Hi everyone,
This will probably be my last posting for this thread � as Sean ('Goodwood') observed, this model is just about done. There are a few minor things I might add, such as figures, but I doubt I'll post another update after this. Today, I'll show you some of the finishing touches I've applied to the model in the past couple days. But you know, there is always a �...but first...� So here goes: but first, I want to thank Sean ('Goodwood'), Nicolas ('LE BOSCO'), and Jim Baumann for their kind words since the last update. Your words of encouragement and those of the numerous modelers who've posted to this thread during the past year have never failed to provide a great boost, especially at times when my interest in the project started to wane. I take your comments and suggestions very seriously; I've seen examples of your work and it is obvious you know of what you speak!
I also want to thank those who have merely stopped in to check out the progress, but haven't posted. The view counter tells me you're there and your consistent interest in this project has been a great encouragement as well!
Without further delay, let's get into today's update. In the previous post, I briefly mentioned hull numbers. Here's a better look at the conn numbers:
- As you recall, I applied the bow numbers long ago. I'd been dragging my feet with the other hull numbers because I wasn't sure where I was going to get them from. One day, I stumbled across the idea of using Woodland Scenics dry transfer numbers for the remaining markings. The photo of the actual ship shows that the conn numbers appear to have been applied to a plate mounted to the conn, vice painted directly onto the conn. That made the job easier: I cut out a square section of .010 inch styrene, painted it Graugrun RLM 74 and applied the numbers, which are Woodland Scenics 45� Gothic White. Then, I affixed it to the conn.
- This shot shows the fantail numbers. I found from examination of photos that there was a wide variety of methods for displaying ship's numbers on LCIs. Some displayed numbers and a 'US' on the aft of the conn, while others had 'LCI' on the port fantail with the hull number starboard. Still others had a mixture of those methods while others had only the hull number to starboard on the fantail. The more fastidious markings appeared early in the war. Lacking a photo of the LCI-30 from astern, I decided to apply only the hull number to the starboard side of the fantail. Also visible in this photo is the fuel tank for the anchor windlass on the fantail.
- This shot shows the fuel tank again. This began as 5/32nd inch styrene tubing, which I placed in my 'lathe' (3/8ths inch electric drill) and filed down to replicate the ridges found on 55-gallon drums. The storage rack was made from various bits of styrene and stretched sprue was used for the tie-downs. You can also see that I've reinstalled the masthead light. I got really lucky there: I found it on the floor right before I would have stepped on it!
- In addition to the fuel tank, this photo shows the falls added to the davits. These were constructed of .025 inch styrene rod for the blocks with stretched black sprue for the chains.
- Here's another shot showing the ship as she appears overall.
- In this shot from port, you can see the fire hose reel on the forward bulkhead of the conn. I coated heavy thread with white glue and once dry, flattened it and wrapped it around a piece of brass tube. Then, I added the inner spokes of a handwheel and some pieces of stretched black sprue. I finished by painting it ModelMaster Italian Sand Brown and dry-brushed it with Tamiya Buff.
Well, that about does it. I have to admit that this ugly duckling of a kit has grown on me and I hope you've enjoyed reading about this project as much as I have enjoyed building it.
Thank you all for checking in! I look forward to hearing from you again when I begin the thread for my next project!
John
... nothing to do with the kit version 
Here's a look:
