The Ship Model Forum

Larry,
Thanks for the kind remarks!!! Always appreciated!

One thing that I guess needs pointing out is that what I started with was a 20+ year old shed, not very well made, that sat basically as a storage shed for all those years in the hot sun in summer and fairly cold winters - the studs warped and twisted and to tell the truth, I had no intentions of spending a lot of sweat equity planning down and evening things up, so the walls/ceiling panels are not exactly laying flat. You can associate this with the "oil canning" of DD hulls as we've seen photos of on this forum. It's a workshop, not the Taj Mahal, so where I can make things look nice - fine; where I can't, I don't!

Today may be called due to "I don't feel like messing with the insulation batts today!!!" I've rearranged the lumber piles again in order to now install the angled ceiling panels/insul. on the opposite side of the shop.

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

Hank:

Did you ever use homemade T jacks for holding the overhead panels? I made ones from inexpensive lumber, just like huge T square and used them to wedge the ceiling panels (sheetrock) up against the joists so I could screw them into position. Indeed, it's one of those tasks that's four times harder by yourself.

I have been consulting those drawings of cargo boom rigging to attempt to figure out how to do my ship. The winch to boom is fairly straight forward but the use of running stays and preventers to set the booms for particulate evolutions gets quite complex.

Cheers! Tom

Tom,
I did fabricate a T-jack back months ago for a specific job, but since used the wood for other things. No, this time my neighbor came over and helped yesterday with (1) of the (2) 4x8 panels left to get installed. Today I am working on the 4'x4' panel in front of the larger one and hope to get it finished before suppertime tonight. I'm having to do some shim work on the joists although they "seem" to look level. Once the one side is complete w/insulation batting above, I will do the other side likewise. I'm also changing out the single 8' double fluorescent fixture for (2) 8' lg. LED fixtures and I need to also modify the wiring for those coming out of the junction box.

Re. the boom rigging, etc. - I'm not sure what particular booms, etc. you are working on, but send me a photo and perhaps I can find a suitable rigging diagram - they are complicated and not all identical. The Boatswain's Mate 2 & 3 BuPers Manuel does give some typical examples of cargo rigging but whether it's specific or not for your particular needs, I can't answer.

Well, back out into the heat!!!

Hank

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

I did get ceiling work done yesterday/today. One side down, one to go, and rewiring & light fixture work to precede putting in the narrow center ceiling sections. Trimwork, caulking, etc. prior to painting. So, the order of sequence is there, just a matter of working when the temp. is suitable, etc.


Will be back out early tomorrow a.m. to continue!

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

Looking good Hank! What are your panels made from, something light like that thinnish Luan Plywood? I like the strong lighting available!

Thanks Tom! The paneling (sides/ceiling) is all this 3/16" thick luan type plywood. I have now installed all the large, flat panels and removed the 8' long fluorescent fixture. Will replace with (2) 8' long LED fixtures about 18" apart (maybe 24", we'll see). I hope to finish all the ceiling early next week and then begin priming/painting. Will also have new photos by then!

Hank

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

This evening I got the last of the interior painting done, touching up on some of the corners & trim. So, early tomorrow I'm heading into the city to try the Lowe's there for some MORE 2x4 plywood panels which will make up the bulk of the flooring. Our local store seems to never have enough of anything...go figure, right?

Anyhow, this is as of this evening:


The center panel is already painted - I'm only waiting for my LED fixtures to arrive and then I'll know where the connection holes need to be placed. Then, the panel can be installed and the ceiling will be completed.
Once again I'll be rearranging "stuff" in order to begin the flooring job - I'm beginning in the front and working towards the back.

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

Ok, it's been a while since my last post, so here's a broad update:
1) Floors are done & painted. Probably will have to repaint sometime in the next two weeks, but that's mostly cosmetic at this point.
2) Walls, ceiling panels, and new LED fixtures are installed, painted, wired, and working!
3) Unpacking has begun, pictures, etc. hung and collectables displayed.
4) Portable A/C w/heat is on order - high humidity/heat here in Piedmont NC have limited my time in the shop.
5) Small refrig in sitting area isn't looking too promising - been sitting unplugged for almost 2 years, so probably refrig. has seeped out - will probably replace as repair costs aren't worth the expense.
6) Working on getting things arranged and to determine needed new LED worktable lamps (bar, not bulb type); will donate older bulb type lamps to ReStore.
So, as of this afternoon, here is the interior as well as my freshly painted front entrance:

The week ahead is mostly inside cleanup and unpacking, all predicated on the weather.

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

"I" might have placed a dark(er) area under work table and chair......it is much easier (for me) to find PE + flashlight.

M

I have no idea how Chuck finds stuff in his "modeling rug", I can't hardly find anything on a bare wood floor. Of course if anything has a roundness, it can go a long ways.

I like the display and storage area!

Women would derisively call this a "Man Cave".

Cheers: Tom

DavidP - Yes, it's the PENNSY - that's the board that will become the "water" for her display base.

MMaresm - Well, I specifically painted the floor light in order to see those very items w/o a flashlight!!!

Flinger747 - Exactly!!! Women, except for The Admiral, will need to pay a hefty admittance fee to enter....

Hank

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

Hank,

Have you installed anchors to hold down your Model Workshop from blowing away in high winds??

You haven't spied your wife taking measurements of the shed interior have you? A "She-Shed" Conversion could be in HER PLANS!!!

Rick

Rick, Ole Buddy....
The Admiral DOES have plans for her "She-Shed" and I'm getting constant reminders about this. So....S-h-h-h....
The high winds DO come thru our back yard (very little high vegetation to stop them), and YES! I do have plans for an anchor....but not for that purpose. Can't divulge more at this time. - a project in itself once the shed is complete, up & running, etc.

Hank

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

Hank,

Well along with your tie-down straps for hurricanes, have to you gotten shock-isolators on your model shop for earthquakes?

... https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes ... /executive ...

I would expect Hank has everything secured for sea. Maybe even rigged for depth charge? We don't have Hurrinado's here, snakes or alligators but I suppose a bear could break in and we do have the now and then 7 earthquake...

Rick, Tom -

Well, we were at the coast and I didn't hear about the earthquake until I picked up our mail at The Chief's house 2 doors up from us about mid-afternoon. I guess a few people got rattled, but around home, everything is I guess ok. The Mountain area near Ground Zero, not so much - some structural damage, etc. and small messes here & there. I will have to rig for SILENT RUNNING just in case the Transformers are close at hand and decide to come STOMPIN' AROUND our area.

Had a nice couple days out o town, enjoyed a couple wonderful dinners out, and saw quite a few really nice & extraordinary yachts - motor/sail moored at the Beaufort, NC waterfront. So, now back home and will start wading thru all the "stuff" that needs to be sorted through and arranged, etc. My nec LED bar lamp came and works great - waiting on 2 bookcases, and .....most importantly - the portable a/c unit. That will be a relief!!!

Hank

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

It all looks fantastic! Having workshop envy right now!

_________________
Martin

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday." John Wayne

Ship Model Gallery

Beaufort is a nice old town with at least remaining waterfront antebellum (WWII?) style Southern Mansions. We used to stay there when we would do some flying for USMC. Had a fun dinner one night at a shrimp shack on one of the nearby bays.

Thanks Martin!! Sorry about the envy part - but just wait until I've got things all sorted out and THEN make your judgements!!!

Tom - Yes, Beaufort is a nice old waterfront town. Small, quaint, and somehow it retains the nice of the old and a bit of the new without ruining what's good about itself.

Hank

oh yeah, almost forgot - the a/c arrived today and I hope to get it installed either tomorrow or Wed. Have to get the exh. hole cut through the wall and a hood made up to cover the opening. So, then I'll do more interior stuff, etc.

_________________
HMS III
Mocksville, NC
BB62 vet 68-69

Builder's yard:
USS STODDARD (DD-566) 66-68 1:144, Various Lg Scale FC Directors
Finished:
USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 67-69 1:200
USN Sloop/Ship PEACOCK (1813) 1:48
ROYAL CAROLINE (1748) 1:47
AVS (1768) 1:48

Hank! Quite a paint shelf, is there a lip to keep everything in place in case of depth change attack? Hopefully you had your earthquake already this century!

Looking forward to you using it for building!