Heller 1/50th Chebeck on the bench.

Grem56

Member since
June 2006
From: Netherlands

Heller 1/50th Chebeck on the bench.

Posted by Grem56 on Friday, April 11, 2008 1:13 PM

I have started the build of my Heller 1/50th Chebeck. I managed to get hold of this model via ebay last autumn for the rather stunning price of $170,- (including shipping to Europe). There is something rather awe inspiring with starting building a model that is over 30 years old (yes produced in 1977). This model was sitting on a shelf somewhere in the USA when I made my first voyages as an apprentice mate on Dutch merchant vessels, later on salvage tugs as mate and when I went ashore as a VTS operator for the Port of Amsterdam. Now 30 years on I am finally building this ship. The size is unbelievable. The viking ship I built is tiny compared to this monster. The detailing is equally beautiful though. I have included some photo's of the build so far and if you ship builders out there are interested I will keep you up to date with my adventures with the Chebeck (the most beautiful ship ever built with the most magnificent flowing lines).

Thanks for taking a peek at my latest build,

cheers,

Julian

illegal immigrants have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian.....................

Italeri S-100: http://cs.finescale.com/FSMCS/forums/t/112607.aspx?PageIndex=1

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RTimmer

Member since
May 2007
From: Atlanta, Georgia

Posted by RTimmer on Friday, April 11, 2008 1:43 PM

Very nice Julian - especially the wood effects! Can you describe your technique for this effect?

I look forward to your next update!

Cheers, Rick

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Grem56

Member since
June 2006
From: Netherlands

Posted by Grem56 on Friday, April 11, 2008 1:50 PM

effectively rather simple technique Rick, a sprayed base coat of Tamiya deck tan and then oilpaint washes of burnt umber, burnt sienna etc. Indian red gunrails etc. (also oil). There are some warts if you look closely but I'll be trying to hide them during the build.

Cheers,

Julian

illegal immigrants have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian.....................

Italeri S-100: http://cs.finescale.com/FSMCS/forums/t/112607.aspx?PageIndex=1

Isu-152: http://cs.finescale.com/FSMCS/forums/t/116521.aspx?PageIndex=1

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millard

Member since
December 2002
From: Greenville,Michigan

Posted by millard on Friday, April 11, 2008 8:20 PM

Julian

Very nice start on this kit.What are you planning to do with the stern ? Its very different isn't it.

Rod

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Grem56

Member since
June 2006
From: Netherlands

Posted by Grem56 on Friday, April 11, 2008 11:25 PM

Hi Rod, the stern has already caused some serious head scratching . I found a rather nice deep blue oil and painted one side of stern gallery with it and it looked absolutely dreadful. After a careful cleanup I have now settled for a lighter blue with white panels on it to give a lot of contrast to all the "Ginger bread"that will go on later. The inside of the gallery will be WinTon's "Indian Red", a very nice red shade that doesn't poke you in the eye when you look at it. The outer hull I plan to do using Bjorn Landstromm's drawing as a rough guide (the Ship). I will also see if varnishing the wood effect on the outer hull enhances the effect, so lots of plans. I'll keep posting photo's.

Cheers,

Julian

illegal immigrants have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian.....................

Italeri S-100: http://cs.finescale.com/FSMCS/forums/t/112607.aspx?PageIndex=1

Isu-152: http://cs.finescale.com/FSMCS/forums/t/116521.aspx?PageIndex=1

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scottrc

Member since
December 2003
From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W

Posted by scottrc on Sunday, April 13, 2008 10:05 AM

This kit has to be the finest that Heller has put out, and one of the only ones that I could never land in my collection. It makes a fine complement to any collection with early 19th century American or British frigates in it.

Your painting and construction is fabulous.

Scott