Group Build: Historical Warships of WWII

[Calico Jack]

@wjbrandel I hear you, tea for me as well, never got the taste for coffee. I'm building the Academy 1/350 USS Indianapolis with extras.

Your USS Enterprise is looking great!

 

[Edbert]

In case there are any other folks in this GB who are not experienced at ship building (like me) I have a tip for you.

Do not follow the instructions too closely, I decided not to go out on my own like I often do with subject matter that I am more experienced with. I thought that was wise or just prudent, it was not. I'd recommend attaching the railings and ladders to each stage of the superstructure before building the superstructure regardless what the instructions indicate, it can be an unnecessary challenge to fit them into their positions once the plastic layers are built up.


I spent waaay too much time getting "PE-D17" x2 inserted into the tiny hole highlighted in yellow on the left since that platform was well adhered to the structure. Next up is PE-B5 & PE-B6 which have to curve around that platform (highlighted on the right. Both would be MUCH easier if the plastic were not glued the way the destructions said to do in step 11 & 13.

I'm also regretting that I just discovered the practice of using decorative metal "stands" that literally bolt to the inside of the hull, it seems to be almost ubiquitous among ship builders. Considering how shabby the kits' stand is, I understand why. Unfortunately I have already sealed up my hull so it is too late...or is it?

I was just looking at what I have...there are holes that are roughly 1/4 inch under some of the main gun mounts. It would be simple to drill a hole through the bottom of the ship by using them. They are not equally spaced, not cetered longitudinally, but I could drill a hole though them, mount a nut on the end of some allthread, secured with epoxy, and do it.



Would that work, it is advised, is it insane?

The large plain area behind #2 turret will be covered completely. I could also cut large holes through it that would allow a more conventional mounting mechanism that was equally spaced. I have an unfortunate habit of finding these things/methods after I've committed my errors.

But I am getting close to putting paint on the hull. I do not understand why so many paint the keel and waterline early in the build, but it seems very common, so I am working on getting it ready to prime.

 

[Calico Jack]

Would that work, it is advised, is it insane?

The large plain area behind #2 turret will be covered completely. I could also cut large holes through it that would allow a more conventional mounting mechanism that was equally spaced.

It's definitely plausible. You can actually use these pedestals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086S55LS...1&skipTwisterOG=1&titleSource=avft-a&newOGT=1

If you drill pilot holes where you want them mounted and then drill with 7/32" bit, the bolts can be threaded into the plastic itself. If you want, you can open the the deck between turret 2 and 3 if you want to use the nuts inside. It's your call and doable.

You could also use wood or balsa to make keel blocks to place your ship on when done. Here's an example.


You can make more elaborate keel blocks similar to these.

Options are yours my friend. Hope this helps.