RGL

Getting closer to paint 

Getting closer to paint 

Getting closer to paint 

No comparison there, at all, Greg. Vast improvement.

So today we did fife rails. The kit provides 4, it needs 5, a bit more surgery required but I think once painted they will look better than the grey blobs

So today we did fife rails. The kit provides 4, it needs 5, a bit more surgery required but I think once painted they will look better than the grey blobs

So today we did fife rails. The kit provides 4, it needs 5, a bit more surgery required but I think once painted they will look better than the grey blobs

Main mast done 

SMS  Emden masts, 3 days and the formast is done, all the rigging points added sans navigation lights and search lights. For comparison the main mast !

So today we did fife rails. The kit provides 4, it needs 5, a bit more surgery required but I think once painted they will look better than the grey blobs

Main mast done 

Main mast done 

SMS  Emden masts, 3 days and the formast is done, all the rigging points added sans navigation lights and search lights. For comparison the main mast !

Main mast done 

SMS  Emden masts, 3 days and the formast is done, all the rigging points added sans navigation lights and search lights. For comparison the main mast !

SMS  Emden masts, 3 days and the formast is done, all the rigging points added sans navigation lights and search lights. For comparison the main mast !

SMS  Emden masts, 3 days and the formast is done, all the rigging points added sans navigation lights and search lights. For comparison the main mast !

This is my second vintage plastic kit that is in progress.
 
I have lusted after Blue Jacket Ship Crafter’s kit for a long time. My reviews of build logs for the Bluejacket kit left me feeling that this kit was beyond my abilities due try glaucoma. I just could see how I could handle the accurate carving needed.  I came across the UTC kit on eBay. When I looked at the photos and started comparing dimensions, the hull was darn close, the deck furniture had possibilities.  The stand and masts would have to go, along withe motorized features and related details. I decided to order the kit. Then I contacted the good folks at Bluejacket and purchased a set of plans for their kit. When everything arrived, I started comparing.
 
The overall dimensions were spot on, except the length, which was a little less than 1/4 in longer. The operating rudder and surface detail would have to go. The deck would have to be lowered. There was an odd foot molded into the keel. It might have been some sort of counterweight and it was also used hold one leg of the three legged stand. The completed model would be on a baseboard with brass pedestals, so the foot would have to go as well.
 
Then I contacted Nic at Bluejacket to see if I could just order the parts for his kit. He looked into it for me. He contacted me and it would be cheaper just the kit without a hull. I said yes added two sheets of his glued up decking to the order.
 
This is the background of this build. It is up to me to see if I can pull it off. I love a challenge!
 
Installment one  coming soon!
 
 

Funnels done up 

Funnels done up 

Funnels done up 

And let the bling begin 

Hull stripped back and joined up. Putty next 

The Micromaster stuff is stupidly good 

I’ll add the link where I did this build here 10 years ago, this time I own and airbrush and 3d printing is a thing. I’m still very happy with the old one and I intend on doing this build as a part of my presentation for our local hobby show in November which as become one of the biggest shows in Australia. 
 
I also have access timo the Australian War Memorial which has relics of her. 
 
the kit is now super hard to find and stupidly expensive on EBay with shipping anything outside of the US about $70 (that’s just saying we don’t want your business )