Hi,
I'm just starting retirement and had always thought of building a few models in my new found spare time (decorating the house, gardening, wife and grand children permitting).
I started making Airfix models as a young teenager in the 70's made a few of the historic figures and progressed on to ships. The last one I made aged 16 was Revell's USS Constitution a great model with good detail and attention to the rigging for a plastic kit. This gave me an interest in things nautical but I still had a love for aircraft so I left school and joined the Royal Navy Submarine service (yeah go figure that move).
For the last few years I've been buying models and tools and now have a few ready to start. Like everyone I want to build HMS Victory and even purchased the Mamoli 1-150 kit (don't worry I'm not ready to have a go at that yet).
Will probably start off with a couple of plastic kits to build my skills and work up to the challenge of a plank on frame Victory.
Having spent 10years in the Submarine service I was happy to find a plastic model of one of my old boats (HMs/m Resolution). Along the way also got a free kit of the USS Lafayette no offence to the crew and the good boat Lafayette I'm going to use her as my starter for 10.
I have limited space and a wife not so willing to have models displayed all over the house so my idea is to try to make a few half models mounted on a plank and displayed on the wall (No such intention for the serious kits).
My questions
Has anyone tried a half model of a submarine?
What about the material for the plank, ply or hard wood?
Should the plank be varnished to show the wood or painted a contrasting colour?
There are no models available for the other boats I served on has any one built a scratch built submarine plank on frame or carved hull?
In the future could do with an entry level plank on frame kit to try before I start on HMS Victory any suggestions?
I know is not a boat but I have great affection for the McDonald Douglas DC3 aircraft and plan to build a model of one as well. Wonder if it would work as a half model?
Pictures of my projects.