1/32 Scale - 40mm Twin Bofors Mount

[oneslim]

Here are some shots of the perforated catwalk in progress. Drilling 1" and 2" holes using the HF Micro Mill as a drill press.

The second one is the results of the catwalk and the first mask for the anti slip strips that didn't work out.

The last one is the jig for bending the brass strips for the ammo racks that will go inside the tub.

Bob W

[Devin]

Great job on this. I'd really like to see more AA mounts of this and other types (20mm, .50 cal, etc.) in this and 1/48th scale.

[johnd13]

Just out of curiosity...

Would you want a rectangle of scale decking to place your gun mount upon? I could do plank lines, anchor bolts, plank tint variations...

If you just give me an outside size I'd be more than happy to whip out a nice mounting base for you... Assuming you are modeling a battleship mount on a planked area... PM me if interested. I think it would be a great project!

As the "prototype designer" I'd give you a heckuva discount on it, too.




-- John D. --

[oneslim]

Thanks Devin.

John,

I'm building Mount #9, the stern most gun tub on the starboard side of CVL-26, USS Monterey. My plan is to have 1" or 2" of flight deck, maybe 4 or 5 scale feet, on down to just above the blister. Waiting on some 1/32 tie down strips from TomsModelworks. I have some bass wood for the flight deck.

Link to photo:http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/022601.jpg

I do have a 1/48 Hellcat that will need a square of flight deck, but that's a future project some ways down the road.
I'll keep You in mind.

Thanks

Bob W

[oneslim]

Update, the ammo racks done.


Bob W

[oneslim]

Update,

Working on the catwalk bulkhead.

Bob W

[Devin]

That looks great. You should put a bit of deck section on top and build an aircraft for the display as well!

[oneslim]

Thanks Devin,

The plan is to do about 4" of flight deck with maybe a pilot standing at the edge. Don't want this to get out of hand. Still have to do the supports for the tub and the catwalk along with the hull down to the top of the blister.

Bob W

[Guest]

Truly awesome craftsmanship Bob! I cannot wait to see the finish.

I was hoping someone would build this kit and not just keep it in storage for a rainy day as one of those 'unique garage kits'.

Scott

( they are still available to order, just visit my site just sayin' )

[EJFoeth]

That's very nice!

[Devin]

Truly awesome craftsmanship Bob! I cannot wait to see the finish.

I was hoping someone would build this kit and not just keep it in storage for a rainy day as one of those 'unique garage kits'.

Scott

( they are still available to order, just visit my site just sayin' )

Scott,

Any plans on doing early-war armament? I'd love to get my hands on a 1/32 or 1/48 1.1" Chicago Piano, or some .50 cal or 20mm mounts. I've almost bought this kit several times, but early war is where my interests lie.

-Devin

[Dan K]

Extremely impressive work, I must say.

[oneslim]

Thanks Guys

Bob W

[noplate]

Absolutely stunning! Truly a sight to behold. I love the look of a detailed bulkhead and the mount is breathtaking.

[oneslim]

Thanks noplate,

Small update, Made and added the CO2 fire extinguishers, and the vertical ladder.


Bob W

[Guest]

Well done - who manufacturered the crew? I have not seen them before?

[oneslim]

Guest,

They are from Squadron for the 1/35 PT Boat.


http://www.squadron.com/NoStock.asp?item=WA35638

Bob W

[Guest]

Bob,

Thank you. Sorry I didn't post my name - Todd. I love to build models and dioramas but I am no where near your skill level. It looks like the figure in an earlier photo has a larger naval helmet used by some members of a bofors crew. Am I seeing that wrong or did you custom make that? I have looked everywhere for that and not found it.

I read earlier in the string people looking for other kits. USN anti-aircraft kits in 1/32 or 1/35 are extremely rare. I searched the planet for these types of kits. Everyone may have this information but just in case below is what I found:

There are kits with a brand name of "Mountford Miniatures". Several USN (and British) anti-aircraft guns and crews. These kits are 1/32 cast metal. They are not the quality level of this kit or somthing you would get from a major brand. The quality is not bad and someone with your skill could correct any issues with the casting. They have single and twin bofors with crews (the figure quality is not very good), Oerlikons, and several other British guns. This was an English company but he sold the molds to an Australian company - www.fleurbaixtoysoldiers.com.au. You can see the kits on this website.

I actually ordered two twin bofors kits and used the parts to create a quad bofors. I used several photos and a gun diagram to work from and it turned out great. I hope this helps.

Todd

[oneslim]

Todd,

Yes, I turned that helmit on the lathe from a block of resin. It's a sound powered steel helmit that the gun captian uses to 'talk' with the CIC.

Thanks for the link I'll check it out, always looking for more crew.


Bob W

[Guest]

Bob,

I was afraid you were going to say that. That is one thing I will be missing on my crews. Let me know what you think of those Mountford kits. I purchased several of those kits and a couple of 3" guns from HR Products. I am working on a diorama that is a section of a WWII cruiser/battleship. I wanted to show a single/twin/quad bofors in action plus an Oerlikon and 3' gun (all 1/32 scale). It is a large project that will take me a long time.

Thanks,

Todd