Gun Cruiser Group Build

[BCBilly]

Outstanding work. Thanks you for the pictures .

[Pieter]

Due to the arrival of an 1/72 "You came in that? You're even braver than thought!" a few weeks ago I've decided to join the dark side for a while and drop out of this group build. I've seem a number of very nice builds in thie thread anyway and will keep following it with interest.

[JTninja]

Time for an update from me. Got most of the materials I need, like paint and plastic. Almost 50% there!

Major improvements include the top mast, which now includes p/e gold ladders, the captains bridge above the front turrent, which was hard to build, a cut up trumpy Seagull, and bow gun spots.

[Brian Miller]

Great builds guys! Never group builds were on this site, and I wish I would have cause I would have definitely joined in. When does the next one begin and what will the subject be? I will probably need to buy a kit cause my stash is down to nothing.

[taskforce48]

Hey guys!

Been awhile, but I have been plugging away and with the deadline quickly approaching. Everyones builds are looking great and can't wait to see them all finished. My Chicago is progressing and it will be my typical down to the wire finish but she should be done by the 6th. Well, without further ado I give you my rendition of the USS Chicago CA-29 in August of 1942.

This shot is of the supplied parts for the Radio Room and the aft 5-inch gun director platform. Both had broken splinter shields. I replaced the broken shield on the lower lever but completely scratchbuilt the director platform to better represent the Chicago in 1942. I thought I took a photo of the platform on it's but guess I didn't. You will see it in the photos below.

The aft 1.1 gun tubs are supplied in white metal, and even though this kit had pretty good white metal pieces these were kind of rough. The one on the right was how they came and the one on the left is when I was done going at it with my dremel.

You see one of the 40 ft boat cradles that I scratchbuilt and the PE cradles that I raided from the spares box for the 26ft boat. You can also see some of the scratchbuilt boat crane platform and the 5-inch practice loader.

Here we see a dry fit mock up of the major pieces of the mainmast, The CXAM radar was from the WEM line and a very nice looking part. I scratchbuilt the 20mm platform above searchlight control and you can see the scratchbuilt rangefinder on top of turret #3.

Here you see the scratchbuilt 20mm Tub on the stern. There were no good photos and looking at sister ships didn't help much as most of them each had a different arrangement so i just went with a simple oval tub. This took 14 pieces to make.

Here we see the catwalks at the forecastle break leading into the well deck. Photos of this area are hard to come by, so these were the best I could do with what was available. You also see the 20mm gun emplacements that are next to the funnel and their servicing ready service lockers.

Here we see the boatdeck as it is today, most everything is done in this area except for rigging and painting

Here we have the 5-inch gun decks, you see the above mentioned director platform no in place. You also see one of the 8 5/25 gun mounts from L'Arsenal in place. If you look at the top of the crane post you will see I redid the pulley because the white metal version was solid and sort of a oval/hexagon shape, looks a little better anyway.

Overall shot of her as she sits today. Almost all the railing is done and small details in place. The biggest thing left to do is fit her out with her AA armament and then paint and rig her. Should have more done today and maybe even start painting.

Detail of the bridge. I tried to use tin foil to represent canvas covered railings on the pilot house roof, I think it looks okay but we will see when its painted. That tripod and all of it's platforms were a nightmare to get alinged and then detailed with ladders and railings but in the end I prevailed

Looking forward to seeing everyone else's updates and to the above posts question, what is up next?

Matt

[JTninja]

Looking forward to seeing everyone else's updates and to the above posts question, what is up next?

Hehe, we should get the poll going now, so by the time the winners are announce, we're ready to start the next build. The last wait was killing me!

[JTninja]

Update for the Indy: Only 5.5 more days left

Painting underway...might have enough time left for some railing...if I can figure how to do it

[drdoom1337]

Everything looks outstanding thus far. Can't wait to see all the finished results.

I can set up another poll for the next group build but I need suggestions. If anyone else wants to set up the group build by all means go ahead, I'd love to participate for once

[JTninja]

Aircraft Carriers Before 1946
Aircraft Carriers After 1946
Modern Cruisers/Frigates
German naval warships
Japanese naval warships
Battleships
Bring back the destroyers!
Landing craft

[taskforce48]

If anyone else wants to set up the group build by all means go ahead, I'd love to participate for once

Drdoom,

I'll take it on if you don't mind. I will set up a poll tomorrow on the main forum, if anyone has any suggestions please submit them here. I will probably do that tomorrow afternoon. JT, I will incorporate your suggestions.

Matt

[drdoom1337]

I have some suggestions:

Cold war ships
Flat tops
Modern navy
WWI
Civilian / transports (this might be really interesting)

[MichelB]

Am very sorry, but I probably will not finish the USS Charleston in time. So I'm out.

[taskforce48]

Small update, painting has begun.
First step was priming with my favorite primer

Almost done priming

Finished product, getting a little nervous as my supply of MM Acrylics is beginning to run low.

All thats left now is the planes and small AA guns and then weathering a rigging.



Matt

PS> I will get that poll up here in a little bit.

[Quincy]

Nice job Matt!




Bob pink.

[taskforce48]

Nice job Matt!

Thanks Bob! I am starting to feel the pressure now of the deadline though

Just as an FYI, I have posted a poll on the Main Forum for the next Group Build. It's up for 7 days, so make sure to cast your vote.

Matt

[Gordon Bjorklund]

Nice job there Matt. You are going to bring it to the "Spring Show" with you? I look forward to seeing it in person.

[taskforce48]

Gordon,

Thanks! I am still aiming at coming and the Chicago will be coming with me if I can get the time off at work, still a little up in the air. If you think about it, you sort of have seen this one in person as it is the kit I bought at the show last year. This could be a new record for me, a kit bought and completed within one year

Matt

[drdoom1337]

To clear up any possible confusion later, this contest runs THROUGH March 6, until 11:59PM pst. All entries must be in by then if possible. I'd like to get the judging done as quickly as possible.

[JTninja]

Where do we send the entries?


Trying hard to make the deadline, but with 30 hours left, 12 of those spent at work, not looking too good. Rails are out for sure...

[taskforce48]

with 30 hours left