The Ship Model Forum

My BB-63 Gallery

I probably have 45+ hrs in on this bad boy. As modeled, its a 1:192 scale from plans i bought on the internet. Passes the time quite nicely since i've moved to texas last month!

The plan is: Scale up the digital model so the main guns equate to the size of a BB gun pellet (roughly 1:90) and design working turrets. I also intend to design a steam engine to fit in the hull - which will be fiberglass and RC controlled.

What do you guys think? Great thanks to those aiding my bilge keel endeavors, even tho Im still not ready to show them!

up close and personal with Turret #1! Perspective is turned on so thats why its all wonky. The bands on the barrels dont show up in this picture, but they ARE there! Gonna make Turret #2 and #3 tomorrow or so.

EDIT finaly figured out how to post my hosted pics.... w00t

Neat!

What software are you using?

I created a 3D CAD model of the 6"/47 turret on the USS Oklahoma City CLG5 and then used it as the starting place for designing a working version of the turret with gun elevation and turret rotation for my 1:96 model of the ship.

Have you given any thought to how to make the "bloomers" (the bags around the gun barrels) for the real (not virtual) model?

I am modeling this in Solid Edge, having a whack of fun doing it too. I cant wait to start spending money on this...but I fear I cant until I buy a garage. Already dreaming of me making my moulds for the hull!

The bloomers have to be the easy part for the real one. I can do flat developments for sheetmetal and can make all the patterns needed. I'll just get my mom to sew them up since i'd do a hatchet job on em. Just need a thin enough material I guess. probably do a wire twist to get them attached to the barrel, then maybe a capture fit type clamp on the backside of the turret face. I have 9 guns to get good at it bound to have a show side!

You moved to Texas from what state?
How do you like Texas so far?