The Ship Model Forum

Greetings experts!

I'm looking to build a 1:72 scale RC guided missile cruiser which is sort of a "kitbash". This ship is based upon the Gibbs & Cox Guided Missile Cruiser Baseline (CGBL), BURKE Flight IIA and Flight III, SEJONG THE GREAT- and ATAGO-class DDGs. The result is a large BURKE-ish warship that I'd like to turn into a model.

My dilemma is a lack of plans for this model. All I have currently is a profile-view vector drawing that I've created that is based upon photos and drawings of the above ships. I've spent the past several weeks trying to add an overhead view so I had some pseudo-plans, but I'm struggling mightily, especially with the superstructure. I suspect that what I've completed of the overhead so far isn't "true" and will result in some odd looking shapes (i.e. structures that are supposed to be flat but are curved, etc).

So this is the point where I'm asking for advice. I don't have any experience with CAD or 3D graphics software, tho I have some rudimentary drawing skills and a fairly solid background in computer. Am I better off trying to learn to use the software on my own or have someone who knows what they are doing create a 3D model? I am not opposed to learning new software, but I'd like to keep things as simple and inexpensive as possible so I can spend time and money on the ship. I don't need a highly detailed model like some of the stunning work I've seen here, but rather something I can use to build the basic shapes to the correct sizes.

I've attached a small sample drawing in case that helps answer my questions in any way.

Any advice anyone can offer is much appreciated.

Thank you,
Chris

I'm in the same boat, so to say... You may wish to read the "New to 3D Modeling" thread in this forum for some further discussion. I've decided to go the route of learning 3D software, Draftsight. It's free, so there's a big plus, and it offers a lot. There is a learning curve to it, as you might imagine. From your vector drawings though, I'd say you've got somewhat of a leg up on things already. I guess it all depends on what you want-- I'm looking at learning 3D software as adding new skills and tools, to apply to a number of modeling projects. If instead I wanted only a relatively quick set of plans from which to start building, I suppose I could farm the project out to someone or some outfit that does such things. Again, take a look at that thread to see what others have to say.

You could try a few online resources. I checked out 'The-Blueprints.com' and found this.

From the designs you have already produced, you should be able to make a start. Google some images and you should be able to get a good idea of how to fill in the gaps of your design.

From there, you should check out the 'New to 3D Modelling' or the 'CAD Yard' thread where various packages and approaches to modelling are considered. You also may want to Google tutorials in whatever app you decided to use.

I'm personally of the idea that you should learn and do yourself, but you may feel differently depending on where your interests lie and what you want the model for.

Owen

Hi guys:

Thanks for the replies and advice. I appreciate it.

I'd say my biggest concern is whether or not I have the aptitude to pick up 3D modeling. I've got several hundred pictures, so resources (short of actual plans) aren't a problem. Where I'm running into problems is translating those pictures into drawings, but that could well be a limitation of trying to convert 3D objects into two dimensional drawings.

Since neither one of you said "Your skills are such that you better find someone to do it for you!", I'm OK giving modeling my own ship a shot. I'm now a bit more hopefully it's not as difficult as I've thought it would be.

I'll check out the threads you recommend and see what I'm able to glean from them.

Thanks again,
Chris

Chris,

I say go for it, just expect to spend a lot more time learning how to use the CAD software, compared to drawing up plans by hand. I would suggest starting out by drawing up the frames/sections you'll need to build your R/C model, not detailing out the whole ship. And since you already have some hand drafting experience, that should help with drawing up what you'll need in CAD, especially using 2D software. It will still be a daunting task at first, but just keep playing around with the software, and watch and/or read plenty of tutorials (YouTube and CAD forums are great for that) on your software of choice.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

-Dean

Thanks Dean. I've been following your USS Onondaga - Part Deux -1/96th scale and CAD-yard threads, so I appreciate the encouragement and advice.

For now I've settled on using Draftsight, mostly because the price is right, but it also seems to be a well respected 2D CAD software with limited 3D capability. I've spent a few hours exploring the software just to kind of get used to the interface. Up next are some tutorials and getting my feet wet with some simple projects. Patience isn't my strongest attribute, but it might be easier to be patient with an end in sight.

Once I "lay down the keel" (or "draw the keel"?) I'll start a thread and keep everyone apprised.

Thanks again everyone,
Chris

Sure thing Chris.

I use Draftsite just to touch up my laser cut files before I send them out, other than that, I don't have a whole lot of experience with it. And the only reason I do that is, the DWG file(s) I export from SolidWorks can come out a little funky sometimes, so usually it's just a matter of converting some splines to poly-lines, and adding some taps. So when you get to that point, I may be able to help out a bit.

Good luck, and just keep plugging away, it'll be worth it in the end.

-Dean