Azzoun

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

Been needing to satisfy that PE itch again, granted that taking close up pictures can be a bit brutal.   I overworked this grating for the bridge and it became many pieces.  After 6 attempts, I landed with this.  A bit glazed but it's a relatively small part and once painted, won't look so frumpy.      I did straighten it out a little bit after I took this pic, here it is compared to its plastic counterpart.  

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

I keep a tube of Duco cement on my workbench.  I use it for temporary glue joints such as the brass/plywood sandwiches that I make for ripping brass strips on my Byrnes Saw.  The cement allows the plywood to be peeled away from the brass strip after sawing.
 
I buy mine at our local Ace Hardware.  A tube costs less than $5.00.
 
Roger

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

This part of the Superstructure turned out nice so far.  The seam gaps won't be noticeable once other portions of the superstructure are layered on.   For now, I'm working as much brass and build as I can before pulling out the airbrush.  Dry fitting as needed to see the progress.   

Been needing to satisfy that PE itch again, granted that taking close up pictures can be a bit brutal.   I overworked this grating for the bridge and it became many pieces.  After 6 attempts, I landed with this.  A bit glazed but it's a relatively small part and once painted, won't look so frumpy.      I did straighten it out a little bit after I took this pic, here it is compared to its plastic counterpart.  

Good Evening,  \\It appears I'm on my anniversary of working on the Mogami away from other projects.   The triple AA guns demoralized me the last time but this time, I decided to take it up again and had a fair bit more success.  Out of the 12 sets they gave me, only 8 survived the assembly which leaves me 2 short.  Some parts succumbing to the carpet monster, which I recently taught my daughter about, others just didn’t make the folding process.   I acquired another sheet of Flyhawk PE IJN triple AA guns to attempt another 12, pick the best 10.   Really enjoyed the result so far with the photo etch.   Started working on the aft aa bridge where I made a box with a door.   It to mostly replace the plastic provided portion of the superstructure.  Should be fun to do a compare later.  Glued together the funnel which I’ll also focus on to get my PE jollies.    More to come…  Joshua

I just hit it with a grill lighter for a half of a minute, worked great, metal is much easier to bend after that and it takes away its memory!

Sweet, I'll try that!

One fun element to plastic ship modeling is you can have a hull together is pretty much one sitting, that's motivating.  I really enjoyed how this model has gone together with metal fittings and screws.   Worst part of it being this little lip at the bow.   It's a little unnerving scraping off all this detail for the brass etch replacements, less sad for the overscale diamond plate on the aft deck.  I drilled out the portholes.   I'm going to start working on the propeller assembly and filling in the seams of the hull to paint.    Any ideas on cleaning up the plastic "fuzzies" in the portholes?
 

Greetings,
 
As far as I can tell, I’m the only IJN Mogami build log on here.  I decided to take this project on as I wrap up other projects which is very different from the stick and string models I usually like to build.  I found this subject interesting because of the hybrid characteristics as an aircraft cruiser which she was converted into in 1944.   Commissioned in 1935 and named after a river in Japan and was the lead ship of four of her self-named class of heavy cruisers.  Served in numerous battles in World War II until she was sunk at the Battle of the Surigao Straight in October 1944. 
 
This is a 1/350 Tamiya kit and I’ll be using the Flyhawk detail photo etch kit.   Below are some photos I’ve found, mostly courtesy of Wikipedia and my unboxing of the kit and PE details.   Should be an interesting challenge. 
 
All the best,
Joshua 

Everyone has their own preferences and I'm trying to work out mind for the types of glue to use.  One of our more experienced members swears by Duco cement, some pretty old school stuff!   What I like is that it sets relatively quickly but you have about 20 seconds to adjust things, dries clear but the most important thing is it allows for a do over.   Parts with this glue can be peeled off without destroying the part and the residue is easy to remove leaving both parts looking like the glue was never there.   Been a nice add to the arsenal.  The one CON I have is the metal tube it comes in, one small indentation of the tube and you end up with excess glue waste.   I let it drip on my build plate and once dries, scrapes up really easy.     Price has gone up a bit in the past 2 years but you can pick up a 6 pack for about $20 on amazon.  

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

Progress shots of Camilla's starboard and stern waters now complete.





First stage for fashioning the stern wake.

Completed wake; a good amount of sea foam added to her rudder. This shot shows her prominent list to starboard.

Change of lighting; lots o' drama. Water gets very"inky."

 

A higher angle view of her port side (missed this one on the previous post).
All the principal water features are complete with only a high gloss acrylic left to apply overall. 
Time to choose a good, complementary stain for the case.
 

@Gahm...Thank You kindly.
 

I'm always amused how you try to sit down to do what you think is a small isolated project for your main build, like building a motor launch only to realize it needs to be integrated sooner than you think.   Last night, I said, "Self, we'll need these eventually, let's just build a motorlaunch."  But as I scoured the details and dug into it, considering all the fine detail that the photo etch kit provides, there's no way that I can think to safely handle this part once its completed.   You can see an example below of how small the propellor and rudder is in the sheet.    Therefore, I decided to build out the underside with the stands, prop and rudder, then glue it to the main project and build off the ship all of the topside details.   From a painting perspective, the initial coat of the launch will be the same as the rest of the ship and then I'll still have access to detail paint the other parts.   Below are pictures the overall instructions and as always, love to show the comparison of value that the photo etch offers compared to the stock part, which is shown complete as the kit alone intended.   This is how far 2 hours got me between planning and executing on one motorlaunch.  As you can see in the instructions, there are several more parts to be added.   I need to figure out a good material to coat the grating once it's in place, maybe 00 silkspan soaked in diluted pva.   Added an overview of the Mogami status with most structures only dry fitted to the painted deck.  Thoughts?  

Been needing to satisfy that PE itch again, granted that taking close up pictures can be a bit brutal.   I overworked this grating for the bridge and it became many pieces.  After 6 attempts, I landed with this.  A bit glazed but it's a relatively small part and once painted, won't look so frumpy.      I did straighten it out a little bit after I took this pic, here it is compared to its plastic counterpart.  

Everyone has their own preferences and I'm trying to work out mind for the types of glue to use.  One of our more experienced members swears by Duco cement, some pretty old school stuff!   What I like is that it sets relatively quickly but you have about 20 seconds to adjust things, dries clear but the most important thing is it allows for a do over.   Parts with this glue can be peeled off without destroying the part and the residue is easy to remove leaving both parts looking like the glue was never there.   Been a nice add to the arsenal.  The one CON I have is the metal tube it comes in, one small indentation of the tube and you end up with excess glue waste.   I let it drip on my build plate and once dries, scrapes up really easy.     Price has gone up a bit in the past 2 years but you can pick up a 6 pack for about $20 on amazon.  

This part of the Superstructure turned out nice so far.  The seam gaps won't be noticeable once other portions of the superstructure are layered on.   For now, I'm working as much brass and build as I can before pulling out the airbrush.  Dry fitting as needed to see the progress.   

Been needing to satisfy that PE itch again, granted that taking close up pictures can be a bit brutal.   I overworked this grating for the bridge and it became many pieces.  After 6 attempts, I landed with this.  A bit glazed but it's a relatively small part and once painted, won't look so frumpy.      I did straighten it out a little bit after I took this pic, here it is compared to its plastic counterpart.  

Construction of the Hull -
 

Hello, 
 
After being distracted with other projects, it’s time to resurrect a previous build log of this shelf queen, Model Shipways (Now not so popular) 1/64 Prince De Neufchatel.  Operated as a privateer for the United States during the War of 1812.     Started the project back in 2015 as my third build and suffered some analysis paralysis late 2018.   Since 2018, it has resided on the shelf in this current state.   Hull planking and deck planking (Alaskan Cedar) is completed on its completed base.   My daughter was born in 2016, it’d be very sentimental to complete this build considering this picture of her as an infant.    I have a better understanding of ship model building since then and am better equipped to get beyond the vague instructions and drawings.   I’ve also acquired the Smithsonian Plans which should also assist.   Plan to display bare poled, level of rigging is to be determined.