Profile/contour gauge

[Kevin]

can anyone please recommend a profile/contour gauge to copy internal details, its to help me get more accurate detail inside my 1/48 Enterprise hull

[lmagna]

Possibly a little unorthodox, but back in my old RC days I would form a thick bulkhead using my kids modeling clay and carefully lift it out and lay it flat on a sheet of paper and trace it. Made for a perfect fit every time.

 

Very useful when having to form several frames and bulkheads in fiberglass hulls that came in one piece and had no interior strengthening or divisions. 

[shipman]

I've never found a contour gauge that was fine enough.

Somewhere there is a post discussing this. It is feasible to make your own.

A length of softened copper wire does a fair job.

[kurtvd19]

I found that the wire tools similar to what is shown here are finer but also a bit deeper/longer even this type makes a pretty smooth copy of the contour.  A simple "fairing" of the points marked onto the piecec being made to fit will make a very close fit.  The one drawback to this type of tool is the limited depth.  They can also be laid into the hull at an angle making the relative depth workable.  I have used these mostly to check symmetry.

Have also used Klean Klay modeling clay to precisely match the contour but have found that some sort of support for the clay is needed - an undersized bulkhead like piece of heavy card or polystyrene with the clay on the outer edge so that it's not distorted when removing it to transfer the contour.  Klean Klay is a non-drying clay that doesn't leave oil behind when removed and is often used to dam up areas when filling with expoxy or resin for reinforcements or making molds.

[Kevin]

thankyou for the comments, very much appreciated 

[lmagna]

Thanks for the Klean Klay reference Kurt, I have never heard of it before. Apparently much nicer than my kids clay. But then I was "multi tasking" my kids toys.

[Bob Cleek]

Strips of copper, zinc, or lead roofers' flashing material are often good for taking off curves, as well.