JohnWS

My next project will be a brand new modelling endeavour of sorts. My banker (Mrs. JohnWS) has approved the purchase of a new computer capable of running 3D design & print software. My current 11 year old Macbook Pro isn't up to the task. Our kids gave me a 3D printer for Christmas & I've been procrastinating to learn how to use it until I finish the Regina build. First I need to get the computer, then learn how to use the software, & finally learn how to use the printer ... plus restock the wine cellar (I'm sure I'll be needing it) Easy peasy! John

Up until this past week, I had three tiny scratch building projects left on Regina's 'to do' list. I finished two today. These tiny projects included making, 1) two storage racks, & 2) two life raft canisters with protective fencing. I used 3D printed life raft canisters & PE protective fence parts to make the stern raft canister assemblies. The storage racks were made using PE protective fence parts, parts cut from leftover pieces of PE hand rails and a sheet of 4X4 PE mesh. Here's a photo showing these parts at various stages of completion; Next up, I'll be making a small navigation light tower that's also located at the stern. Once it's finished, that should be the end of Regina's scratch building. The end is starting to come into view. Thanks for looking in. Stay safe! John

Well done, Steve! John

Awesome workmanship & finish on both the 3D printed guns & the Elco. John

An awesome build Steve. Congratulations on your show win. John

Congratulations Jeff! Well deserved. John

I'm thinking it looks more like an infection of flower POWER! Michal, I might be gaining on you for that title. John

Thanks everyone for your 'likes' & supportive comments. The main & adjacent decks are starting to fill quickly with life rafts, missile launchers & other details added. More updates to follow. Stay safe! John

Hello, my name is John and I haven't posted in this thread for almost two & a half months. Wow, how time flies. Lots of weather related & family stuff has taken priority over modelling, I'm afraid. Nothing serious, but just time consuming. So, I thought I'd better post something to let you know this this build is still alive a well. I have been able to add a few more details to Regina, as shown in the following photo. Unfortunately, while painting & adding more detail to the multi-role boat assembly, I managed to break the radar mast at the rear of the boat. See the photo below. I had used .015" plastic strip to make the radar mast, but it turned out to be too brittle once the holes were drilled. I tried to glue the mast back together, but to no avail. I then attempted to unsuccessfully rebuild the mast using thicker plastic strip & then wine bottle foil. I wanted to keep the mast as close to scale as possible, but each attempt failed due to the mast's tiny size. I needed to find a solution that would be in scale & strong enough to accept the drilled holes. Finally, I tried to combine both the plastic & wine bottle foil. I laminated the foil in between two .01" plastic strips using CA glue. It worked! After drilling the holes the parts were strong enough to resist breaking due to my mishandling. This experimentation, & trial & error, used up at least two weeks of valuable modelling time. So, hopefully I can stop whining (poor me ) long enough to continue to make some more advancements towards completing this model. As always, thanks for following along. Stay safe! John

Wow, Rob! Your master class in weathering is inspiring, with very realistic results. You certainly have set the bar high. John

She's coming along nicely. beefy, how's the quality of the plastic parts in this kit? John

I'm assuming there's no planned seascape for this build. Very nice work detailing & weathering the Centurion, Rob. I'm learning a lot. John

Very nice, Stuart. John

Great scratch building Jeff , & an awesome result. John

Pretty! John

John

Fantastic scratch building Steve. Awesome attention to detail. John

That makes at least two of us. John

Kevin, amazing & time consuming work. The copper tape on the hull is very impressive. Looking forward to you next update. John

Looking awesome! John

Jon, have you tried looking at round beads sold at arts & crafts stores? They come in a variety of materials & sizes. e.g. John

Hey Rob! Looking forward to seeing you complete this build. Behave yourself, I'll be watching. lol John

Looks great Jon. John

John

Looking great, beefy! John