CSS Alabama by J11 - Revell - 1/96 scale - PLASTIC - kit bash 90% historical accuracy

[J11]

@Hubac's Historian, thanks for the compliments. 

 

It seems that this kit is fragile as the plastic on some parts is cracked but I have reinforced those parts with epoxy and paint. Then replaced a bunch with scratch built wooden parts. It is consistently breaking and I am repairing and replacing the parts as I go. 

 

The combination of plastic and wood is my mistake for this bash, but it is working; just have to be careful. With the drilling of the tackle into the spars and yards including the masts then maxi cure ca is bonding really well so far. I don't like sags in my rigging so if it does do sagging I will back-track and get it right if I have too. I am also keeping this as light as possible for parts without sacrificing strength.

 

I also did a experiment with epoxy and some different paint types so I could paint and strengthen as I went to the danger areas that were cracked. Testors paints worked the best for this in added amounts..kinda played around with amounts depending on color. 

 

I felt it was important to let followers know that some of these older kits can be a problem when it comes to the plastic as we all know it depends on how it was stored for years before one has purchased it and it is a roll of the dice. This is a wonderful kit to work on, just a tad bit of a pain for making sure I don't break a part as she goes.

Edited November 11, 2019 by Jonathan11

[J11]

@JesseLee, many thanks.

 

The sails I feel will be the trick. Been watching and reading a bunch of other members sail blogs and works. The modelspan should be realistic enough for what I'm after in representation. Plus it's light, so won't add weight onto the yards to much which is a plus.

 

Just recently my sweetie was showing me sewing machines and saying how useful it would be in sail making .... I think I'm being setup! 

 

Hmm, sewing machine for a couple new saws and sanding machine .... come to think about it; sounds like a great deal. 

 

I'll have a couple more images soon, funny as I thought I had enough single blocks bought, I have found more of them on the plans and will probably have to get fifty more of them .... love the Syren blocks and glad he offers such quality parts.

 

[JesseLee]

Yes all the Syren parts and rope are outstanding!

[J11]

Quick update on yard work, their coming along:

 

The sails are a very interesting project as the detailing on them can be intense along with coloring and weathering. I am figuring since I am a novice at doing them that with completion in regards to rigging each one will be ten to twelve hours. Fortunately MSW has a bunch of reference blogs from other members giving their experience in making them which is a huge asset for me to tackle these rascals. Here's some of the references from other members for sail making for those in the future whom might need a to learn the processes all in one spot:

 

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/News--tips--and-happenings-from-BlueJacket-Shipcrafters--Inc-.html?soid=1105166336677&aid=fVLCRI0uZ9o

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_m_VWzk4w8

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5vKvMeoT-E

 

https://vimeo.com/297508363

 

https://www.seawatchbooks.com/ItemDisplay.php?sku=115003

 

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20443-how-are-sails-fixed-to-yards/

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMM2lCLQfdM

 

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/11861-how-realistic-can-one-make-sails/page/2/

 

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/152-le-superbe-by-blue-ensign-finished-heller-plastic-built-as-le-praetorian-after-boudriot/    Which are excellent instructions also further down the blog.

 

[J11]

Another update as the yards for the masts are almost completed along with modelspan on the right has arrived. Sail making will commence in a couple days as I have to get a few basics of material and tools to get them done. Then for future models I will already have what I need for sail making. 

 

List for sail making tools and material is as follows:

1) Yellow ochre paint 

2) PVA Glue (have)

3) Travel iron mini

4) Mini rolling pin

5) Curved sewing needles

6) New razor blades (have)

7) Mechanical pencil (have)

😎 Sail patterns with notes on them (finish)

9) Mini blow dryer

10) Small brass wire (have)

11) Wax paper

12) Prep paint boxes (have)

13) One thousand reef points (make)

14) Sharp scissors (have) 

15) Titanium scale ruler (have)

16) Masking tape (have)

 

Updated progress work image:

 

 

 

 

Edited November 15, 2019 by Jonathan11

[J11]

Well, how do you use up one hundred single blocks? Yards and mast prep work for rigging. Between sail patterns work I have also been placing the single blocks for all the future rigging coming up so when I install the sails to the yards all I have to do is rig them lines and speed up the finish line! 

 

I'll have some more sail patterns to show soon. Plus I'll be tightening these smaller block lines when I work on their rigging 

 

Here's a early Christmas present for all my friends here at MSW. I have been researching the "Big E" for a 1938 historical build in the future. CV5 and CV6 where sister ships when they were built and this file is priceless for the historical build project possibility. I am on the hunt for the plans on the "Big E" from the builder, which in hopes they can be located. If I do find them I'll work to get them posted also. If not this file will suffice just fine.

 

 

Merry early ho ho, gentlemen:

cv5.pdf

 

Big E and Yorktown during first build:

 

 

 

[Old Collingwood]

Enough there to test the patience of a saint  (I should know with the pearl)   deffinatey getting there.

 

OC.

[popeye the sailor]

I've built older kit where the grade of the plastic was an issue.  it's not so much the age of the kit itself,  but the batch it came from.   I've experienced plastic that seemed stringy and hard....cutting or trimming it would take chunks out.........to plastic that so soft,  one had to watch how the blade was angled.   superb job Johnathan....take your time   rigging looks super!

Edited November 27, 2019 by popeye the sailor

[J11]

 Thanks @popeye the sailor, I will be out of pocket for awhile as we will be doing the holiday travel and celebrations. 

 

I do wish all a "Merry Christmas and a Happy New year"!!

 

Hope all have a wonderful holidays and I'll be back when we get all this travelling done.

 

  

 

[J11]

Well, it's been a few since I have worked on the Alabama or posted.  My apologies to those whom have been following my blog for this build as to not posting updates. With all the problems arising from Covid-19 along with getting family members safe and secure; personal responsibilities have taken precedent. 

 

Have re-organized my work bench and cleaned it up along with the model, which was badly needed being gone from them for a few months.

I have picked up from where I left off with the sails and have been working on patterns for twenty-eight sails needed. Paper patterns have been customized per my models dimensions. Here's a few images to show progress:

 

As you can see, the Alabama is starting to take shape with the sail patterns taped up into place. I have the boom sail patterns done and will test them for proper sizing when I have all of these shown finished and installed along with all the masts. The booms have to be in place for proper sizing and pattern making.

 

Rigging will be installed as needed for sail placement, then finished when installation sequence allows as to not interfere with sail placement. Don't want to get all tangled up and then have to back track, but as we all know it does happen. I'll be working on the actual sails this week and will post procedures and updates.

 

 

Something of a rarity was given to me for a Christmas present. I doubt I will build this one as it's the only one I have ever seen, I had contacted BlueJacket for permission to post these images and was given permission to do so. Seems the kit is from the 1960's but the plans are from the 1930's ?? Weird but is verified from BlueJacket, maybe someone here has more information on this one and can clarify.

 

Nice gift and honored to add her to my collection. It's great to be back and will hopefully keep updates coming for the Alabama as circumstances will allow. Prayers for safety to all!

 

 

 

[mtaylor]

Interesting sub kit.  You might ask about it here:  https://modelshipworld.com/forum/24-wood-ship-model-kits/

[J11]

1 hour ago, mtaylor said:

Interesting sub kit.  You might ask about it here:  https://modelshipworld.com/forum/24-wood-ship-model-kits/

Thanks @mtaylor, I'll do that soon.

[J11]

Working on sail prep so I can paint up to fifteen at a time to save time. Had a large cardboard box and was able to fit fifteen of the sails onto it. A few double up and triple up for sails when I cut out the shapes per my templates. I'll post a couple more image when I have all the holes prepped, then when finished painting. The video below is the way I will assemble them, seems the easiest and fastest way to do them since I have twenty-five to complete.

 

 

 

 

Here's the prep box:

 

Nic with Bluejacket posted this on their blog and represents how I feel putting all of these sails together: (Satire image)

 

So it begins.....Stay tuned more coming soon. 

[J11]

Here's a quick update:

Have the fifteen taped and ready for a light coat of paint.  I'll be working on them today and tomorrow then get some images. I have also dug out my old portable drafting table to line the sails out. This compact rascal has gotten me out of some on the fly work and it's good to see it again. Not sure if they sell these anymore, they really come in handy.

 

 

 

Couple more addition's were given to me ,,,,, I think they are early fathers day presents. Guess I'll have to make another work station table, along with some more finished model wall space. 

 

1936 Comet USS Perch submarine model:

 

Then this oldie, not sure about the name. Did a basic search and very little info on her:

Looks like I'll be on MSW for a long time.  

 

[Hubac's Historian]

I’m particularly excited for this sail-making portion of the build.  ‘Looks like you have everything prepped perfectly, and now it’s onto the magic!

 

The Galleon model looks awesome, BTW!

[J11]

Many thanks @Hubac's Historian.  I'll be applying a lite coat of paint on them as from my understanding these ships sails were whiter than the older sailing vessels sail were.  It's definitely a experiment for me as I hoping that they don't deteriorate to easily. Have some more pics soon.

 

Stay safe up there HH.

[popeye the sailor]

good to see your up and runn'in again     look'in forward to see how you make the sails.

[J11]

On 5/4/2020 at 7:26 PM, popeye the sailor said:

good to see your up and runn'in again     look'in forward to see how you make the sails.

Thanks Popeye!!  Images coming soon ....  been banging away at it. 

[J11]

Here's one image of the poster board lined and finished templates for lining out the painted sails when their dry. I first had to do paper templates which are shown in the upper images, then copy to a stronger poster board so I can trace out the lines along with individual patterns for the finished sails. I'll simply tape these down and lay the painted sails over each pattern. Then trace all the correct lines on each one and add the outer bands with the  rope and tie downs.

 

Basically it's been prep, prep ,prep and then build them, so that;s coming next.

 

 

 

[J11]

Update on the painting and build for the sails. I made a 50/50 of water and PVC glue (elmers) along with adding just a touch of color (yellow occre) then painted three sseperate coats onto the paper. I had let dry after each painting to get the tone I wanted and then gently cut out the first sail prep frame. See images below:

 

After cutting the prep sheet I then taped the cardboard patterns down, then taped the prep sheet on top for tracing the lines onto the paper. These are very fragile and you have to use a light touch. If you don't the pencil lead itself will cut the paper. Once finished with the lines; I proceeded to cut the traced shapes out per my patterns. See images below:

 

I'll be working on the additional pieces along with gluing them on the sails and will post images of the procedure soon, as I have a few more sails to trace out and cut. I'll post images when their all cut out and traced. Then show the additional features being added along with the wire I plan on incorporating into them also. These are very time consuming along with some precise line work as not to damage them in tracing. It's definitely all about prep and being very careful as not to destroy the final product. Post more soon.

 

 

 

 

[J11]

Going over reference material for the sail build in "Historical Ship models book"; I'll be incorporating the data from these page to add detail enhancements to keep the model looking as professional as possible. One troubling item is the color of the sails, if hence; when I have them completed and the color is to non historic, I'll simply go back to the build board and go only with pure white sails with the detail lines and accessories  added. 

 

Will need some input from everyone on this as now it seems the color maybe to much for the sails. Since the Alabama was out to sea for long periods of time it seems logical that the sails were a off light brown from exposure and wear but all the historical drawings of her do seem to indicate they were just a dirty white in color. What's yawls thoughts? Would like to hear them for a consensus in the color.

 

 

 

[Hubac's Historian]

Hi Jonathan - can you remind me of the sail paper, please?  Is it Modelspan?

 

As for authentic sail color, perhaps take a look at the photo-log of Hermione on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic, after completion of her construction.  That will likely give you a fair idea of realistic weathering.  

[Bill Morrison]

Wow!  This thread  is a great find!  I have been working on these same conversions for the Revell model, although my paint scheme is somewhat different.  See the painting I use in my avatar.  I painted the inboard bulwarks yellow ochre. I also used the cloth sails and wood blocks and tackle from HiS Model, which are great! However, I have an autistic grandchild who loves my models; unfortunately, he broke my Alabama, and I have been gradually repairing the model. 

 

I do have one question. I notice that you did not step the masts with a pronounced rake as in the real ship. May I ask why?

 

Thank you!

 

Bill

Edited May 15, 2020 by Bill Morrison
New information.

[J11]

Thanks @Hubac's Historian, looked those over and gave a better coloring idea along with some historical painting images. For now I'm sticking with the light tan and will add some bone white weathering. Looked at some 19th century clippers also and they seemed also to have the light tan coloring which was about 50/50/ too.

[J11]

Howdy @Bill Morrison, I had complied as many ship reference drawings of her as possible and went with the rake example from these:

 

They are the authentic plans of CSS Alabama from the #290 Birkenhead Iron works plans 10-09-1861, another problem I had ran into was the plastic kept popping up and had to apply more adhesive to stop it. The Revell kit has been a excellent basis for the build which I have been trying to get as close to a historical representation as possible. The green for the bulwarks came from some historical research indicating that was the color used for her.

[Bill Morrison]

Jonathan,

 

Believe me that I was in no way criticizing your model. Indeed, I have used the same plans, and my goal was to get as close to an historical representation as well.  I also like the green bulwarks. They are quite striking.  But, I also like the yellow ochre that I have seen referenced elsewhere, and thought it possible that the CSN might have deviated from the apple green used in the USN.  I am deeply impressed with your model!

 

Looking at your photos, I did not see the rake. Perhaps this can be attributed to the angles taken in your photographs.

 

Anyway, I forgot to mention that I replaced the kit cannons with the Cottage Industry set specially made for the Revell model.  Well done!

 

Bill

[J11]

@Bill Morrison, no worries. Appreciated the compliments along with the admiration for the build. When using reference material over 100 years old it does get foggy on what colors along with exact ship accessories. The unique part of the research is the men whom actually sailed the ship couldn't have foreseen that 100 years plus someone would be keenly interested in all the facts they produced and then build models of the historical ships they had sailed. 

 

Who know maybe 100 years from now someone will use this and many other blogs here at MSW for their historical research and learning of historical facts. Oh to have me a time machine! 

 

[J11]

Here's another update on sails a making:

 

Got the first set done. Then will have to start all over again for prep and painting on the next set. Then I'll start adding the other parts and pieces to the sails. Been saving all my cut painted scrapes as they will come in handy for other parts for the sails. I'll work on adding the prep sheets to my cardboard box later today and hopefully have them painted by tonight so I can keep the assembly line going.

 

These are half finished, waiting on parts and pieces for completion.

My cardboard painting frame ready to go for the next set of prep work.

 

[Hubac's Historian]

Looking great, Jonathan!

[J11]

Thanks @Hubac's Historian!! Also many thanks for all the likes from everyone!!

I'm banging away, rascals are time consuming, that thar ship wasn't built in a day!