Faraway

I had a break over Christmas and finished off a couple of PS4 games. My last boat build was the Paddle Tug, I needed a rest after that it did test my patience a bit. Jon

Priorities, Bertie, priorities. Cup of tea and breakfast. Nothing happens in my world until tea is consumed. Jon

@TonyOD Am I right to call this thread my WIP ? If so, then this is the start of my build, bit early in the morning, but have you seen the weather out there ? First thing I always do, is drill out the scuttles. I've cut out the planking, it will need some holes to correspond with the location holes on the deck. Also, you can see that I've opened up the slots in the rear deck gunwales. Not sure what they are called, but someone will know. I've dry fitted the major deck fittings. This also gives me a guide as to where to drill holes for the location of 'Bobs Buckles' to attach the rigging. Now, the first bit of actual assembly. The propeller shafts, supports and rudder. The supports and rudder are 3D printed and the shafts are brass rod. Now, the first paint. The boot topping over which I've added masking tape, which I've since straightened up.

Looks to be a BIG boat, too big for my bench. So that is January’s build, how about 1/200 Yamato to fill in the time until April ? Jon

Try using your fingers to form curves, I press the railing between finger and thumb to form a gentle curve, that can be increased or reduced depending on how much pressure you apply. Jon

Personally, I’d do all decks. To do only the main decks, will highlight the lack of railings on the rest and visa versa. I know it will be difficult, but the end result will be worth it. Jon

Tony. Can you please add this to my ‘to build’ list, there might be another but I’m not sure what yet. Black Cat Models 1/350 Admirable Class Minesweeper. Jon

Post ? You get post ? Had my first delivery since before Christmas yesterday, six Christmas cards and a bill for our hedge cutting that was done and bill posted end of November. Jon

It’s a collapsible cube with one side missing and a circle of led’s in the ‘roof’, you can adjust the brightness and colour of the led’s, also there is a set of removal ‘backdrops‘. I just need to try to learn how to use my camera properly and not just leave it on auto.

I bought a Photo Cube, to try and get better pictures of my builds. I think it will work, just needs a bit of playing with light colour and brightness. The first two are 1/144 scale. 1/350. My first sea base. And my only two forays into the dark art of 1/700. Never again.

Thanks for bringing this to my notice, I do like an unusual kit. Jon

@Alan P you're right, this cube does make a difference.

Thanks @Alan P I shall have a play today. Jon

I think the Model Scenery Supplies is going to be the better one. Jon

I’m with @longshanks logic would say that the floor would be slatted wood duck boards.

@TonyOD It’s often commented that I finish my models too quick, and there have been times when even I am surprised how quickly the time has gone by. I’ve obviously got far too much time on my hands, being a grumpy old OAP. Anyway, what I’m getting to, is can you add this to the build list please. Black Cat Models 1/350 Admirable Class Minesweeper. There may be a third ship, but I’m not sure yet. Jon

Welcome aboard from England. Jon

I've just got this, hopefully to improve my model photos, any advice anyone can give me would be most welcome. It come with these coloured back drops.

Happy New Year Jon

Looks to have definite potential. Jon

Hi Rob. As you say, 4D only have the grey in 25mm. Which might be better for the grey sea of the Atlantic. I did find this, which might be worth investigating ? https://flooringwarehousedirect.co.uk/product/jablite-polystyrene-insulation-board-25mm-eps70-2400mm-x-1200mm/ Jon

Well, my hat is off to you. But you’d better keep yours on. Have you seen the weather forecast for tonight ? Jon

Nice to see something that is NOT bristling with guns Jon

To my mind Black Cat Models are at the forefront of ship models. So nice to NOT have to add aftermarket parts to increase detail. Same here, I have a wooden ‘paint & make’ base. Jon

Thanks Tony. I’ve done the same on a few of my ships, it’s cheap and easy and displayed like this, means I don’t have to add ‘weathering’ to the ship, which I feel only needs doing if mounted in a ‘sea base’. Jon