USN Mk-71 8"/55 Auto Construction Question

[Cliffy B]

Hey guys, I'm currently working on a ship that will require 2 of these lovely gun mounts and since no one makes them they will need to be scratch built in 1/700. My question to you guys is has anyone done this before (in any scale) and if so do you have any suggestions/tips/ideas on how to go about it? Basic shape wise its a cone with a rounded rectangle on the back so I'm thinking start with a brick of balsa or plastic and start sanding then cut a little brick and glue it on the back and sand it accordingly. Thoughts?

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_8- ... et_pic.jpg
http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_8-55_mk71_pics.htm

[Timmy C]

Try asking Navydavesof - he got one made for him in 1/350 scale: viewtopic.php?f=67&t=43658&start=140

[Niall]

I would do it this way -
1) Start with a disc of 1mm plasticard for the base.
2) Make the side profile of the turret at its vertical centre, with the cutout for the gun mount by laminating plasticard. At a guess a central piece of 1mm with the cutout for the gun and 2 full sized 0.5mm side peices.
3) Add extra laminations of plasticard to build up the bustle. After this stage leave it to dry overnight.
4) Sculpt the cone shaped sides with Milliput. If you don't know Miliput it is a slow setting(3 hours at room temperature) epoxy resin filler made in the UK. I think Tamiya do a similar product but I have never used it. When mixed Milliput can be worked like clay with wet tools.

[Cliffy B]

Timmy, will do!

Niall, good idea, I'll look for some Miliput next time I'm out.

Thanks guys!