1/350 scale NUMA oceanographic research/exploration ship "Neptune's Trident"

[seadude]

I'm not sure how much detailing I'm going to do in the well deck. When somebody looks through the open well deck doors at the aft end of the ship, they aren't going to see very much. Especially since I also won't have any lighting inside the well deck. But I'm going to add a few things here and there just in case somebody decides to shine a flashlight inside............like the contest judges for example.
One major thing Bronco screwed up on was adding bulkhead walls and walkways in the well deck. I fixed this a little bit as best I could. But I didn't have much leftover styrene angle strip to go the entire length of the well deck.

[Gondor]

The thing with detailing any kit is, "It's your model" so add as much or as little as you want to the level you are happy with.

[seadude]

The below pic is an older one that I posted way back on Page 1 or 2 of this model thread.
Notice in the upper left where I wrote "To be covered up.".
I don't know what to do for that large hole...........other than to cover it up.
It was originally where a large enclosed sensor mast was. But I used that part for my future what if carrier project instead.
So after I cover up that hole, then what? Should I put something there or not?
I'll take any ideas and suggestions.

[poru48]

Maybe an Aerostat launching platform?

[seadude]

Maybe an Aerostat launching platform?

Hmmm, I never thought of that. But after doing some research, aerostats might be a bit too big to launch and recover from that area.
An alternative might be a platform for launching weather balloons.
I'll have to see what spare parts I have at home for converting that area for launching weather balloons and/or other stuff.

[Old Wombat]

What about a light aerial drone launch (&, maybe, control) station?

So drones can be launched & operated without interfering with heavy VTOL operations.

[seadude]

What about a light aerial drone launch (&, maybe, control) station?

So drones can be launched & operated without interfering with heavy VTOL operations.

Most drones would end up being launched (and/or recovered) on the aft flight deck because that's where the main flight control station is as well as the hangar for maintenance.
Even if I did have some sort of drone launch from that top area, the smallest might be the MQ-8 Fire Scout helicopter drone. I have a spare one, but it's missing some parts.
I think I'd rather go with the idea of that roof area being used for launching weather balloons (and/or other "small" aerostats). Normally, the weather balloons would probably be launched from the aft flight deck. But by having them be launched from the roof location, that frees up the flight deck for regular takeoffs and landings of helicopters. I'll just have to keep the space around that particular roof area clear of whip antennas, radomes, and other stuff that would interfere with the launching of balloon craft.
BTW, just did a quick check on Amazon and I found miniature balloon decoration accessories for parties and other occasions. I might be able to modify some for weather related use.

[NARSES2]

BTW, just did a quick check on Amazon and I found miniature balloon decoration accessories for parties and other occasions. I might be able to modify some for weather related use.

 

[Rheged]

Weather balloons need very little space/kit for preparation and launching.  The U K weather ships; pictures here:-https://www.weatherships.com/home-page ; launched their balloons from the extreme stern with only a small open hanger structure for shelter

[seadude]

Weather balloons need very little space/kit for preparation and launching. 

Yep. That's why I'm converting that roof opening/structure on top for the launch of weather balloons instead of them being launched on the aft flight deck which would take up space that may be needed for helicopters to land and take off.

And in other news...........Below are some pics of progress I'm making. Slow progress that is.

[seadude]

Spent yesterday and today working on the aviation hangar. I need to build and paint this, then install it in the upper superstructure hull, then glue the upper superstructure hull to the lower ship hull.
Anyway, the hangar is mostly done except for adding a few aircraft inside plus a few flight deck vehicles. Those I will work on the rest of this week.

[Rick Lowe]

Making good progress. 
And yeah, there's always a fine line between too much detail to be seen and not enough. 

[seadude]

Ever since I started reading Clive Cussler novels long, long ago, I've always been confused about why the vehicles, ships, etc. in his books were painted a turquoise type color. Always seemed a bit odd to me to use that color.   
So I finally asked Google about it and here's what it said below.
I still have to add the rotors and paint the cockpit windows yet. And I also need to build a LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) hovercraft which will also get painted turquoise.

[seadude]

Aircraft and an LCAC are done. If Cussler wants turquoise, then that's what Cussler gets.
Though I'm not sure what sort of decals (if any) I should put on everything?

[PR19_Kit]

Isn't there a NUMA crest, or roundel, or similar? I'm sure I've seen one somewhere............

Yeah, there is. It's the RW NUMA badge but it'd work too.