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


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12 hours ago, Hubac's Historian said:

Thanks for the info, Jonathan!

I had forgotten to mention that I add a small amount of filtered water to the glue mixture also for ease in applying. 

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CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

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H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Here's a tooth pick trick in helping to tie those difficult corner loops, also these don't have drilled holes yet for reef points and boom mounting. As long as you slowly drill them it works great. I am also very pleased in the strength of the sails with just one paint coat, along with one light glue coat; over the whole sail during assembly. Was expecting them to tear and split during the added detail work, tough stuff.

 

20201107_081232.jpg.006ab932de89f8b69e11318453215662.jpg

 

The second one is up and mounted, will have to do some touch up painting on the mounting hardware and will wait till I get all of them mounted for final touch's before I rig them. I'll post some more images when I have the other two sails I'm working on mounted.

 

20201107_081429.jpg.333738134665f8dd1237d610b5bf2251.jpg

 

 

20201107_081623.jpg.18af0a7bac591e6f2bf9a2c70d69c4d7.jpg

 

 

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20201107_081559.thumb.jpg.90f8736d444d3c54fd5afc5dfa06a93e.jpg

 

The sail construction is moving better as I have gotten procedures down pat for them. I will wait to rig all of them once I have all installed , plus have to order some more blocks. The two new sails will take sixty plus reef points (image one) so I'll be tying all morning and in hopes they will be mounted by tonight. More to come soon.

 

 

 

 

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Truly incredible and worth the effort.

"A Smooth Sea NEVER made a Skilled Sailor"
- John George Hermanson 

-E.J.

 

Current Builds - Royal Louis - Mamoli

                    Royal Caroline - Panart

Completed - Wood - Le Soleil Royal - Sergal - Build Log & Gallery

                                           La Couronne - Corel - Build Log & Gallery

                                           Rattlesnake - Model Shipways, HMS Bounty - Constructo

                           Plastic - USS Constitution - Revel (twice), Cutty Sark.

Unfinished - Plastic - HMS Victory - Heller, Sea Witch.

Member : Nautical Research Guild

 

 

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@EJ_L, the slow process is paying off. I'm going to have to reorganize my work table as the boom sails will take up almost the whole table for installation. Looks like fourteen inch's in width when the boom sails are installed. As long as I don't over rig these using bigger rigging rope; all the tie ins should be in scale. Might have to experiment a little to get them perfect along with color.

 

For those whom might want to tackle this plastic kit in the future like I have: Using clothe sails would have weighted the booms down to much, with these paper sails being utilized there is hardly any weight. plus we get some really historical looking sails with color and size.

 

I agree well worth the effort. Should have some more images tomorrow.

 

Thanks for all the likes and visiting my progress.

 

 

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Been working away on her, here's a quick update. Sails are going on great and should have all the main masts finished by tonight and will post a couple images.

 

1781000906_nov20202.png.1aa30c134d5a637f22712c49e9fac48c.png

 

1089914358_nov20204.png.3cb99488f38c8ca465baf33aaafa1cec.png

 

983199841_nov20206.png.2d469d81ffbdfd42f2dc5e103cd8316a.png

 

654454468_nov20205.png.71c7a2ef8e254490d13f01e22dc45048.png

 

 

 

1430179975_nov20203.png.cba252f84a80d69fbf3533c392ce229f.png

 

1869613231_nov20207.png.0520229bd27768ae5cc148de34e0a9a6.png

 

1299707264_nov20201.png.aa0db68db2d103a158127568f95efc31.png

 

Tooth pick trick, really helps in putting these together quickly, she's looking fairly good and will have to be extremely careful on rigging as my fore mast has already broken during install. Man these masts are fragile!     :default_wallbash:

 

 

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Fore mast and main mast competed, working on front sails today and will hopefully have a couple installed by tonight.

 

The boom sails will be worked on also for measurements since I have the main masts completed and can take my measurements accordingly. I can't believe I might have to order more silkspan as  it looks like I don't have enough for the booms sails but will have the amount figured out soon.

 

Looking like a fine sailing vessel and pleased with the outcome so far:

 

 1757860448_nov20208.png.a71f92d0f71c0cead2a73f60aacdc9b1.png

 

645182377_nov20209.png.c42e641bd57e40ec9d35bcb5f3691b35.png

 

404883567_nov202010.png.e9d6c84bc52becd4320bcd73d11d3f95.png

 

:dancetl6:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Thanks @shipman, dogs dinner surroundings? You got me there? But I will image at a better location for final completion images. The glass case is going to be rather large for her as I make them myself. Figure it's a couple of months off till competed, thanks for following and your interest.

 

:cheers:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Quick update, fronts sails are on, rigging will commence later on:

 

65178017_nov202011.png.7fd5a029263deb08e9db9e03cbe515c7.png

 

1151382150_nov202012.png.b2fbb45ef2169d4fca08299c38d4d654.png

 

I'll post some more hopefully by tomorrow night.

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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@Gahm, thanks glad you like them. Not to shabby for a first timer. Many hours have gone into putting them together along with research to try to get them as historically correct as possible. The trick is going for the rigging placements as this will be a surgical operation to intertwine proper placement along with block mounting threw all the tiny block holes without damaging the model. Will probably slow down to a crawl to get these right when I start. Luckily I feel I have all the tools I need to get er done.

 

Might have some more images later on today.

 

Thanks for all the likes and interest everyone!

 

:dancetl6:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Been having trouble with personal emails but have gotten around the problem for now. These images were suppose to be posted last night but failed coming threw my files on emails. 

 

So a couple more images of the front sails installed with better detail:

 

373042927_nov202013.png.6244c2d57cfd0d82bede75a3df1f45bd.png

 

19533400_nov202014.png.5e43ddc14fff7ebc7f205e543353abc5.png

 

 

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Sadly, what I am trying to do with this older plastic kit is almost impossible. The fragile plastic pieces incorporated with wooden pieces held together fairly well with just a few mishaps. But when sewing the sails onto the yards and masts it has broken in three major places along the mast and the yards. 

 

If someone in the future want's to do this to the plastic kit as I have done, I don't recommend it at all. Work with a wooden CSS Alabama kit which will be much stronger to work with than older fragile plastic piece's.

 

I won't give up on this assembly, as I am now working very carefully to repair the broken parts and will have some images of the completed sail which has caused the breakage, but it will take many more hours of careful assembly to get this section done. Hence why I have not uploaded anymore images in the past few days. I have completed one major repair and waiting for other piece's and parts to dry before I attempt to repair the broken yard and mast attachment areas again.

 

So  :default_wallbash:  :default_wallbash:  :default_wallbash:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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I have a success in repairing and will have to be very careful with the boom sail installs to make sure I don't break anymore parts. A couple of small repairs need to be finished but the central fore mast boom gaff sail is finally installed. Here's some images after repairs and another sail installed.

 

1763065020_nov202019.png.ef8f5acf910ec545de0bc9810c88ce07.png

 

1354041935_nov202017.png.bae77bdb7f4be645b2bf12b3ba0c620d.png

 

1275735922_nov202016.png.df352073878de915f86ecba0a6218908.png

 

1410512505_nov202015.png.9789ac90d2d1248d69f4d2c3090ac2c4.png

 

I'll be working on the main mast gaff sail today also and might have some images by tomorrow. Plus doing some minor repairs, glad I have the Maxi cure glue as this is whats really helping in repairs, I'll have to do touch up paint after awhile to hide some repairs, and blend them in.  

 

:dancetl6:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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I know these setbacks must be incredibly frustrating  J11, but hang-in there, Dude!  You are doing an amazing job!

 

This is always the problem with these old plastic kits.  I dread the eventuality, myself, as the pressing of SR I am making is about as old as I am; 47.

 

Keep going, steady as she goes - you will get there, and we will all celebrate!

We are all works in progress, all of the time.

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Many thanks, yep with this one it's 1 step forward 5 steps back.  :wub:  As we all know precise work with big hands does cause problems sometimes and that's my main problem along with weak old plastic. I was encouraged with the rigging at first as all went well and tight, now I'll definitely have to be real gentle with the future rigging. 

 

I'm also concerned about the boom sails as the yard mounts don't seen to be strong enough for me to mount them so I'm thinking of beefing up those mounts when they are added, just have to see how the rigging with the mounts will work in strengthening. I should have just made all the booms and masts out of wood and probably wouldn't have had this problem. Oh well that's what you get sometimes with a antique kit from the 70's.

 

 

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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My father has similar issues with his plastic Connie kit. The plastic has become so brittle that he has been forced to abandon much of the original in favor of custom made or extras that I had laying about. 

 

Well done for powering onward and recovering. She has become a fantastic build, and so close to finishing.

"A Smooth Sea NEVER made a Skilled Sailor"
- John George Hermanson 

-E.J.

 

Current Builds - Royal Louis - Mamoli

                    Royal Caroline - Panart

Completed - Wood - Le Soleil Royal - Sergal - Build Log & Gallery

                                           La Couronne - Corel - Build Log & Gallery

                                           Rattlesnake - Model Shipways, HMS Bounty - Constructo

                           Plastic - USS Constitution - Revel (twice), Cutty Sark.

Unfinished - Plastic - HMS Victory - Heller, Sea Witch.

Member : Nautical Research Guild

 

 

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superbly done Johnathan........she's filling out nicely :) 

I yam wot I yam!

finished builds:
Billings Nordkap 476 / Billings Cux 87 / Billings Mary Ann / Billings AmericA - reissue
Billings Regina - bashed into the Susan A / Andrea Gail 1:20 - semi scratch w/ Billing instructions
M&M Fun Ship - semi scratch build / Gundalow - scratch build / Jeanne D'Arc - Heller
Phylly C & Denny-Zen - the Lobsie twins - bashed & semi scratch dual build

Billing T78 Norden

 

in dry dock:
Billing's Gothenborg 1:100 / Billing's Boulogne Etaples 1:20
Billing's Half Moon 1:40 - some scratch required
Revell U.S.S. United States 1:96 - plastic/ wood modified / Academy Titanic 1:400
Trawler Syborn - semi scratch / Holiday Harbor dual build - semi scratch

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@EJ_L, @DanielD, @popeye the sailor, thanks for all the compliments and likes gentlemen. So far she is holding together with; believe it or not, a tighter torque on the front mainstay. Was pleasantly surprised at the mainstay tightening which also straightened out the mainstay yard better when I worked to fix another breakage. But that's the max I can do on utilizing the rigging as a stronger support base and any more and she will explode in many piece's. :omg:

I'll have some images tonight later on as my camera is a charging. I'll finish up on the sails I have made by tomorrow and then start all the other rigging with tweezers and rigging tools and watching my hands as I weave threw all the yards, masts and detail piece's in the way for tie downs. One decision on the rigging is the color for definition and enhancement of colors for her. Either white to really accent the rigging or tan to golden brown or possibility of using them all. Been pondering for awhile on it and am open to suggestions. Once the rigging is in place it will stay , no turning back or redo's as would be a dangerous operation for this fragile model. Then to work on the boom sails a making, heading into the final completion phase of this rascal and immediately put on the mount board then under glass. Then image's of final finished model and on the model shelve she goes ...woo hoo! I'll be drunk finishing night so no phone call's please. :P

 

So I am almost there. One interesting item is the rigging placement as I am using three to four different sets of plans to finish the rigging off. Bluejackets plans, Revell's plans, and also older Alabama plan's from A.J Fisher; ( Michigan) along with builder, Captain, and plans book by Summersell; to rig this baby out right. Plus some historical wood cut images for reference and paint finish detailing. Pictures soon.

 

:cheers:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Good morning,

 

More progress images, will be rigging for the next week or two. I'll start the boom sail work probably next week for the drafting table and individual sail builds. I have to finish all inside rigging completely so I can work the boom sail rigging threw them for placement. This rigging process will be a little slow as not to damage any more parts or piece's, plus I will be using different color rigging for enhancement.

 

I'll post more images when I'm close to completing the rigging, so far she's looking like a civil war ship! I'll also be ordering special printed flags for her, possible five of them but I need a little bit more research to determine.

 

726147052_nov202027.png.fbc46d8aace3d78aa512b7a65b5c7de1.png

 

1289370275_nov202026.png.b7aa4ba51bce416ce9c74fc9d1cef699.png

 

2134137012_nov202025.png.3c5431f096dcc83fa80c10c9e04db15b.png

 

 

:bird-vi:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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@Gahm, I am pleasantly surprised how she's coming along with the sails as I was concerned it would be to much for detailing over kill. Thanks for the admiration.

 

Many thanks for all the likes also gentlemen, really helps with all the problems I have had with her construction.

 

Here's some of the historical flags I am considering for her final detailing work.

 

2056050350_flag1.png.1addff5cf4882353d29f7606df874a2e.png

482126027_flag2.png.6093a5c7c329622dcdfa605567752051.png

1862201763_flag3.png.f5904ded2b537b57c2e287cb8c63433e.png

644263171_flag4.png.6ea24306cf0f9d3e44ea81caf10a810b.png

1967595819_flag5.png.a4ca37d18a6da67686f5bf21a5445e7a.png

435451572_flag6.png.9a76e1e6ea998566f4cf43c1cafd40d8.png

 

Might load her up and have four total mounted, We'll see.

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Rigging is going slow but I have chosen the flags for her and sizes to be custom made:

 

777924499_Flagorder2.png.d1ddf58fb7765c288713cade146a5c80.png

 

960061164_Flagorder3.png.ea3745c473cf6e4e5beba202575f5beb.png

 

1791140829_FlagsConfederateorderJTArkansas.png.7223160f743956969877af431ba6f6b7.png

By next week I hope to have some rigging images. With Christmas coming up might be a little slower as we all have things to do and take care of during the holiday season.

 

:cheers:

Current build project: 

CSS Alabama 1/96

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20148-css-alabama-by-jonathan11-revell-196-scale-kit-bash-90-historical-accuracy/

Finished build projects 2018:

H.L Hunley 1/24

CSS Arkansas 1/96

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Congratulations, beautiful model !!!

 

black Wolf

Lupo nero

_______________________________________

finished models  Carrack Santa Maria by luponero - scale 1/50 - diagrams of Adametz   

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/19739-carrack-santa-maria-by-luponero-scale-150-diagrams-of-adametz-finished/

models under construction Athenian triere of the 5th century B.C  https://modelshipworld.com/topic/25956-athenian-triere-of-the-5th-century-bc/ 

 

  San Giovanni Battista 1598 by luponero - Medicean galleon  https://modelshipworld.com/topic/25930-san-giovanni-battista-1598-by-luponero-medicean-galleon/                                           

 

 

                       

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looks a whole lot better than mine..........I can't even recall if I ever finished it :wacko:  she looks awesome Jonathan!

I yam wot I yam!

finished builds:
Billings Nordkap 476 / Billings Cux 87 / Billings Mary Ann / Billings AmericA - reissue
Billings Regina - bashed into the Susan A / Andrea Gail 1:20 - semi scratch w/ Billing instructions
M&M Fun Ship - semi scratch build / Gundalow - scratch build / Jeanne D'Arc - Heller
Phylly C & Denny-Zen - the Lobsie twins - bashed & semi scratch dual build

Billing T78 Norden

 

in dry dock:
Billing's Gothenborg 1:100 / Billing's Boulogne Etaples 1:20
Billing's Half Moon 1:40 - some scratch required
Revell U.S.S. United States 1:96 - plastic/ wood modified / Academy Titanic 1:400
Trawler Syborn - semi scratch / Holiday Harbor dual build - semi scratch

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I saw a model of this many years ago at a local swimming baths (New Brighton outdoor baths now long gone), but it was in a showcase behind a window.

There was a local group wanting to raise money to salvage her. She was built only a couple of miles from where I lived.

I've also recently found out her Executive Officer was a cousin (distant)!

Great build 🙂

 

 

 

Bob

Current build Cutty Sark, Mini Mamoli

Finished  King of the Mississippi                     

No trees were harmed by this message, but an awful lot of electrons were put out.

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