Well, it has been a while. This build has been challenging to say the least. My first outing with photo etch has been a combination of many headaches and a lot of enjoyment. So now the end is in sight.
With the deck done, I picked up a nice piece of select pine and routed it for the the base. I began work on a clear display case, but an error on my part ruined it. I was furious with myself. So the pine base will have to do for now. But since small aircraft are nasty dust collectors, a case is going to be necessary.
Next was to get the deck vehicles finished and decide on the arrangement of the aircraft. Of course the Osprey will be the feature, so they'll dominate. I also want to add the antenna, using stretched sprue. But since it has been many years since I've used this technique I'll be keeping the antenna to a minimum. I may add more later, but I don't want to chance messing up the island this close to Christmas. I also took care of the nameplate. My technique is to paint the whole plate, then, once dry I will scrape away the paint on the letters. It allows me more control and the plastic color is close to the grey of the ship, which is a nice match.
And so here you go. My first modern warship since 1989. It's not perfect by any means, but it will be a very nice gift and an even nicer mantlepiece.
I have a few little things to do, like trimming the stretched sprue, and a plethora of touch-ups (because of my shakey hand) but I am calling this build complete.
Thanks go out to everyone who kept me motivated with their replies. Pete, thanks for the opportunity to run a build log. It was a lot of fun. I have already lined up my next build, which I will start once I'm further along with The Black Pearl. I went into the stash and pulled out Revell's vintage 1/96 United States. I love the kit, which is merely the Constitution kit with some add-ons to represent Revell's "idea" of what the United State's roundhouse looked like. I'll be fully rigging the cannon and tossing the kit shrouds in favor of rigging my own. I will also be tossing the rather comical railing on the roundhouse. I'm hoping for an interesting discussion of how the railing "should" actually look as I will be scratchbuilding it. I'm also going to make some modifications to the bulkhead on the roundhouse, adding windows and making it a little more "decorative". I would also like to look at making it a cutaway so that the interior can be displayed, which would mean having to create and interior for the roundhouse. I haven't decided if it is to be a water or static display. Lots of things to do to this fine kit.
All in all it should be a fun and interesting build. If anyone comes across any historical information on this vessel, please let me know. The ship, along with her plans were burned, so there is very little information available. Pete, I'll let you know when I'm getting started if you want to have me keep a log on the build. I would be honored if you allowed me another one.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Build Complete!
Phil
