Esmeralda by Chborgm - Billing Boats No 730 - Naval Training Ship

[chborgm]

Just got this kit. I haven't built anything for about two years due to arthritis in my hands, so I might not do the rigging, but I think i can still do the carpentry work. So stay tuned, and follow along. I could only find one other log on this ship by "alpayed", and his work is fantastic. Don't expect this quality from me, but i'll try. 

[chborgm]

Meant to in clude this picture of the box

 

[Jorge Diaz O]

La dama blanca.

[chborgm]

After reviewing the kit my first reaction is: The wood looks good quality, but the quantity is going to be tight. The instructions are a set of assembly drawings (no words), but look easy to follow. The fittings are all in two plastic boxes that I am not going to open until I need them.  If I opened them I am sure i would lose something. So I am happy so far, I just hope i am up to it. 

[BobG]

This looks like a very interesting build of a ship with beautiful lines. I'll be following along. You have a very sweet looking dog also!

 

Bob

[chborgm]

I am surprised that there are not other logs on this ship. The only one I found is in the link below. There is probably an easier way to direct you to another log, but I don't know of it.

 

[chborgm]

As you can see by the attached photos I have started the build up of the hull. The quality of the plywood and laser cut are very good. As you can see I have added some hole in the bulkheads to accomadate wireing that I have added for lighting. I have puts lights in the last several models I have built and it adds a nice effect. Pls excuse the clutter on my work bench I am not a neatnick at heart. I have added a picture of the "Portland" (Bluejacket) to show the lights.

[BobG]

Beautiful model of the Portland and the lights are wonderful.

 

Bob

[norm1116]

That Portland is spectacular!

[chborgm]

Thank you. It was really a fun model to build, and I am glad you can't see it up close. One thing about puting lights in a ship like this or a river boat is that you really have to plan ahead. I am finding that out on the current model.

[chborgm]

Have done a fair amount. I have a few intermediate picture, and in the lates one I have placed the upper superstucture and have wiring in for upper lights. I  am not putting navigation lights . Mainly because  i only had 5mm green and red leds, and at 1:100 scale they just over powered. Also , the truth,  It looked very hard to do.  

[chborgm]

It has been several months since I up dated this log so let bring it up to date with a few pictures. Most of the deck items are not glued down yet because I will add them after I finish rigging. The last picture with lights I am going to tone down those deck lights.

 

 

[ccoyle]

That's some impressive progress!

[chborgm]

Thanks, but because of the lock down I should have done more. I guessed I napped to much. Don't get old.

[bonedoctor51]

Beautiful job!  I was so inspired by your work that I bought one for my next project -- probably in about one year.

 

Where did you get the light strips?  12 or 120 volt?  They look great!

[chborgm]

I am sorry that I have not kept this log alive. Due to some age (im 90) related problems I have not done anything since last post ) 6/2020). 

One the source of lights, they are 12V, and I got all mine on ebay. All colors are available, and not expensive. As noted above you have to really plan ahead. I put a couple connecting blocks in the hull. that makes for shorter lines.

I am picking up the work to day so stay tuned. It is really a fun build.

 

 

[popeye the sailor]

super looking model.   really like what you've done on her so far!  

[BobG]

Great job! She's going to be a beauty. I hope I can still do ship modeling as well as you do if I'm fortunate enough to make it to 90!

[chborgm]

I didn't mention that in the past year I was planning to downsize and move. In getting rid of things the plans for this model were pitched. I got lucky I found out that Billings has all of their plans online in .pdf.  A big thanks to them!!.