build in progress

Now THAT is a nice, clean build, and having to work with a kit that has moldings almost as old as me into the bargain. I'm kind of stuck in 1/700 scale myself due to space considerations, but I did the same thing you're doing, built a Victory ship for my Dad in honor of his WW II service. He was very pleased, and surprised, but was most rewarding to me was how he kept looking at it and saying, Yeah, that's what that looked like ...

Are you going to rig the cargo booms? That's what always gets me, how to put on enough to look convincing, but not so much that I can't put in one new line without snagging and tearing off two or three more. I've used my Waldron punch and die sets more in the last 3 months, rigging my Liberty ship, than I have in the previous year.

It's coming along great, KP! It is fine to be able to give your model to someone who actually has a connection to the subject.

I can't wait to see her rigged up. How are you planning to set the booms? If they are down in cradles, the rigging is complex enough, but not so much as to drive you nuts.

Now you have inspired me to think of a project. How about a diorama of the S.S. Mayaguez, a C-2 converted to a containership, with the USS Holt ( DE 1074 ) coming alongside to emark Marines to re-take the Mayaguez?

So many ideas, so little time.

Fred

Thanks.  Yes, I'm going to rig the booms in their working positions (not stowed).  I'm painting the booms now.  I plan to try EZ-line for the rigging, which I just read about in a recent post.  Looks like good stuff, will look taut without stressing the booms or kingposts, and will forgive my clumsy fingers bumping into it.  I'm also going to put this on a water base.

The biggest anticipation I have is seeing my father-in-law's face when he sees the model.  If I get the kind of reaction that you got with your Dad's Victory ship, that will make the whole thing so worthwhile, he has such fond memories of his time on that ship.  I found some old photos of the ship that I worked from, and used a little of my own creative license to fill in the gaps, but hope that he finds it a reasonable representation.

 More pics to come.

Thanks Fred.  I'm also thinking of cluttering up the deck a bit with stores, crates, pallets, drums, etc., that is typical of an AF just as it is about to come alongside for replenishment.

That Mayaguez project sounds intriguing, that would be not only an eye catcher, but an important piece of history that many have forgotten.  Would you have lots of little marines huddled on deck waiting t board?  I have some of those little 1/350 scale PE figures, but scared to do anything with them!