Model Monkey Sneak Peeks

[robertmelvin]

Steve, thanks for the prompt response and the nudge in the right direction.

Bob M.

[MatthewB]

Thanks, fellas!

...Since you are on the torpedo tube clusters, another DD and DE weapon that I have never seen done well (in 1/350th or smaller) would be a Hedgehog launcher. I have seen representations that look like a box of pipes or sticks. I have seen P/E replacements for the sticks, but they become flat sticks in that representation...

Unfortunately, 3D-printed versions in 1/350 or smaller are unprintable. At best, they would "look like a box of pipes or sticks", and way overscale at that. But, see last comment below.

Steve, any chance that you could produce twin Oerlikons in 1/350? That is one need that as far as I am aware is not being met in anything but PE, and look terribly one two dimensional at their best. I'm sure there would be a demand for these weapons in other scales as well...Bob M.

Unfortunately, Shapeways is not able to print Oerlikons or Bofors in 1/350 or smaller. The smallest Shapeways-printable outer diameter of a barrel is 0.6mm, 0.8mm if the barrel is long, both limitations way overscale. The best they can do in 1/350 is 5"/38 barrels.

Since several other 3D designers are already producing Oerlikons and Bofors in large scales, I will probably abandon those designs - no market.

It is not at all yet certain that the torpedo mounts can be printed in 1/700. The barrels, sure, but none of the fine detailing or instrumentation. I'm hoping they will be printable and will upload a 1/700 scale design to Shapeways when complete. Shapeways design analysis software will evaluate it.

Now having said all that, you both might try contacting Carl Allsop at 3D Modelparts.com. He uses an entirely different technology and may be able to print these items and be willing to design them.

Is there some reason you can't simply license the model, or sell him the Rights outright to the 1/700 models?

I have been thinking about doing exactly that with the 1/700 IJN 5,500 Ton CL parts (Bridges, Platforms, Bulwarks, Catwalks, large Deck Vents, etc.).

MB

[robertmelvin]

as carl already has 1/350 scale single 20mm guns http://www.3dmodelparts.com/1-350-singl ... nt-12-pcs/ then might not be that hard to do a twin.

David, thanks for the suggestion. 3-D's single 20mm's are quite nice indeed, especially considering that they don't require those of us with gorilla fingers and slightly shaky hands to fold a lot of delicate PE.

Bob M.

[ModelMonkey]

....Is there some reason you can't simply license the model....

Yes, I have thought a great deal about it and Carl and I talked awhile back about 3DModelparts printing Mk.56 directors I had designed. Unfortunately, there is nothing simple (or cheap/free legal costs) about licensure.

...or sell him the Rights outright to the 1/700 models?... MB

Sadly, designs don't sell.

[ModelMonkey]

Please keep discussions and coordination with other vendors on their threads or use private messaging. Thanks.

[robertmelvin]

Please keep discussions and coordination with other vendors on their threads or use private messaging. Thanks.

I apologize, Steve, I did not mean to tread on your thread.

Bob M.

[ModelMonkey]

No worries, just trying to keep this thread focused on upcoming MM products and their development.

[ModelMonkey]

US Navy destroyer fans: the design for the Mk.14 Quintuple 21" Torpedo Mount is nearly done. It is about 95% complete and will be further detailed. Lexington class funnels are, too, but need some tweaking yet.

[Miguel]

WOW!!!!!

Those are stunning Steve,when will be available,please make them at least in 1/350 and 1/700 ,have quite a few clients for your slick looking TT.

[robertmelvin]

Well, looks like I'm going to have to build another Fletcher!

Bob M.

[Mgunns]

Just might be a Fletcher in my collection as well. I am looking forward to the Sara and Lex Stacks.

[ModelMonkey]

The mount design is complete. See: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=162507&p=691319#p691319

It is ready now in 1/144 scale (for Revell) and 1/125 scale (for Lindberg). More scales coming, but because of its fine features, it is not printable in any scale smaller than 1/144 (sorry guys, no 1/350 or 1/700).

[Aop Aur]

Steve, that is looking really STUNNING!! I think I should be back at my computer and design something for my Lion:):) Keep up the great works and I'd be looking forward to your future designs in 1/350 scale (and don't forget your builds in progress too! They look very nice as well!)

Thumbs up for the master modeler and designer!


Regards,
Aop.

[Miguel]

it is not printable in any scale smaller than 1/144 (sorry guys, no 1/350 or 1/700).

No problem Steve,keep up the work on, I'll be expecting some good stuff in 350 and 700 in the near future ,you never cease to amaze me

[Mark McKinnis]

I got my '52 Kearsarge Island today. The detail is amazing. I am not sure how I am going to paint the decks gunship gray just yet. It is a pretty tight fit. The flag boxes are pretty amazing. They are actually little boxes!

Very nice work Steve!

Mark

[robertmelvin]

Words fail me. Un effing believable.

Bob M.

[ModelMonkey]

Thanks so much, fellas!

For all those patiently waiting for correctly shaped and highly detailed Saratoga CV-3 and Lexington CV-2 funnels to be available in 1/700 (I promise), 1/350 and 1/200, here is the design for Saratoga's wartime "short" funnel at 90% complete.

Features:
- overall dimensions and shapes drawn from official US Navy Booklets of General Plans for Lex and Sara, dated from 1936-1944, with minor adjustments to details to match photos of the actual ships
- proper eliptical shape, fatter aft
- correct complex curvature of the funnel cap roof
- open smoke pipes all the way through - properly sized, sloped and positioned
- accurately shaped splinter shielding
- detailed, internal, twin 5"/38 Mount #7 barbette with open scuttles and properly positioned bulkheads, which will be visible through:
- open A/T doors, properly sized and positioned, ready for your favorite PE

The remaining design work to be done on this model consists mainly of the structural supports under the decks and platforms, some ribs for the splinter shielding, vents under the funnel cap, and some external cabling. Pending any "life happens" events, it should be ready by this weekend.

[taskforce48]

(In worst Shatner) Wallet... can not.... Handle... Must find a.... Way to.... Recharge....


Seriously, can't wait. My 44' Sara has been shelved for too long.

Matt

[Jim21680]

I don't want to derail this thread, but does anyone know if Lex's funnel shrunk with age? This is the first I've heard of a shorter funnel on Sara.

I plan to build Lex in her in pre-36 form (with the sharper bow), and I'm unsure if these would be suitable for that plan.

[ModelMonkey]

Thanks, Matt!

I don't want to derail this thread, but does anyone know if Lex's funnel shrunk with age? This is the first I've heard of a shorter funnel on Sara.

I plan to build Lex in her in pre-36 form (with the sharper bow), and I'm unsure if these would be suitable for that plan.

Hi Jim!
Great question. Lex kept her funnel tall. Sara's was shortened in early 1942. The top of Sara's shortened funnel is about the same height as the 20mm gallery on Lexington. This model funnel would not be accurate for Lexington.

But a Lex funnel is in design. Its basic shape is complete. When it's done, I'll post renderings of the two side-by-side for comparison. The difference is significant.