Scratching the USS Sunbird ASR-15 in 1/700.

[NukeMM]

I had suggested a 1/700 3D printing of this class of ships to one of the designers on Shapeways. In 4 days, a model was available for sale. I was tickled and giddy and surprised. Then I was anxious to have it in hand.



While waiting for the model, I ordered and received plans from The Floating Drydock for ASR-7 and ASR-14. After studying the plans and photographs, I realized that the model was not going to be detail or accurate. The big orange mooring buoys aren't even in the right place; they are too, far forward.

This being one of my first purchases of 3D printed models, I didn't realize that you could select different grades of finishes when ordering from Shapeways. So, I have two ASR-15s in white plastic and 2 in clear, Smooth Detail Finish.



Upon receipt, I found that the only usable part of the model, to me, was going to be the hull. It scaled out at 248 feet long (251' 4" real ship) and not too, far off; just a millimeter or so.

I had already scanned and reduced the ASR plans down to 1/700 and had to make some adjustments to them once the 3D model came.

I started to chisel and sand and rotary tool away at the hard clear, resin model and found the material to be like a rock and thought about going on Amazon to see if MicroMark makes a Mini Jack Hammer. Ha!!

Instead of chiseling, I made a mold of the model. Then filled the unwanted bits with modeling clay and cast a resin copy of the hull. I can now use this as a base and starting point for my scratch build of the USS Sunbird ASR-15.



I have started the basic superstructure features using styrene stock.

[NukeMM]

More progress on superstructure, hull, and deciding on arrangement of the winches (Battlefleet Models) on the aft O1 Level. I'm soliciting help from ASR-15 veterans on FB.

[NukeMM]

[NukeMM]

Main Deck and Superstructure details completed.




O1 Level, O2 03 Level parts are ready for resin copies and I have detailed the rescue chamber a little and created my rendition of the mooring buoy rack.



After having a resin copy of the hull, I will proceed with that to add the openings in the bulwark for the roller chocks and roller cleats and add the twin bitts. I have been practicing on an earlier, bad resin hull copy. (I messed with the edges of the mold for the hull.) I'm nervous about messing up a hull, that I is why I'm making backup copies. I think I've got my method down.

[Pieter]

Very nice superstructure .

[NukeMM]

I realized that the submarine rescue chamber borrowed from the 3D printed model was way, too big. It was almost the same size, if not larger than, as the stack.

I made my own, smaller, rendition that I think is more believable.



I have worked on the mast using a resin copy of the model as a template and I can detach it and use on the final model. So far, I feel lucky.

[Iceman 29]

Nice work !

[mikegr]

great mini work

did you scratch build or 3d printed the tiny parts like reels etc...

[NukeMM]

Thanks, Mike.

The reels are 1/350 Black Cat 3D prints. The ASRs had huge rope reels and these worked out great.

The winches are BattleFleet Models. I've had a stash of these for a long time and they're finally coming in handy.
The reels on the bulkheads are from DRAGON 1/350 Smart Kits of the USS Laffey and USS Benson kits. I have been hoarding sprues from these kits.
PE doors and fire hoses from Gold Medal Models. I improvised some gas cylinder bottles from .020" styrene rod.

It is so, easy to get carried away when you some ship blueprints/plans to go by.

great mini work

did you scratch build or 3d printed the tiny parts like reels etc...

[NukeMM]

My masters are done and here the resin parts that I'll continue my build with.

Some pre-assembly and then a coat of primer.

[NukeMM]

[NukeMM]

All of the resin parts are assembled, now. The derrick, booms and foremast are next.

I anticipate the derrick and booms and their rigging to be a challenge.

[ABH2USN Varnell]

Carl,
I NEED this one, My Dad served on her sister ship the USS FLORIKAN ASR-9 I have been collecting models of all the ships he served aboard, as well as mine, and my daughter as well. I will admit I love the work you have put into this fine model of a ship type that is so underrated but was so invaluable to the submarine service.

Amazing job on the scratch build also when scaling down blueprints to 1/700 could you PM me with the process as I am going to have to do a massive amount of scratch building for my Pearl Harbor Diorama. Thank you, buddy, again I love the SUNBIRD, beautiful work.

[bwross11]

Carl,
Excellent work as always! This is indeed a unique vessel and its proving to be an interesting build.

Bravo Zulu Shipmate.