Keel material for large model

[Trout58]

Hi all

This is my first post; I am building a 1/48th scale Iowa class Battleship to it is large to say the least. I have spent quite some time planning and getting my workshop etc and am ready to start. Given the length of the model i am considering using 60mm x 40mm x 3mm aluminum rectangular hollow, for strength and rigidity, for the keel with the 60mm face being the vertical. What are your thoughts on this and alternatives you might suggest.
Cheers

[Russ2146]

Trout,

That is a bloody awesome project!!!

Is this to be an RC operating model? I have absolutely no experience with such models but I would think that in such a large scale, ballast might be an early consideration. In that regard, again because of size, it strikes me that easily removable and disposable ballast might be an alternative to consider. Would fillable-drainable ballast tanks be a possibility?

In any event, I am sure we would all be interested in seeing your build progress.

Russ

[FrancisMcN]

I built a 1/32nd scale Type 42 destroyer which is almost 15' long and over 300lbs displacement. An Iowa in 48th is almost 19' and over 900lbs I reckon. Even at the size I was building, sheer size causes many problems not least with needing help every time I wanted to move or turn the hull over. I used plywood of various thicknesses with a centreline vertical profile shape that the various ribs were stuck to then a stringer along the gunwale before planking with 1/8 inch ply strips. Once this had been filled and sanded down reasonably close to shape, I covered the outside with a light glass cloth using epoxy resin. This hull came out at around 100lbs with shafts and motors and has ample strength that allowed me to cut out part of the centre area profile and associated ribs to make a large battery compartment with probably 80lbs of batteries while I can add almost 100 lbs of ballast to bring it down to waterline level on the water.

If you are going for a working model, a similar approach should work as far as I can see but on the larger size of the Iowa it wouldn't hurt to work some reinforcement into the longitudinal strength by using a couple of bars like you suggested.

One thing you will have decide on is what level of detail you are going to work into the model - at that sort of scale the number of fittings will seem endless and a hefty proportion will need to be scratcbuilt!

Good luck

Francis Macnaughton

[Trout58]

Thanks to Russ and Francis for your prompt comments