Model Building

[chessman]

Keith, that is gorgeous work!!

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......I don't think Marlene would support my idea of model building.

The problem is that it starts as just an idea... And evolves to become an action plan

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......I don't think Marlene would support my idea of model building.

She's built alright, for speed!

[trek737]

Keith,

Awesome job with the Bounty! Can you tell us about the build, ie, how long did it take, how hard is it to build, and I guess hobby shops sell the kit. Looks like a fun way to spend some free time.

Cheers,

Jim

[Amfibius]

Whoops, I forgot about this thread!

This ship took me six months to build - but I estimate I worked on it 6-8 hours a day. I got sick of work and took half a year off. I bought that kit and got down to it.

Anyone who is contemplating a kit like that should be warned it is not for the faint hearted. Doing some things can be fun (like the planking), but some things are incredibly tedious (like the rigging). One ratline alone takes about 2 hours to make, not counting the time it takes to make the jig and attach to the model.

Planking the hull itself is a bit of an art. It is difficult because the planks need to curve to follow the line of the ship, taper at the bow and stern ends AND need to be chamfered so they snug up against each other with no gap. Sometimes the curves need to be in two directions and twist up or down. There are so-called "single plank" and "double plank" models. A single plank model, which is left unpainted (as I have done) is by far the most challenging. All the errors you made while planking are on full view. Furthermore, "nice" looking woods like Macassar and African Ebony are not easy to bend without snapping.

If you are starting off, it is much easier to try a double plank model. Better still, paint it. Double plank means the first layer is structural, using a cheaper wood known for its friendliness to handling. The second planking layer is a thin veneer cut into strips that mimics a real plank. The veneer is much easier to apply than a thick plank. Of course, if you are planning to leave the ship unpainted to show off the finish, you can not use wooden filler. So you have to be careful with the planking not to leave any gaps. This is easier said than done!

As for the rigging, it's not difficult, but it is tedious. Most instruction manuals supplied with the kit are hopelessly inadequate or confusing when it comes to rigging. Be prepared to buy a book on rigging ships to see how it is done.

(edit) By the way ... my next boat after this will hopefully be the Caldercraft HMS Victory. Unlike the others, Caldercraft supplies very good instructions which are actually in English. No more struggling with poorly translated manuals from Italian or Spanish with phrases like "trade loop over eye backwards x4". Click on the link to enjoy the build pictures.

[Masterlu]

Keith... Very cool, superb dedication and steady hands.

[thxthx]

I really enjoy model building. I find it relaxing but I don't have any time for it currently My family wants my attention!

Ferrari F40
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Star Wars Speeder Bike
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[Wasatch]

Back in the 60s (cars). Started again with planes in the late 80s (F-111EF, SR71). Not into it anymore.

[Amfibius]

Oh yes, this thread!

I know Ivan doesn't like linking to external websites, but i'm sure he will forgive me this once Gentlemen, I present ... Armortek.

Armortek is a UK company that specializes in 1/6 reproductions of WW2 tanks and half tracks. Each tank is fabricated from metal, using scale armour, with full metal tracks, working suspension, rotating turrets, and hatches that open and close. The icing on the cake - each model is remote control (via purchase of an option kit), and you can even buy a sound pack and a smoke generator kit to simulate exhaust fumes!

The King Tiger tank is 1.6m (5' 3") long and weighs 140kg (309lb).

Here is a Youtube video of some Armortek tanks in action. Note the lovely deep exhaust burble:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej2NhK82i5k]RC Panzer Treffen Wilnsdorf Neue Hoffnung 2012 Big Tanks Armortek - YouTube[/ame]

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by Amfibius

Oh yes, this thread!

I know Ivan doesn't like linking to external websites, but i'm sure he will forgive me this once Gentlemen, I present ... Armortek.

Armortek is a UK company that specializes in 1/6 reproductions of WW2 tanks and half tracks. Each tank is fabricated from metal, using scale armour, with full metal tracks, working suspension, rotating turrets, and hatches that open and close. The icing on the cake - each model is remote control (via purchase of an option kit), and you can even buy a sound pack and a smoke generator kit to simulate exhaust fumes!

The King Tiger tank is 1.6m (5' 3") long and weighs 140kg (309lb).

Here is a Youtube video of some Armortek tanks in action. Note the lovely deep exhaust burble:

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej2NhK82i5k

Do they shoot projectiles. They would be fun if they could fire explosive ordnances. Love thy next door neighbour the next time they complain about the music volume!

Actually I have good neighbours that never complain....but then there are those down the road that park too many cars on the street...fire at will!