Scharnhorst 1/350

[Olaf Held]

Dan, did you receive my PM?

Happy replying ~ Olaf!

[California Bound]

Olaf,

Yes, I recieved your message. I probably should have mentioned that. I only have limited internet access during the week through my phone, so I haven't been able to actually read it yet. I've only been able to read that I recieved it. I should be able to read it in another 12-16 hours.

Dan.

[California Bound]

Hi everybody,

Olaf, I've emailed you a response.

Now, a quick question for anybody out there. I want to try to make better square rafts. Below is a sketch of possibilities I was thinking of. I could use some help as to which one is more accurate looking. Any opinions would be appreciated.

A) photo etch with center mesh glued to solid 1mm plastic card(this is what is currently on the model).

B) photo etch with center mesh glued to 1mm plastic card that has a hole in center that is just large enough for the mesh pattern, and a solid thin backing behind the 1mm plastic card.

C) photo etch with mesh pattern glued underneath a 1mm plastic card with matching hole in the center, then thin solid backing behind the mesh pattern.



Dan.

[Olaf Held]

I'd opt for *D*, which is *C* minus the solid backing behind.

But to be honest, I have no clue. I always had the impression that those rafts did not feature a 'bottom', just the mesh. For what is the mesh when you have a bottom? Never thought about it, will need to look into it.

Happy modelling ~ Olaf!

EDIT: Received back our things-to-change-list, will look into it this night. Feedback to follow.... many thanks so far!

[California Bound]

Olaf,

I knew it...

"D" none of the above.

You did a good job on that list.

Dan.

[Guest]

It is also true of the oval rafts, but they were also octagonal in reality instead of oval. Is it too late to change them?

[California Bound]

Yeah, it's too late for the oval rafts. The square ones are after market PE pieces combined with plastic sheet. White Ensign's set includes twice as many as needed, so I can go back and retry the square ones. The oval ones are solid plastic ones that originally came with the kit. They're beyond me at this point.

Dan.

[California Bound]

Hi everybody,

The list (which Olaf has done most of the work on) is almost done.

The question is, where should it be posted?

As for my build, a very small update this week.

Old square rafts have been replaced with new ones that are now "deeper".


And I've started to work on the forward superstructure. Looks terrible close up.


Almost forgot, I wasn't able to work on the searchlights yet. I tried three stores, but couldn't find some of the stuff I needed. So, they are still on the to do list.

There is still more railing issues to be taken care of on the hanger. And new canister issues on the secondary turrets and hanger roof have come light. They will also be in the list. We're trying to cover as much as possible. Hopefully by next week.

Dan.

[California Bound]

Hi everybody,

Well, this is my last update before going on vacation. And I thought I'd just have to do rigging when I get back. What was I thinking?

For the most part, this update is about doing things over.

I originally thought the blast bags looked ok unpainted. Then I changed my mind and painted them light gray. Now I've decided that they still aren't light enough. I want them somewhere between the color they were, and white. So I've mixed up some light gray and some white, and painted the blast bags over in this new blended color.


New information shows that the light gray box on the back of the secondary turrets wasn't on the rear turrets in the end times. So... I've cut them off again, and moved them to the front turrets.


I've added the two small support poles for that platform at the back of the bridge. I drilled out the indents in the deck, then placed the wood deck piece, then re-drilled the holes up through the wood from underneath. Height of poles was adjusted with the bridge in place.


PE support poles (MC38) are too short and platforms (N8) and (N10) are designed wrong. The support poles need to be longer and they need to pass through the platforms. I've replaced the PE pieces with plastic rod, cut to a longer length. Although I did end up putting the upper end too far out.


Platforms N8 and N10 were broken off and simple notches were cut in them, and PE attached prior to putting them back on the wall.


I've started to rework the searchlights. The clouded resin has been sanded down flat, then the large drill bit has been used again but to only make a small concave impression in the light. Silver has been added and set aside to dry.


New information shows that extra railing has to be added around the rear area of the hanger. Since that new railing wont match my existing railing, and since it is mostly covered by the rafts anyway, I've torn off the outer railing. I'll replace it with new railing, that will match the extra that I have to add. While I'm at it, since the railing is destroyed now, I decided to try and deepen the oval rafts like the square ones. I didn't think I could do it, but I like how it's turned out. I drilled out both ends, then cut out the remaining middle section. Once that was smoothed, I added a couple overlapping layers of window screen to the back.


That's it for this time. I probably wont update again until I get these changes completed.

Thanks for looking.

Dan.

[MartinJQuinn]

She is really coming along great, Dan.

[richtea]

I'm certain that your vacation is well earned,for this post alone.
Enjoy your break.
Regards
Richard

[California Bound]

Thanks Martin,

Thanks Richard, It is "well earned" so to speak. After 6 years, finally going to Vegas for wedding and short vacation, then back to work.

Dan.

[Olaf Held]

First tip: To keep domestic harmony in balance, don't take your modelling stuff with you...

Happy wedding ~ Olaf!

[richtea]

Second tip,
TRY to spend more time with your nearest and dearest than on the tables.
(that way you will be a winner with both)
GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS to you and the happy bride.
Regards
Richard

[Rob 2]

Just want to say thanks Dan for taking the time to post the instruction corrections, I will be taking notes for my build.
Rob.

[California Bound]

Thanks Guys

Olaf,
I've sent the list to Timothy.
12 mb, how did that happen?
Thanks for the tip, I guess I'll have to leave all my reading material at home then.

Richard,
No problem there, this hobby takes up far too much money to have anything left for the tables.

Rob 2,
I should be the one taking notes. Both, your build of this kit and Kubaro's are way beyond my ability. Wow...

Dan.

[robertmelvin]

Dan, I may be a bit late in this post and if so, I do apologize. But first, let me congratulate you on your up coming Vegas wedding and vacation. Great news, brother modeler. Enjoy your honeymoon in Sin City.

On to business. I was looking at your searchlights and a thought hit me. I dabble in airplanes in 1/32 and 1/24 scale. I often use Future floor polish (I think they now have it branded as "Pledge With Future Shine") to make a glass lens effect in the instrument panels. It hit me that the same thing might work for searchlight lenses in 1/350. Try setting the searchlight part on its back and fill the depression for the lens area with Future. Then set it in a sunny spot (I put my IPs in the window sill to dry) and let them sit until the future is dry. It should set up within 24 hours, but depending on the amount you have to use, it might take a little longer. It should give you a very passable impression of a glass lens. I'm going to try this on the next set of searchlights I come to on the two kits I'm working on now.

If you should try this, let us know who it works.

Bob

[California Bound]

Thanks Bob,

It's not too late. I'm letting the silver dry til I get back. I'll fill one light with future and one with a new, fresh batch of clear resin. I'll post both so you can see the different results.

Dan.

[Rob 2]

Hi Dan,
Have you considered adding a Grief lens used by armour modellers? I put 3mm ones in mine but wish I had gone with 4mm to reduce the thickness of the case.

Rob.

[California Bound]

Rob,

Your searchlights look great. Thanks for that suggestion. I've always built ships with solid lights. So, I've taken to drilling a shallow indent into them and painting the indent silver in an attempt to mimic that exact look. This is the first time I've worked with hollow lights and clear lenses. I think the flat walled, deep, hollow can doesn't reflect enough light if left stock. But, I had no idea that such a lens as you've mentioned could be purchased. I'll finish this build with the silver paint, and look into those lenses the next time I do searchlights.

Dan.