So the clue is in the title. What if the Daring class Destroyers were modernised in the 1960's?
What I am planning on doing is based on this Shipbucket drawing
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54144051496_b7e7334c35_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2quwqaf)
I am using the 1961 Airfix kit which means it's slightly younger than me :o
I have ordered a Starling Models HMS Devonshire upgrade set to provide a lot of the necessary parts that will be replaced. I also have some etched brass from Atlantic Models for a few other items and there will be some scratch-building as well.
The idea being that I have about eleven months to finish this so I can take it to Telford, well there's nothing like a target to aim for, if it's realistic or not we shall see :rolleyes:
Gondor
Nice one. :thumbsup:
The other "popular" Daring upgrade is Tartar, as per the French T47 destroyers.
Realistic is overrated. Go for it no matter what!
Because the back end is based on the Leander fit I was thinking of using the rear two-thirds of a Leander deck on top of the rear of the Daring.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54145400362_082106da13_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2quDk8y)
But as I am going to be scratch-building most of the superstructure I may as well scratch the Limbo well, just as I am doing in my Leander builds. I shall use one of my as-yet unbuilt Leanders as a guide for the scratch building. One question I will have to think about now rather than later is the viewing windows for the VDS which are in the room in the Port Rear of the ship, with one window to aft and another looking back up towards the winch for the VDS. The question is do I do the same for this build or move the windows to Starboard?
Gondor
Liking this a lot! :wub:
Even though I only started this thread over the weekend, I have a small update.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54149847570_58e1c7bdb1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qv388y)
This picture shows the modifications I have made so far. The waste part was sawn off to allow room for the Limbo to be fitted, a moulding depression for shrinkage needs to be attended to, no rush for that to happen yet. A hole in the rear of the deck has been plugged with an offcut, a little filler is required there too. The forward superstructure that is under the bridge and the B turret has had it's various lumps and bumps removed and filed flat.
The hope is to replicate the areas I have scratched build so far for Dido in the picture below
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54148538132_c1da095b23_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2quVpT3)
Who knows, this build might even prompt me to finish Dido :blink:
Gondor
Quote from: Gondor on November 18, 2024, 01:29:07 PMWho knows, this build might even prompt me to finish Dido :blink:
Stranger things happen at sea... and yes, I saw that one coming and decided to run with it anyway. ;D
That'll be a fine project, looking forward to the result.
:thumbsup:
Having caught up on posts from the previous week it's time to turn to my current build.
I started by cutting back the curved area between the two deck levels
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54159488918_7263ff2a90_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qvTxaG)
The idea is that the slight step will give the end of the extended rear deck something to glue onto, at least at one end. My current thought is to use thin plastic card on the vertical inside of the lip that the existing deck sits on to help get the angle of the new extended upper hull correct. This may need revision as I try it, but I believe the basic idea is sound, even if what happens is different in detail.
I have cut a couple of strips of plastic card, 0.020" I think, for the extended hull and a wider strip for the deck.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54159212306_0b1beb982e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qvS7Ww)
The length was way too long, the removed sections will be used for internal walls around the Limbo and Well decks and sections of superstructure.
Talking of which, I have filled in the sink mark where the Limbo is to go and the remains of the hole what was in the deck where the VDS well is.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54158340157_e00de21e71_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qvMDFt)
Now I wait until the filler is dry so I can sand that back and start working on the extended hull sides.
I am thinking of drilling out the holes the anchor chains go through, that would also mean replacing the molded-in chain with etch chain from the Atlantic Models set.
Gondor
I am trying to make progress at the weekends due to life, in general, making it difficult to get much modelling done on weekdays.
So, what did I do today?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54161168247_0b14c2770b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qw39nD)
I made and fitted some 0.010 plastic card strips to act as backing for the hull extension. To make sure that I can still fit and remove the supplied deck, I filed a couple of recesses where the strips were so that it could fit around them.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54162352839_046d519532_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qw9dvD)
I had also marked the centre line to help with positioning of items later.
Yesterday I also managed to shoot some primer over the Starling Models HMS Devonshire upgrade set.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54162352879_0ef519c780_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qw9dwk)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54162352844_821a2acf4d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qw9dvJ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54162039706_cbacb65b29_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qw7BqN)
It's a pity that this is not a Wasp, perhaps I can use it when I update HMS Tiger?
Lastly for today, here is an overall shot of the deck fitted with the backing strips in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54162352864_bcc1f14951_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qw9dw5)
I am thinking of working on the holes for the bow anchor chain during the week, that's something that I can do a little be here or there as time allows me. Perhaps I can look out some plastic tube or maybe even use some brass tube instead.
Gondor
Great stuff ! Love ships like this. Keep it up !
And I can't believe how good that little Wessex is ! I'm off to Starling Models to look about. Cheers.
I managed to get some work done on the Daring today. Holes were drilled out for the anchors, they need more work as I am going to line them with some brass tube. After that I glued the rear hull side extensions into place followed by the kit's deck being fitted in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54183990043_7d5eeb7e53_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qy47uT)
There are a few gaps and I think the top may need trimming a little but that's ok, I can live with that.
I also started work on the forward superstructure.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54183711586_8a3885e81f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qy2FHU)
As you can see, it's a bit rough and ready but that's not a problem as most of the remaining part will be clad in plastic card.
Anyway, progress is progress.
Gondor
I managed to get the brass tube fitted into the main forward anchor holes.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54185892548_7d23cd3875_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qydS3G)
The ends were trimmed back, here is the weapon of choice, complete with the offcuts
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54185894885_d7c44c7832_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qydSJZ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54185741364_edcb6852b9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyd675)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54185725363_f50cb822af_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyd1mc)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54185452501_6bddf22f8b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qybBeF)
They look better after I ran a drill through them. I still need to finish them off, but you get the idea. Is there supposed to be an anchor point right at the prow of the ship, and would that have been kept after a refit in the early 60's?
Gondor
I little more work on the Daring.
First I have marked an area that needs to be reduced in height as the top of the area is the same height as the forward section of deck which is difficult to cut around when adding the extended deck, far simpler to add one simple section than to faf around cutting out sections.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54191510054_740fe82324_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyHDWf)
So it was time to be a bit of an animal and get out the electric mayhem that I call my electric modelling drill and milling bit!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54191510039_f18d383d9d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyHDVZ)
And just like that, a section of new deck sit's flush with the old deck.
Gondor
It can be rather surprising what you find when you're doing research on a subject.
I have been reading this book which was recommended by a friend
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54192030075_80c5d9ae74_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyLjw8)
It turns out that the Type VI turret was designed in the early to mid 40's :blink2:
Colour me surprised!
Gondor
Quote from: Gondor on December 08, 2024, 01:31:29 PMI have been reading this book which was recommended by a friend
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54192030075_80c5d9ae74_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyLjw8)
That is one half of the indispensable reference literature when looking at the wartime and post war Royal Navy destroyers and frigates. A marvellous source! Of course I have one! :wub:
Equally of course, I also have the other one, namely the "Rebuilding the Royal navy. Warship design since 1945" by David K Brown and George Moore.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lJVepVULL._SL1500_.jpg)
Do procure! ;)
This is my copy of that book
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54193847748_42db7ed4c0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qyVCRj)
Though I intend to buy this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399097911/?coliid=I3ULLRB908LKCL&colid=2Z6XNH3SRSHZB&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it) book
Gondor
Got both of those books.
Also got a 2nd hand 1989 copy of The Naval Institute Guide To World Naval Weapons Systems.
Another good book I frequently refer to is Conway's Navies in the Nuclear Age (Freidman, I think).
Also recommend the Ian Allen books, both type-specific ones and the Frigates, Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers ones, and also Battle For The Fjords.
I've got D.K.Brown's Vanguard To Trident, but boy is it a dense read, being more about naval policy formation than design work, although it does have some interesting snippets in it.
I was recently looking for plans to allow me to build my own Type 965 radar for this project, being a little disappointed in the etch brass ones I had come across so far. So, my web search revealed that Starling Models produces both the AKE1 and AKE2 radars in 1/700 and 1/600.
So how do they look? Well as near as you can probably get in 1/600 scale.
Below is the Airfix rendition of the Type 965 from 1969
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54200343129_1325456aa9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qzuVGD)
And with a Starling Models version
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54200330463_5442889ec1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qzuRWg)
Top view admittedly. And then both the AKE1 and AKE2 together
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54200343154_72e6d1067b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qzuVH5)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54199190587_f68193ed23_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qzp26e)
They are not perfect, but they are very close indeed. They will look great when they go on top of their respective models.
Gondor
They do look nice. Need a steady hand, beyond me nowadays :-\ , to get them ready for use though.
So after a short while of not doing much, I got my a$$ in gear and did some work. There is now a rear deck extension that looks the part and as importantly, is as symmetrical as I can get it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54206482434_4e3520912f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA3oGJ)
The work on the superstructure will be a bit further down the road as I am going to concentrate on getting the VDS and Limbo areas built. This was as far as I had got with my Leander build when I ran into difficulties working out how the viewports for the VDS could be constructed. I'm probably going to have the same issues with this ship but if I manage to build them then I can forge ahead with the Leander as well.
I managed to scale the drawing from my reference.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54206237606_b1c9bacce5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA28Vy)
As near as I can measure the lengths at the boot line are the same. Parallax is making the kit look bigger because it is closer to the camera than the drawing.
This means that the superstructure that B turret sits on is like this
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54206478388_3f4be5ca99_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qA3nuY)
So to me, it looks as if it's only the cured section that is too small. It's a pity that we only get side elevations in the book, a plan elevation would be very helpful indeed. I am going to have to re-read my references to try and work out if I need to do any work to the side of the superstructure, did it have a constant distance from the edge of the deck or did it have straight sides?
Gondor
Have you seen these?
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Daring-class_destroyer_(1949)
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Daring-class_destroyer_(1949)?file=Daring_Class_line_drawing.jpg
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=24&pid=1303
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1303&fullsize=1
FWIW, just trying to help. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 15, 2024, 08:31:02 PMHave you seen these?
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Daring-class_destroyer_(1949)
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Daring-class_destroyer_(1949)?file=Daring_Class_line_drawing.jpg
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=24&pid=1303
https://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1303&fullsize=1
FWIW, just trying to help. :thumbsup:
No I hadn't. Thanks for the links :thumbsup:
Gondor
:thumbsup:
Glad to help.
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 16, 2024, 08:02:05 PM:thumbsup:
Glad to help.
The links got me to look at the pictures in a book I have on the Daring class destroyer, so I almost had the information already :banghead:
It did at least remind me about the book which mainly covers the history of each ship in the class. The pictures can be useful too for other details.
Gondor
You never know what is lurking in the corner* of a picture - even one you've looked at many times before...
*and other times, it's dead centre and you wonder how you missed it before... :banghead:
It comes down to acquiring an eye for that particular detail, I guess.
Quote from: Rick Lowe on December 17, 2024, 08:10:51 PMYou never know what is lurking in the corner* of a picture - even one you've looked at many times before...
*and other times, it's dead centre and you wonder how you missed it before... :banghead:
It comes down to acquiring an eye for that particular detail, I guess.
Oh indeed - I spent ten years looking at my Type 42 book before it dawned on me that one of the under-construction drawings showed the levelling mountings under the aft Type 909 office that explain why it's 1.5 decks tall.
The viewports for the VDS that I mentioned earlier, in the build thread on Britmodeller for my Leander ship, several people said that they had never noticed the rear viewport even though they had served on that ship type and it's quite clear in a lot of photographs as well.
Gondor
See, even those 'in the know' can miss things; so we have an easy excuse! :thumbsup: ;D
Not much has been done on the model even though I have had plenty of time, I have simply been trying to relax. So earlier this week I used my Leander as a ruler to measure out how long each wall of the Limbo well needs to be. I then cut some plastic card to rough lengths.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54238046873_e6f87a1768_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCQaHc)
As you can see, I have an open hatch on the lowest piece of card. The layout is Forward to the left, Aft to the Right, Port to the bottom and Starbourd to the top.
Here is a close-up of the door.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54237807816_876b63b2c0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCNWDw)
I don't mind that the frame looks a little crocked on its right-hand side, it will be hidden at the back of the VDS bay. I will be drilling out the plastic in the door opening so that it can be seen through, however, there will be no direct line-of-sight through it, but shining a light into the Limbo well will be seen if you look forward from the rear of the VDS well.
As a size reference, each yellow line on the cutting mat is one centimetre apart from each other. Maybe I will manage to get the Limbo bay constructed by the end of the day if I don't get distracted too much by other future builds.
Gondor
So I did a bit more in the evening. I started by working on the round-down for the VDS. This worked out better than I hoped for as the kit plastic was thick enough to take cutting back almost perfectly. I did need to use a little filler and I have used some plastic rod to fill a hole in the old deck, both will need to be cleaned up later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54238660471_24187748bc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCTj7t)
I then turned my attention to the door at the back of the VDS well and came up with the idea of using a wooden clothes peg behind the plastic for the drill bit to go into rather than my fingers or the cutting mat.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239070220_a27ff605d7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qCVpV7)
A short while later as I was cutting the waste plastic from between some homes, the door came free. Then when I was finishing removing the excess plastic, the knife cut to the edge of the plastic strip so I had to glue the cut back together. I decided that was enough for the day and stopped.
Gondor
Sometimes you just have to listen to things saying "Enough for now..." :-\
Finally got around to sorting out the door!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248796320_849544c388_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDMg9u)
It's not going to be fitted just yet as part of the surrounding structure needs to be built first, but it's the fiddliest part for now.
Talking about other structures. The stern of the hull has a step in it from the lengths of each hull half being slightly different, so I have added a section of thin plastic card onto the stern which I shall attach the starboard side of the VDS well to before I trim it to size and sand it flush with the port side of the stern.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248620314_173cd9984e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDLmPU)
Another step in the right direction, a small one perhaps, but a step forward.
Gondor
Quote from: Gondor on January 05, 2025, 09:41:32 AMFinally got around to sorting out the door!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248796320_849544c388_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDMg9u)
Ah, you couldn't find the small one then Alastair? ;D ;)
That's positively MINUTE! :o
Yes it is quite small. It seemed like a good idea to have that door open as it connects the Limbo well to the VDS well, at least going by the drawings I have seen so I thought, why not have it open? The thought of "How difficult can it be?" did come to mind.
I seemed to have forgotten to take pictures of the Limbo and VDS wells on the Leander that I have part built. All sorted now.
A plan view of most of the walls, a couple at the forward end of the VDS well still need to be added.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54249128834_2f9cf6cf1e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDNXZu)
Side on view, roughly showing the door I have been modelling open,
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54249116073_ba1c7d0f8c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDNUct)
And finally looking from the VDS well towards the Limbo well
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54247977872_db81be63cd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDH4Rj)
I hope that helps visualise what I am trying to do.
Gondor
Yes, it does.
Well done that man, carry on! :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 05, 2025, 09:43:16 AMQuote from: Gondor on January 05, 2025, 09:41:32 AMFinally got around to sorting out the door!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54248796320_849544c388_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qDMg9u)
Ah, you couldn't find the small one then Alastair? ;D ;)
That's positively MINUTE! :o
It's only 1/600 scale which is 1 mm = 2 Foot roughly. You can also get 1/700 scale ships etc which is quite popular.
Gondor
You can get an idea of how big/small she is by the size of the peg holding the stern in one of the shots. :o
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 06, 2025, 05:33:39 AMYou can get an idea of how big/small she is by the size of the peg holding the stern in one of the shots. :o
Exactly my point, it's a CRAZY size for a door! :o
At some point I need to build a vertical ladder for the rear of the Limbo well, I am thinking of using clear plastic and just marking the rungs and sides on.
Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 06, 2025, 06:03:32 AMQuote from: NARSES2 on January 06, 2025, 05:33:39 AMYou can get an idea of how big/small she is by the size of the peg holding the stern in one of the shots. :o
Exactly my point, it's a CRAZY size for a door! :o
1/700 is smaller, no chance of me doing that small though.
Gondor
Quote from: Gondor on January 06, 2025, 06:23:37 AMAt some point I need to build a vertical ladder for the rear of the Limbo well, I am thinking of using clear plastic and just marking the rungs and sides on.
Quote from: PR19_Kit on January 06, 2025, 06:03:32 AMQuote from: NARSES2 on January 06, 2025, 05:33:39 AMYou can get an idea of how big/small she is by the size of the peg holding the stern in one of the shots. :o
Exactly my point, it's a CRAZY size for a door! :o
1/700 is smaller, no chance of me doing that small though.
Gondor
You can also get a good idea of the size (or lack of it...) from the 1cm squares behind it.
G, the clear plastic with paint sounds like a much simpler option, and should work fine.
Depending on how 3-d you want it, even a transfer could work.
Right then, Pictures.
With extra time off work on Friday due to a touch of windy weather, I have managed to get far enough ahead to actually get some modelling done. First up is a picture of the forward bulkhead of the VDS well which I added the second door to. I used Gator Grip for this as being PVA-based it allows plenty of time to make positional adjustments as required.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285828507_d74788d2ce_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qH44wt)
Next up are the tools I am using for this part of the build.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54287139395_55db8b11ed_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHaMcZ)
In this next picture, you can see some of the square-section plastic rod I am using to act as locating points for the base of the walls rather than trying to balance the walls on their thin edges, this gives them something to stick against.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54286952719_9852331895_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qH9PHr)
Lastly, a picture with some of the walls added. The grey section of sprue is acting as a wedge as the side wall wanted to lean outwards. The forward end of the LIMBO well has also been fitted into place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54286952714_2069849906_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qH9PHm)
That's it for now. I want to let the glue dry before I add any more parts
Gondor
A bit more work has been done, so a few more pictures.
A lot of time has been spent trying to work out how to construct the recess. This is what I have come up with.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289338583_7748179f50_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHn3X2)
Glued to the side of the VDS well
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54288212592_363f10bed0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHgheo)
And glued to the deck of the VDS well
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289338573_90d41428d5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHn3WR)
I should add a roof to the recess, but I don't think it will be just a plain rectangle of plastic that needs to be added. I had removed from the side of the well, the side above the recess, this needs to be fitted and should be one foot in height to the deck above so I may leave the side until later once the upper deck is in place rather than apply a top to the recess which incorporates part of the side that I chopped away.
Gondor
This is some nice work. I rather like the idea of lift up the topmast radar array, rebuilding the entire ship below and replacing the Radar Array :thumbsup:
Quote from: buzzbomb on January 26, 2025, 12:54:59 PMThis is some nice work. I rather like the idea of lift up the topmast radar array, rebuilding the entire ship below and replacing the Radar Array :thumbsup:
Thanks, it's nice to get some feedback on the build :thumbsup:
Gondor
Sorry, we've all just been stunned into silence by the build... does that sound suitable? ;)
All going good so far, carry on , sir! :thumbsup:
Decided to bite the bullet and start cutting holes in the new deck, I had to do this at some point otherwise there's no point in doing what I am doing, as if I didn't you wouldn't see anything. I started with the VDS well deck as it's the simplest cut-out to make. I deliberately cut it short so I could adjust it later.
VDS control view-port into the well?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54293700369_2f56621516_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHKpye)
There is a gap because the side is a bit too close to the centre line. Reasonably happy with it though. The other side...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54293462791_e75e2ebc11_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHJbW4)
Well happy with that ;D
So some fetteling to do but definitely getting there. Small steps, but I don't want to screw this up and most steps are scary.
Gondor
Usually better to fettle than fix! ;D
Good work, so far! :thumbsup:
Very cool. Love the details like that. Small scale ships have so much potential. Keep it up !
A few minutes well spent today
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54295494553_1d0ab03aaa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHUAUr)
There will be cleaning up to be done at a later time, the rest or the forward area of the VDS well needs to be constructed and the remainder of the upper deck needs to be cut back.
I decided to take a picture of the aft of the ship to see how well the sides look.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54295494563_542bea6ca4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHUAUB)
Not too shabby if I say so myself. There is of course more work to be done but the basis is there.
I also tried to take a picture of the open door towards the Limbo well, it will probably help if I cut out the deck above the Limbo well.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54295478879_86a21a1f93_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHUwfc)
Probably not much more going to happen until the weekend, we shall see though.
Gondor
Yesterday evening I made up the Port aft end of the ship which includes the external vision port for the VDS well.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54297403743_d965aeb55b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJ5orv)
This evening I have fitted it into place. I had to remove a little of the Port hull at the rear of the ship so that the excess plastic could overhang the side. It will be trimmed back later and it was the easier method for installing the rear plate.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54297730850_56a5f54e53_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJ74Fh)
The hull was on its side but you can see that there is a section missing. Unfortunately, you can also see that part of the control station vision access is not as good as it could be. The longer side of the recess should match up the side of the VDS well but it's behind the side of the VDS well. I may just replace the side wall completely as when I had to previously move it outboard slightly, part of the lower rear corner was lost. Now it's a little bit too far forward as the wall forms the well side of the rear vision port recess.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54296426327_fee4d603f4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qHZnTv)
Learning as I am going and I think it's going reasonably well, especially as this and my Leander build are my first ship builds.
Gondor
Quote from: Gondor on January 30, 2025, 01:28:54 PMLearning as I am going and I think it's going reasonably well, especially as this and my Leander build are my first ship builds.
Gondor
Going well :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I removed and did the best I could to improve the edge of the wedge in the VDS well. It's not perfect but it should do once the VDS equipment is in place covering up most of it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300417999_c4517dd315_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJkQtr)
I managed to correctly refit the part.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300430283_88aa8e5ba3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJkU8e)
Although after taking a picture from the aft looking forrard I found that the wall was at an angle so as I had only just refitted the part I was able to make corrective adjustments.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300608550_308eb36337_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJmP7N)
It looks much better now. The only thing is that this now shows that the Starboard wall needs adjusting :banghead:
I have also been thinking about painting. The Limbo and VDS wells will need to be painted at some point. This brings up how to paint the observation windows. I am thinking that perhaps I should use a round rivet rather than paint. If anyone knows of a currently available decal of a round rivet that is 0.5mm in diameter then please let me know.
Gondor
Further work has been carried out. I trimmed back slightly the rear of the deck above the external view-port to ensure that the new upper deck would fit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300724978_968860e3ce_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJnpJb)
I also untwisted the Starboard VDS well wall. It's difficult to see at the moment as the new upper deck needs to be slightly widened. I think what is in the picture is part of the new deck, I will see if that is the case later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300904980_97335c7aae_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJokeE)
I also decided to open up part of the Limbo well, which was deliberately cut undersize, you can still see parts of two walls though.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54300471816_d164fff35a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qJm7tj)
More to follow, just no idea when ;D
Gondor
:thumbsup:
I'm getting eye-strain just from your pictures, Gondor. That is exactly why I don't generally do ships - the scales are generally too tiny for my sausage fingers, not to mention my eyes!
It is all looking good, although I have to ask - what is that whole aft-end business in aid of? Seems daft to me to put a hole that big into the transom - it's practically begging to be pooped! (when a wave over-takes the vessel and sweeps over/into the stern, for those of you of a scatalogical bent)
Quote from: Scotaidh on July 05, 2025, 01:00:49 PMI'm getting eye-strain just from your pictures, Gondor. That is exactly why I don't generally do ships - the scales are generally too tiny for my sausage fingers, not to mention my eyes!
It is all looking good, although I have to ask - what is that whole aft-end business in aid of? Seems daft to me to put a hole that big into the transom - it's practically begging to be pooped! (when a wave over-takes the vessel and sweeps over/into the stern, for those of you of a scatalogical bent)
The slot in the transom held the Variable Depth Sonar and its winch, which were rather large. The forward end widened out and had watertight doors. The cutout in the starboard stern and VDS bay had observation ports to allow the winchman to control the hoist and winch for the VDS, at least as far as I can tell.
Gondor
Gotcha. Thanks!
You ship guys are nuts! Soooooo tiny! :thumbsup:
Quote from: Scotaidh on July 06, 2025, 01:01:14 PMGotcha. Thanks!
Here's the back end of HMS Hermione, showing the RN style of VDS well:
(https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.OlYBiaxWAP40gC3OuDUnAQHaF2?r=0&pid=Api)
And here's the more exposed gear on a French frigate, complete with a convenient scale-reference-Frenchman to show you how big the handling gear can be:
(Note that this is NOT the same model of sonar, it just works on the same principle)
(https://i.redd.it/mb4cee6xhp281.jpg)
Quote from: kerick on July 06, 2025, 09:40:45 PMYou ship guys are nuts! Soooooo tiny! :thumbsup:
Oh, I am doing the fairly big stuff at 1/600 or 1mm = 2feet. Thorvic does the smaller 1/700 scale ships, and there are much smaller 1/1200 as well.
Not to mention the old wargaming scale of 1/3000... :o