King of the Mississippi by Auger - Artesania Latina - 1/80

[Auger]

As in other builds, I ran into the problem of the steam stack bases not matching up to the pre-cut holes in the deck. So I had to do as others have done and file the base down until it matched up.

 

[Auger]

An Estes rocket finished:

 

Edited March 28, 2023 by Auger

[Auger]

Installed the stacks but one of them twisted after I walked away.

 

[Auger]

So I managed to twist it back, then noticed that the port stack fell back due to the twisting.

 

[Auger]

I believe that I can correct this with the stack rigging by adding a little tension to the bow-side rigging.

 

[Auger]

So at this point I’ve noticed a few flaws with this kit. The decks don’t really line up in terms of the pre-cut holes for the masts and stacks. The base plates for the main steam stacks within the second deck aren’t even close and for me, were useless. I ended up using epoxy to seat the main stacks to a part of these seating plates. Furthermore, the fantail stack holes don’t line up so there’s a lot of fine cutting and filing of the third deck holes to get the stacks vertical. Also, there’s a lot of interference between the first and second decks when installing the fantail stacks, which requires some whittling of the stack bases in order to get them to install correctly. I used some clamps to hold the stacks towards aft while the glue was drying.

 

…and my fingers got spray painted today so they look the way they do.

 

Edited March 28, 2023 by Auger

[bobandlucy]

Yep, this kit has some serious flaws, but it's still a lot of fun!

 

b

 

[Auger]

Installed the railing support posts on both sides, still plugging along.

 

[Auger]

Started measuring and cutting the railings. I made a little jig of sorts to keep things even across the deck. I think it’s self explanatory; it worked out pretty well. Obviously some finishing required, just waiting for the wood glue to dry.

Edited April 6, 2023 by Auger
Typo

[Auger]

…and of course working to music as always.

 

[Auger]

Stbd side

 

Edited April 6, 2023 by Auger

[Auger]

Pfff…. Every time i post a photo, I see something that I need to fix. Makes for a better build, right?!

[Auger]

The nice thing about the spacer is that I can remove it straight out with tweezers while the glue is still wet and move on to the next…

 

Edited April 6, 2023 by Auger

[Auger]

Haven’t been back home in a while and running low on my Gorilla wood glue, so, I’m going to give this stuff a try.

 

[Auger]

Also, picked up one of these off amazon and am really liking it.

Ha-haha… have to keep reminding myself that this is super up-close. People won’t see that! 

 

Edited April 6, 2023 by Auger

[Auger]

The keys to the Chateau Versailles.

 

[Auger]

Spring is here, a nice tulip vase from Delft, Netherlands.

 

[Jerry Berenson]

Nice job, enjoying your posts. I just completed mine yesterday and finished my log…..a fun build! 

[Auger]

So, I’ve started the balusters, the real test of one’s patience. But I believe I’ve found my workflow and things are starting to move a little more quickly; I’m happy with the result so far. Tricky little bendy things they are…

 

excuse the wet glue in the first photo. Was looking for my routine and things got messy on the first part. Some sanding to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by Auger

[Auger]

Wow, I like the effect of the light through the ladder hole. Maybe a good place for one of the figures. 
 

[Auger]

Meet Vladimir and his spiritual advisor Eric. He’s been confined to the hospital tank because each time I introduce him to the other tanks, he attacks the other fish.
 

[Auger]

Don’t let that photo fool you, he actually has it pretty good.

 

[Auger]

[Cleat]

Your build is looking great.  What kind of glue did you use for the white railing installation.  I like the brass railing on the short stairs, it is a nice addition.  It looks like you pinned the 1st deck railings; I've been debating if I want 2 or 3 horizontal railings (yours looks good). 

Edited April 22, 2023 by Cleat

[Auger]

1 hour ago, Cleat said:

Your build is looking great.  What kind of glue did you use for the white railing installation.  I like the brass railing on the short stairs, it is a nice addition.  It looks like you pinned the 1st deck railings; I've been debating if I want 2 or 3 horizontal railings (yours looks good). 

Thank you very much.

For the white railings I used my model rocket fin approach. I use epoxy on either bottom-end of the rails (tiny bit added with a toothpick) then a dab of CA to the bottom center. I place the white rail onto the wood support below with tweezers then hold it with my finger for about 15 seconds or so till the CA holds the railing in place, at the angle I want. When the epoxy sets, they’re quite strong. Just need to go back and sand a little to knock down the epoxy shine. Works well.

 

For the first deck wood railings, you are correct, I used trenails. I did so for added strength because when I manipulate the model I don’t have to worry about popping one of the rails off. They’re way stronger with the trenails.

[Auger]

For those who read this log, install the ladder stairs between the 2nd and 3rd decks before beginning the railings. Work the model from the inside-out.

Edited April 25, 2023 by Auger

[Auger]

Building ladders. For some reason not my favourite task. Again, some sanding to do…

 

[Auger]

Another ladder, more sanding and painting…

 

 

[Auger]

…and some chill music.

 

[Cleat]

The ladders are tricky for me and I only made the short ones so far.  I ran short of the step material so I need to find more.  I like the dark wood trim detail around the stairway opening.