Hi!
Would anyone be interested in this? The reason I ask is with some of the larger Planes they have done it. Why Not Cars, Tanks and other things. Granted, to the untrained eye a cut-away Car might be rather confusiing, boring or both, Besides you're thinking, the clear bodied cars proved one thing, cars have a LOT of wasted spaces. This is true. Actually so do Planes when you think about it.
Now you take something like a 1/32 scale P.T. boat, there's a lot you can do there. Yes, boats have a lot of wasted space too, according to the casual viewer. But, fuel tanks and such can be painted to indicate what they are. I also intend to include Armor. A lot has been done. Look though, at open topped Armor subjects, Geez Louise, there isn't much wasted space there is there? Nope!
The thing is a model of this calibre exceptionally done can lead to a lot of How? Why, and Really? So the observer will get an idea what conditions were like on, or in those subjects in their Days of use. One of the models I so love to do this to is the Lindberg Coast Guard Cutter. After thinning the hull and starting to install frames this little boat turns into a wickedly interesting story teller. Like Armor in cut-away, it sparks many "My Gawd" moments in the observer.
That's why I am on a ridiculous search for "Aurora's "Wheeler Cruiser" In condition I can afford. Sadly I need two. So far prevailing prices keep that beauty away from me. One is going to be a Cut-away and the other is going to be built as she is supposed to be as the model on a stand. Why? Well, the "Wheeler" as presented is the Epitomy of the boat Builders art in the late Forties to Early Fifties. She signifies what was absolutely right with Motoryachts at the time of this size. Comfort, Power and Seaworthiness uncomparable to ANY Chris Craft ever Built!
Don't get me wrong.The Chris was an excellent boat, but it's hull design turned many mariners off. The hard Chine design led to hard pounding in a Sea. Hard chines are alright for speed in a low seaway, but Murder on the passengers and interior constructs, in big swells.The Wheeler and others of the time stayed with the rounded bilge form to offset that characteristic. Plus there were others.
How about the Lowly Tug? Many were Steam, now they are all Diesel. Imagine a half hull that exposes two thirds of one of these guys. You would be surprised how much engine is in these guys. And different types of propulsion as well. Now let's go to Sail Craft.I don't expect anyone to cut Away a model of the "Flying Cloud! Why? Well, you see she's 90% cargo hold! A Galleon.Sure,if you are a glutton for punishment. Did you know on some sailing ships they had a Carpenter's Walk?
I have actually been in Museums where even this is omitted by the builder, even though it existed on the real ship! Simply it is a raised platform or walkway(Sideways) that the carpenter would walk twice a day to check the planks, how much moisture was escaping the caulking, Which plank or floor(The inside of the hull) needed repair soon, then turn around and check the amount of water in the bilge. A classy Sailing Yacht has a beautiful Below decks.It is the reality of making use of space as you can for the purpose intended. A safe luxurouis get-away from deck duties later when in port or off watch. Well, for the owners anyway,
I would like to see modern vessel builders turn to this like Armor and Planes have. It's fascinating and it takes a little more research than usual, but it can be fun especially with today's L.E.D. lighting kits! Plus think of all the neat greeblies you can pile in there. Like a stow-away maybe? Think About it? Even a little?