This photo is good for showing the actual features.

GMorrison

My question is: what are all of those vertical bars? They don't appear on the ship in Norfolk nearly in the quantity on the model.

As for those round features, I also have no idea. The ship does have a whole series of what seem to be drain pipes sticking out along the hull, but in no way down by the waterline.

 

You are right, what are those bars. Now that I am looking closer I don’t see the bars and I concur about the drain pipes. The features on the model don’t seem to match the actual ship. WTH. Shaking my head.

My question is: what are all of those vertical bars? They don't appear on the ship in Norfolk nearly in the quantity on the model.

As for those round features, I also have no idea. The ship does have a whole series of what seem to be drain pipes sticking out along the hull, but in no way down by the waterline.

modelcrazy

My tool of choice is fire LOL. I use a grill or BBQ lighter and move it around randomly to let it create the swells and wake.

Oh wow... too funny. Last night I spent an hour looking for video using that technique. When I finally found the guys post, the links were dead. Blah! I was interested in trying this, and now you post yours having used that process. This is serendipity at work.

In my mail today came PE; pumps are getting primed.

Here is a novice question about ships: In the image you can notice ports all along the hull. What function do they serve? 

Thanks Bakster.

My tool of choice is fire LOL. I use a grill or BBQ lighter and move it around randomly to let it create the swells and wake. Outside of course. I do use an Xacto blade to cut out the hull. 

More to come on this. I try to follow the Kelvin wake pattern.

Admiral, sorry to hear about the life issues. 

I echo GMs comments about your sea sculpt in that you have created a nice roll to them. Can I ask what tool you are using to gouge those out? If gouge is the proper term...

As for me, no progress to report. My plan to work on fabricating the guns is on hold. It turns out that one of the brass tubes I had ordered is too small. I never thought I’d be saying too small when considering how small these really are. I thought the reverse would be true in that I’d never find one small enough!

This amplifies my need to invest in a micrometer. I had measured the piece several times using a ruler but somehow, my eyes failed me. Not willing to give up on in the direction I was going, I have found and ordered a set of tubing that seems to offer what I need. Until then, I will find something else to work on.

Thanks GM, I was going to add a little roll. I didn't want to go with that high of seas so I may tone it down some with the acrylic gel and Styrofoam shavings. the technique I use for the other stuff worked a little too well with the blue. Of course, I could make another one, I have plenty.

It looks really good, Steve. That dynamic a sea calls for a little pitch and a little roll, something that's hard to  do with waterline kits.

I hope Doggie recovers fully too. As for the truck, well if it's what you say it still sounds like a good deal.

Make sure the GDaughter goes to her court hearing. You and the dog may want to take her in the fixed up truck.

Bench tiome is precious. I had to spend the day Saturday taking my 88 year old mother to the doctor. And a follow up in two weeks.

I've spent what time I have carving off railings. I don't have any PE yet and I don't want to spend much on this old kit, but I am sure I've got some somewhere. Won't take much.

Ouch! Hope things sort themselvies out Steve! In any case great job there on the base, she's coming along great! 

Captains,

This weekend didn't go anywhere near like I envisioned. Friday my new dog had some problems with his surgery area from being neutered and I had to take him into the Vet, $170 out there, then the "new" truck I bought, a 1984 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton in great condition for $900 (a steal BTW), died on me after filling it up. The Battery turned turtle and completely died so I replaced it, another $130. I'm thinking the alternator is the problem and need to put a meter on it, maybe another what $40? then my granddaughter called me all distraught because the police puller her over due to a suspended license she wasn't aware of. I she said she paid a citation but now there is some confusion about that . Oh, the young.

By some miracle I was able to get some time on the Spruance. I usually complete the superstructure on ships before attaching them to the hull but in this case, it seemed wiser to complete the whole thing, or at least most of it minus the masts.

I started the base with the blue Styrofoam. So far not supper pleased with it but like any material it'll require its own technique. It is more difficult to cut than the hard Styrofoam I usually use and the grill lighter method of making swells didn't work as well as it does on my favorite material. That just means I'll have to come up with a different way of doing things for it.

After assembling the hull, I removed the sonar bulge. I don't think she'll be searching for subs on my shelf so no loss there. Besides, I can use it on some kitbash project in the future.

Next, I cut out the material I needed then drew out the hull form. I then cut out the form (very difficult, or should I say not as easy as the hard but about the same as the standard Styrofoam). I then drew out the wake I wanted and used a combination od a grill lighter and sand paper to get the initial wake and swells I wanted, again not as pleased as with the hard stuff but it worked. The later addition of additional Styrofoam, paper and acrylic gel will smooth things out and allow me to add where I want, which I'll do after I complete most of the kit.

That's all for now.

Good start Crown, that brings back memories of me building one of those although I didn't use tape. I was too excited to play with it on the lawn "water".

Wow! Those look super cool guys!

GMorrison

Bourbon??? That's in the Captain's locker.

I'm mixing up there a blend of Coke and 180 proof torpedo fuel that's been filtered to remove any methanol.

 

Bourbon??? That's in the Captain's locker.

I'm mixing up there a blend of Coke and 180 proof torpedo fuel that's been filtered to remove any methanol.

crown r n7

some coke in your bourbon?

started on my boat some warpage but we fix it or some more bourbon will make it look straight.

 

Yeah buddy... a little bourbon makes many things look straight. 

modelcrazy

Not sure yet, I usually use the hard stuff, but have been told the the blue is easy to work with. Once I'm done carving and sanding I cover the whole thing with Acrylic gel

 

10-4, copy that.

I mentioned paper backing, that is probably a false assumption that it has it. 

Sounds good and onward ho.

Not sure yet, I usually use the hard stuff, but have been told the the blue is easy to work with. Once I'm done carving and sanding I cover the whole thing with Acrylic gel

I am glad you guys are talking about foam materials, I am undecided on what way to go. I am looking to try something different as well. The Balsa foam GM mentioned is the bomb, but too dang expensive. I'd love to use that if it weren't for the price.

Steve, I see the blue stuff you got has paper backing. How do you work with that? Do you peel the paper off and then carve the filler material?

White styro is the compressed bead type. It's so cheap that it can be found in garbage cans.

Blue styro is extruded and is a good material for carving. But it's $$'y. I grab it on construction sites when I'm inspecting, but it's hard to find.

That green stuff is hard to find in any quantity.

There's another product sold as "Balsa Foam", which is extruded phenolic resin. It's really $$$ however it's super sandable.

If you can get blue, it's my preference, but the crude white stuff works for bases. Just have to cover it with Bondo or similar.

I worked a little on the Spruance tonight and assembled most of the superstructure. I need fill the joins and add several more parts and PE.

I will start working on the base soon but decided to try a different material. My usual go to is the hard white styrofoam.

My #2 pick if the hard stryofoam is not available is the normal styrofoam.

my least favorite is the green florist foam, but I have heard good things about the blue insulation foam.

It costs around $24 for a large sheet which equals six of the large normal styrofoam sheets I usually use for around $12. So I'm going to try this stuff on this build.

goldhammer

Bakster- forget loading the fish.....fire them suckers!!

Lol. Okay, you asked for it... BLAM!

My ears are ringing.

modelcrazy

Cleaning the PE is something I always forget about and reget it.

 

Oh, I'll marinate them in laquer thinner before cooking.

Bakster- forget loading the fish.....fire them suckers!!

some coke in your bourbon?

started on my boat some warpage but we fix it or some more bourbon will make it look straight.

GMorrison

 

 

Bakster

Speaking of Wisky--it's almost time for some Torpedo Juice. Right GM?

 

 

 

 

Bakster

Speaking of Wisky--it's almost time for some Torpedo Juice. Right GM?

Cleaning the PE is something I always forget about and reget it.

Got to pick up a new propane torch when I pick up the new coach shoes...7 of those beauties at $120 apiece + hanging them....ouch.  And have to replace the 110/12V converter as well.

Going to anneal the PE for the Gato before I even mess with it.  Will try to get most of the shears done over the nextcampout with the RV club early in Sept.

Gamera

Now that I think about it I had the Lindberg motorized model of H.M.S. Hood that I got for Christmas one year and then took to the beach. I ran her in a stream leading down into the ocean. 

Anyway I'll try to get back on subject now... 

 

No progress to report yet but I plan to start this weekend. I am gonna work on fabricating the guns. The Big Wisky says, "BOOM."

Speaking of Wisky--it's almost time for some Torpedo Juice. Right GM?

Now that I think about it I had the Lindberg motorized model of H.M.S. Hood that I got for Christmas one year and then took to the beach. I ran her in a stream leading down into the ocean. 

Anyway I'll try to get back on subject now... 

Mine were on the grass in the yard, high seas and somewhat more realistic ranges.