Coastal Barge by Story - FINISHED - 1/96th (15mm) - PLASTIC - WWII-era Japanese 'Steel Truck'

[Story]

Howdy, folks. First build thread here, something I'd actually done not-so-long ago and since I'm thinking about a follow-up build in the same scale, figured I'd share.

 

The '15mm' notation is a wargaming size, particularly popular for WWII Pacific scenarios. As an example, see https://sfdfsfd.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/wwii-15mm-pacific-theater-of-operations-pto-invasion-07sep2013/ or scroll down to the Battle Of Wake Island 1922  http://lockupyoursheep.blogspot.com/2014/02/vapnartak-2014.html

These are the 'inner hulls' of those Robert E Lee riverboat steamer kits, each about 13" long (and easily found on ebay).

 Tell me the lines don't look oddly familiar and at 15mm scale, are right about in the neighborhood of a Steel Truck.

For what it's worth, I'd originally been thinking of something like this - British steel coastal freight KYLERONA (1908)

1/24th scale tractor trailer sidewalls being cannibalized.

Finally got around to the irritating task of mating the deck (1/24th scale tractor trailer siding material) to the hull, fixing the mainmast and framing out the deckhouse.

 

[Story]

Wasn't thrilled with the proportions of the original mast and boom, tore that out and replaced with one about 80%.

For those in need of smaller versions, see Shapeways.com

http://www.shapeways.com/product/22SG4UU9H/ijn-coastal-freighters-quot-sea-truck-quot-1-1800

http://www.shapeways.com/product/CBHAWXCXH/ijn-coastal-freighters-quot-sea-truck-quot-1-1250 [/quote]
 

[Story]

Nearing the home stretch. Touch-up painting, lifeboat, anchors & chains, standing & running rigging to be fitted. 

[Story]

Work started on the standing rigging.

Nestled against some other waterlined 15mm builds (a junk from an old PYRO War Junk kit and a Nationalist/Chicom patrol boat built salvaged from an old PT109 kit)

[Omega1234]

Hi Story

 

First of all - Welcome to MSW!

 

I can see why you're drawn to these sorts of ships - they had loads of character and atmosphere, not to mention they lend themselves beautifully to adding lots of fine details, (especially at the scale that you're building at).

 

I reckon you're doing a great job.

 

Here's looking forward to seeing more of your models in the future.

 

Cheers

 

Patrick