alross2

Added the .040" half-round moulding to the shield.

Started some of the construction drawings for the kit. Still have more material to add to these two.

2 hours ago, Roger Pellett said:

 

 

A notable exception would appear to be Bluejacket.  They offer POB kits, the POF kits that Bob mentioned, and Solid Hull kits.  Their new USS Olympia kit is Solid hull and they presently have a Solid hull Coast Guard vessel under development.

 

 

 

 

The next BJ kit, a 1/192 scale NS SAVANNAH (which I have already started) will also be a solid hull.  The bulk of the superstructure will comprise lifts, so essentially it will be solid, as well.

5 hours ago, aliluke said:

Hi

I just strayed into this log as it isn't a part of the forum that I usually roam. A stunning build is unfolding! I have coveted battleship kits of this era and at this scale and I'm frustrated that they are unobtainable now. I'd leap into one.

 

Hey Ryland - want to sell USS Olympia? I'm only half joking...but back to the main, Maine build - a really informative log with great techniques and results. I'll follow along from now.

Alistair, I recently completed the development of the OREGON kit for BlueJacket.  Same scale and format as MAINE and OLYMPIA,

Was not happy with the first cabin, so I revised the master, made a new mould, recast the base and am assembling it. Paint is still wet in this shot. Also redid the master for the life raft cannisters and made new ones for the throttle body and the binnacle.

Starting to put on some of the deck furniture.

Nice clean build!  Thanks, Jeff.

Got the hull and a bunch of details painted today.

Deck has first coat of gray. Some of the casting masters to date: From top right - blue light, radar base, flag staff, 55 gallon drum, life raft cannister.

Today, made up several casting masters including a 55-gallon drum, flagstaff, radar base, and the front section of the mast. The mast is soldered 1/16" brass and needs a bit of cleanup. Painted the hull and superstructure white, as well.

Inset the bow lights, finished the bulwarks, and added the half-round mouldings.

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Today was rather productive. Put together the revised superstructure, made the vents, and assembled the reel. Tomorrow, I'll make the recessed bow lights and glue on the aft bulwarks.

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Lasered vents.  Upper vent has flange glued in place.

Small holes on the reel need to be moved inboard just a bit.,

Superstructure placed on but not glued to the deck.

Started fitting the initial laser-cut parts to the superstructure. They need some adjustment but are generally a good fit. I'll modify them and Shane will cut me another round to apply.

Cast base for the superstructure is done and fitted to the deck camber.  Brass master for the rudders is done, rudder post tubes installed, and the propshaft/strut assembly has been fitted.

Third coat of primer on the hull.

The superstructure base will be cast resin with a facia of laser-cut laserboard.  The pilot house will be molded up to the bottom of the windows and include the consoles.  This is the master which I just put into the silicone.  The mold will be ready tomorrow for a test cast.

Now that I'm finished with the OREGON and WYOMING, I've started on the 1/64 scale 82' WPB kit.  This will be a typical BJ solid hull kit with laser, resin, britannia, and photo-etched parts.  Hull length is 15.5".  The intent is to create a kit that will allow the builder to replicate any of the 79 boats built.  The focus will be 82301, the first boat in the group, but will include additional basic details to modify it to later boats.  This will include different radar, towing gear, and deck details, plus stuff to do the boats in Viet Nam.  The hull master is done and Randy carved me a couple hulls with which to experiment.  I've templated one and added the skeg so far.  

This is the basic kit configuration - WPB82301.  That below, WPB82347 POINT BONITA, is one of the later boats.  A third general arrangement drawing will show a Viet Nam configuration.

You're doing a great job!  I really enjoyed developing that kit and wish we still had the original display model.  It's at the Naval War College in RI.  The catwalks/torpedo boat skids are a fun detail.

For those who attended the meeting and visited the BJ table, I'd like to get some feedback (positive or negative) on the OREGON and WYOMING kits, particularly the bound plans concept.  

WYOMING went into her case yesterday and is now on display in the gallery as you come in the door.  She, OREGON, PERRY, and the MORGAN cross section will be going to the New London event this weekend.  

40 minutes ago, ccoyle said:

Looks great, Al! Your showroom looks like a magical place -- maybe I'll get to visit someday.

You'll get the grand tour if you do!  There are about 75 finished models in the gallery.  We try to keep one of every kit we sell on display.  There are a few missing as they were sold and not yet replaced.,  WYOMING will be out there in a week or so.  Both models are going to the New London show at the end of the month.

OREGON is now in its case and on display in the gallery.  If you're in the area, stop in and take a look.

This is the general arrangement drawing for the kit.  It is one of the large sheets and measures about 34" x 65"!  You can see why I went to the 11" x 17" sheets which are mostly full scale as well.

Here are some of the 100+ images (construction and finished model) on the CD that is available for the OREGON kit.