The Ship Model Forum

I really appreciate all the kind comments. There is definitely a learning curve and seeing all the models that you guys build really helps a lot.

NukeMM wrote: I didn't know that the diesel was in the shack on the back. That's nice to know. I thought maybe that's where the BBQ grill and Smoker were because of the vent stack, there.

Be sure to show us the water base, when she's done!

It definitely is the exhaust for the diesel, but now I'm not completely sure if the generator is actually 'in' the shack, because DDG 79-88 didn't have the shack yet. I don't know if they moved the diesel up into it from DDG 89 on, perhaps the shack was just built to make the exhaust stealthier? Although I wouldn't dismiss the BBQ grill idea

Nektarios, how much time do you spend on each plane like that? They look really great. Something I'm not looking forward to myself though when the time comes. And that Visby? Being a fan of that little ship, I'm already excited to see you finishing it!

J Goodacre wrote:Great builds by both, with fine attention to details. I think many of you have used Starfighters Decals. I am considering getting the Carrier Air Wing 8 : http://starfighter-decals.com/70067-car ... 82005.html

Can anyone tell me how many aircraft are in each unit?

Thanks,

John

VF-31: 11 F-14D
VF-213: 12 F-14D
VFA-15: 13 FA-18C(N)
VFA-87: 10 FA-18C(N)
VAQ-141: 04 EA-6B
VAW-124: 04 E-2C Hawkeye 2000 NP
HS-3: 07 SH-60F/HH-60H
VS-24: 08 S-3B
VRC-40: 02 C-2A

orb wrote:Nektarios, how much time do you spend on each plane like that? They look really great. Something I'm not looking forward to myself though when the time comes. And that Visby? Being a fan of that little ship, I'm already excited to see you finishing it!

It depends on the type of aircraft and the camouflage. Lo-viz camo is easier to make. Decals are taking most of the time not the aircraft. I m satisfied if i finish 4 aircraft in an hour (only decals) I can make 8 -12 in a day depending on the types of aircraft.

That's pretty quick! I'm sure I can make 8-12 a day as well, but they wouldn't be looking anything like the ones you build One question though, what does "lo-viz" stand for? I have heard that as well as "hi-viz" before but I don't know what it stands for...

orb wrote:That's pretty quick! I'm sure I can make 8-12 a day as well, but they wouldn't be looking anything like the ones you build One question though, what does "lo-viz" stand for? I have heard that as well as "hi-viz" before but I don't know what it stands for...

Lo-viz is the low visibility camouflage scheme applied to most modern USN aircraft. Hi-viz is the high visibility camouflage scheme applied to USN aircraft until the mid 1980s and to some aircraft in later airwings (KA-6Ds, CAG birds, E-2s C-2s)

I was suspecting that, but wasn't sure at all. Thanks Nektarios!

orb wrote:Scott, have you decided yet on what kind of base you are going to display your diorama? For example...what dimensions it will have? I'm curious because I'm planning on building a diorama just like yours sometime in the future and it would be interesting to see how the more experienced builders do it.

Orb,
I haven't decided on a base yet because I am still working on the ships. I have been looking at using a couple of methods. One is the Tamiya ocean effects plates, but as Carl has pointed out there will be a seam where the plates come together which may be difficult to hide (though I am going to experiment a little). I have played around with using clear silicone on a blue base, and that doesn't look too bad. I was also in the local hobby shop the other day and the owner pointed me to Water Effects, which is used for train landscapes. Though it is for calm water, he did show me a method that will allow you to make ripples, which is the effect I am looking for. Unfortunately it is $15 for a small container. Once I get the dimensions of my diorama I will see how much it will cost me, because it seems to be the easiest method (well maybe not as easy as the plates).
I will post some pics of my progress and let you know how things are going with the base, once I figure out a site to use to be able to post here.
Scott

orb wrote:And that Visby? Being a fan of that little ship, I'm already excited to see you finishing it!

Here are a couple of photos of Visby nearly finished.

speechless....

pingjockey wrote: Orb,
I haven't decided on a base yet because I am still working on the ships. I have been looking at using a couple of methods. One is the Tamiya ocean effects plates, but as Carl has pointed out there will be a seam where the plates come together which may be difficult to hide (though I am going to experiment a little). I have played around with using clear silicone on a blue base, and that doesn't look too bad. I was also in the local hobby shop the other day and the owner pointed me to Water Effects, which is used for train landscapes. Though it is for calm water, he did show me a method that will allow you to make ripples, which is the effect I am looking for. Unfortunately it is $15 for a small container. Once I get the dimensions of my diorama I will see how much it will cost me, because it seems to be the easiest method (well maybe not as easy as the plates).
I will post some pics of my progress and let you know how things are going with the base, once I figure out a site to use to be able to post here.
Scott

I'm also still not sure which is the best method for me, until now I have just been experimenting with silicone and plaster, but I'm sure there are more realistic alternatives. I look forward to your builds!

Nektarios wrote: Here are a couple of photos of Visby nearly finished.

Fantastic! I really like the camo!

Both Visby class ships are finished.

Those look Great!! Love the differences in paint schemes. Soo kewl

I agree. They look brilliant! Definitely another ship that I have to build someday...

Orb,
i just visited your site and saw with the updated page of DDG-90. I liked especially the pic of DDG-90 next to CG-59 Simply amazing

Nice Visbys, Nektarios! I'm not really familiar with those, yet. What nationality are the ships? What model company makes them?

Orb,

My first visit to your Shipyard. Cool, Cool, Cool!

I hope that you don't mind, but I have to say that I see a lot of similarities between your work and mine. It must be the same paint, or something, I'm not sure what it is.

I came to a philosophical conclusion last year at my first model contest and show, here, when two modelers entered the same LHA model (the Tarawa I think) and they were about 95% identical in my opinion.

My theory was this: If two modelers of the same skill level build the same model with the same materials and methods, both models should turn out to be identical. They certainly did in the case of the LHAs.

I see the same thing between our DDGs. I hope that you agree and are not offended. I'm still kind of a beginner.

Carl, you said a mouthful Yeah, you & Orb have similar styles & tastes & so, I have to agree with you on that!!

NukeMM wrote:Nice Visbys, Nektarios! I'm not really familiar with those, yet. What nationality are the ships? What model company makes them?

Visby is a Swedish navy ship. They come from L' Arsenal

Thanks guys!

Carl, I'm not offended at all, quite the opposite actually. I think you build excellent models and if you say that you think mine looks similar to yours, then I'm anything but offended I spend quite some time studying all sorts of pictures that I can find online, especially when it comes to the details and like I said before, I very often came back here to take a look at your Sampson as to how you realized them on your build. The Chafee differs in many details but I did also use your model as inspiration/reference just because it is a great model. I hope you don't mind.

Your philosophical conclusion definitely makes sense, especially when both builders put a similar amount of time into the model. What colors do you use? I use the ones from WEM.

Basically, I only get to build on the weekends, since I'm quite busy with my studies, but I decided to take my time so progress is usually slow. I also consider myself a beginner, since I just started a few months ago. I used to build mainly airplanes when I was a teenager and haven't done anything since then. This is also the first time that I use an airbrush on my models. My method as of right now is still in the trial and error stage. There is definitely a learning curve and I learn new things with every model. So I'm really happy when you guys think it looks alright.

Heiko

orb wrote:Basically, I only get to build on the weekends, since I'm quite busy with my studies, but I decided to take my time so progress is usually slow.

Well that s when i find time to get to build something lately.