with the project!

First Commanding Officer
WMSL 750

[Neptune]

Ah yes, I see now, the thing I thought was a tiny bulb, actually is the keel plate you made to put your frames on. It's just not in line with the sharp bow yet.
Are you going to make a waterline version? Or will you make a seperate underwater hull?
Looking forward to any progress!

[cenekh]

Hi Alex,

you have chosen very interesting project.

Well, I would say, that bamboo if dryed is tough material for finish. You will have to sand it before the apply the layer of fiberglass if you plan to make it.

Therefore I would go for some softer material e.g. 1/12 mm ply from oranges cases as you mentioned.

Reeding this forum I've learnt, some modelers use balsa planks, but I am used to work with 1/8 or 10 mm spruce laths, that are durable, flexible and easy to finish

Cenek

[Alex 750]

Hi Guys
Tanks for your reply, yes you are right, I do have a lot of pics and info, The true is that this is my first build so Im not aiming at 100% accuracy ,so she will go with some "twist" the bulbou is there for an easy transport later on,also simplicity and materials that I found arround. Im planning to make the under hull with styrofoam, to give her the "rounded bottom" :smallsmile:if possible.
The bamboo is under "test stage" that one in the pic is 1mm. thick ,so far it didnt wrap after prime, paint, glue .it cant be nailed, but on the other hand I can slice it to any thikness is waterproof very strong and flexible.
Still I have no clue regarding the fiberglass,Will cover little gaps in the planking or the hull needs to be sealed before?
I will keep posting soon .
Tx

[Alex 750]

Hi
So planking is taking forever and , the cold wheather is not helping but slowly is taking shape pics soon
cheers