steven. R Posted March 5, 2021 Share #1 Posted March 5, 2021 I always thought of the USS MAINE. The unique gun arrangement and hull designs of that period are fascinating in looks. I decided to play around with the scrap sheet metal I could find and began hammering and bending plates tig welding them together. After many months of sporadic work time I finished the hull. I made no drawings and it is very scratch built. Just using pictures I decided to make the MAINE and please don't look at this as absolute accurate. It's just a love for maritime history and ships and testing out this idea. I am working much more now as I want to see a finished product. Stay tuned as I get more done! Louie da fly, chris watton, thibaultron and 16 others 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted March 5, 2021 Share #2 Posted March 5, 2021 What an interesting project. John Canute, thibaultron and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmagna Posted March 5, 2021 Share #3 Posted March 5, 2021 I always thought that building a steel ship using metal would be the ultimate in scale. Looking forward to updates on your build. Canute, Tony Hunt, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Lou Build logs: Colonial sloop Providence 1/48th scale kit bashed from AL Independence Currant builds: Constructo Brigantine Sentinel (Union) (On hold) Minicraft 1/350 Titanic (For the Admiral) 1/350 Heavy Cruiser USS Houston (Resin) Currant research/scratchbuild: Schooner USS Lanikai/Hermes Non ship build log: 1/35th UH-1H Huey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted March 5, 2021 Author Share #4 Posted March 5, 2021 Thank you!....I have plans to continue building other steel ships in the future. The LUSITANIA being one of them. It will be a one of a kind steel version. I just got hull plans and a book on the liner. lmagna, Tony Hunt, thibaultron and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted March 7, 2021 Author Share #5 Posted March 7, 2021 Main decking completed. Louie da fly, ccoyle, Bossman and 9 others 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ras Ambrioso Posted March 9, 2021 Share #6 Posted March 9, 2021 Being a native Cuban I am looking forward to see you complete this build. Steel hull, that's a first one for me. mtaylor, steven. R and Canute 3 Quote Ras Current builds: Stern Paddle Wheeler ZULU-1916-1/48 scale Previous builds: Freccia Celeste-1927 350cc racing motorcycle-1:9 scale-Protar kit Boeing B17F- 1/72 scale- Hasegawa kit HMS Mimi-scale 1/24-Fast Motor Launch Amapá 1907-1/64 scale-Brazilian Customs Cruiser Scottish Motor Fifie. 1/32 scale. Amati kit Patricia. Steam powered R/C launch. 1/12 scale. Krick Kit African Queen. Steam powered R/C launch. 1/24 scale. Billings ki Emma C. Berry. Sailing fishing smack. 1/32 scale. Model Shipways kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithAug Posted March 10, 2021 Share #7 Posted March 10, 2021 Interesting construction method - I look forward to future posts. lmagna, mtaylor and Canute 3 Quote Keith Current Build:- Cangarda (Steam Yacht) - Scale 1:24 Previous Builds:- Schooner Germania (Nova) - Scale 1:36 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/19848-schooner-germania-nova-by-keithaug-scale-136-1908-2011/ Schooner Altair by KeithAug - Scale 1:32 - 1931 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/12515-schooner-altair-by-keithaug-scale-132-1931/?p=378702 J Class Endeavour by KeithAug - Amati - Scale 1:35 - 1989 after restoration. http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/10752-j-class-endeavour-by-keithaug-amati-scale-135-1989-after-restoration/?p=325029 Other Topics Nautical Adventures http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/13727-nautical-adventures/?p=422846 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louie da fly Posted March 25, 2021 Share #8 Posted March 25, 2021 Having worked with sheet metal myself, I'm very interested in how you went about shaping the hull. Fascinating project! lmagna, Canute and mtaylor 3 Quote It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler FINISHED Australian couta boat RMS Titanic HMVS Cerberus 11th century Byzantine dromon Winchelsea Nef - Late 13th century Mediaeval ship Henry Grace a Dieu - Rebuild of 1:200 model I started in 1967 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/36379-mistydeefer-by-louie-da-fly-finished-restoration-decor-yacht/#comment-1040663 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted April 24, 2021 Author Share #9 Posted April 24, 2021 Hi friends, I have a few updates to the build. I have bow scrollwork on and the mid section superstructure has a deck and wheelhouse. I'll be starting the smoke stacks and the smaller fittings and masts next. Stay tuned! Ras Ambrioso, ccoyle, Ryland Craze and 13 others 14 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted April 25, 2021 Share #10 Posted April 25, 2021 Very impressive, Steven. John mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted April 25, 2021 Author Share #11 Posted April 25, 2021 THANK YOU! mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ras Ambrioso Posted April 26, 2021 Share #12 Posted April 26, 2021 Beautiful job Steven. I have a couple of questions. First: what did you use to round off the hull. An english wheel perhaps? OR did you made a wood mandrel to hammer at? Second: how thick is the meta you used. I am asking because I would love to to do the same ship in metal. I am from Cuba and the USS Maine is part of our history. mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Ras Current builds: Stern Paddle Wheeler ZULU-1916-1/48 scale Previous builds: Freccia Celeste-1927 350cc racing motorcycle-1:9 scale-Protar kit Boeing B17F- 1/72 scale- Hasegawa kit HMS Mimi-scale 1/24-Fast Motor Launch Amapá 1907-1/64 scale-Brazilian Customs Cruiser Scottish Motor Fifie. 1/32 scale. Amati kit Patricia. Steam powered R/C launch. 1/12 scale. Krick Kit African Queen. Steam powered R/C launch. 1/24 scale. Billings ki Emma C. Berry. Sailing fishing smack. 1/32 scale. Model Shipways kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted April 28, 2021 Author Share #13 Posted April 28, 2021 Hi Ras...I don't have an English wheel or rolling machines. I used 16 gauge sheet metal and basically pounded sections of plate as I went along. Just using dollys and hammers. I have never made a ship in sheet metal before so I learn as I go. Schooling myself in construction methods and what works well. Future ships will only get better is my goal. My next builds will have frames and keels much like a real ship. So glad you would like to try this as well and I am liking Cuban history has REMEMBERED the MAINE KeithAug, Ryland Craze, GrandpaPhil and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted April 30, 2021 Author Share #14 Posted April 30, 2021 lmagna, Ras Ambrioso, marinaru_ro and 18 others 19 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael_A Posted May 1, 2021 Share #15 Posted May 1, 2021 Your model has quite the presence. It is so cool to see an all-metal hull that is so smooth and fair. I am starting a metal hull myself soon and am filled with trepidation ... Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted May 1, 2021 Author Share #16 Posted May 1, 2021 I would certainly like to see your build Michael since metal ships aren't as common. I never thought my ship would get this far but trial and error is part of the process. Metal work and woodwork are totally different worlds! Canute, lmagna and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Lad Posted May 1, 2021 Share #17 Posted May 1, 2021 Great progress, Steven. John Canute, mtaylor and lmagna 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael_A Posted May 1, 2021 Share #18 Posted May 1, 2021 Steven, I will start a build in the next month or so. Planning on a small 20' metal lifeboat; I want to "roll" copper sheet over a mold of the hull to see if I can get curved panels. Thanks for the encouragement! mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted May 3, 2021 Author Share #19 Posted May 3, 2021 That sounds awesome! mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louie da fly Posted May 3, 2021 Share #20 Posted May 3, 2021 (edited) Wonderful work, Steven. She's a beauty. Would I be offending you if I said she looks very steampunk? BTW, given the apparent size of the model, you could possibly have got away with thinner metal than 16ga, which is fairly difficult to form. But I have to say you've done a beautiful job of it. Steven Edited May 3, 2021 by Louie da fly Canute, FriedClams, steven. R and 1 other 4 Quote It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler FINISHED Australian couta boat RMS Titanic HMVS Cerberus 11th century Byzantine dromon Winchelsea Nef - Late 13th century Mediaeval ship Henry Grace a Dieu - Rebuild of 1:200 model I started in 1967 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/36379-mistydeefer-by-louie-da-fly-finished-restoration-decor-yacht/#comment-1040663 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERS Rich Posted May 22, 2021 Share #21 Posted May 22, 2021 Found you project and decided to follow along..... What a unique look....looking forward to your posts....thanks. Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Build Logs: USS Maine, USS Constitution (Hull) Albums: Baltimore Clipper, Sherbourne Cutter, Lackawanna Tug, Eagle Coastal Schooner, Katy Pilot Boat, Sultana Colonial Schooner, Armed Virginia Sloop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted May 22, 2021 Author Share #22 Posted May 22, 2021 Thank you and I appreciate your interest Canute, mtaylor and lmagna 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithAug Posted May 27, 2021 Share #23 Posted May 27, 2021 Coming along very nicely Steven. The hull is a great example of freehand tin bashing and welding. steven. R, Canute and mtaylor 2 1 Quote Keith Current Build:- Cangarda (Steam Yacht) - Scale 1:24 Previous Builds:- Schooner Germania (Nova) - Scale 1:36 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/19848-schooner-germania-nova-by-keithaug-scale-136-1908-2011/ Schooner Altair by KeithAug - Scale 1:32 - 1931 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/12515-schooner-altair-by-keithaug-scale-132-1931/?p=378702 J Class Endeavour by KeithAug - Amati - Scale 1:35 - 1989 after restoration. http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/10752-j-class-endeavour-by-keithaug-amati-scale-135-1989-after-restoration/?p=325029 Other Topics Nautical Adventures http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/13727-nautical-adventures/?p=422846 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted December 23, 2021 Author Share #24 Posted December 23, 2021 I wanted to update the build. I've got a few more things done. I did a rusted patina with a flat red oxide paint on the lower hull. The topside of hull will be in her signature white with some rusting aging appearance. The gun turrets actually turn. Happy Holidays! KeithAug, mcb, ccoyle and 11 others 11 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Black Posted December 23, 2021 Share #25 Posted December 23, 2021 (edited) Steven, what a fantastic build. I'm kicking myself for missing your project from the start. Please consider all previous updates a big thumbs up. It seems a shame to paint her, the look of the raw steel is beautiful! Edited December 23, 2021 by Keith Black mtaylor, Canute and yvesvidal 3 Quote Current Builds: Wood Hull Screw Frigate USS Tennessee Decorative Carrack Warship Restoration, the Amelia Completed: Early Swift 1805 Model Restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wefalck Posted December 25, 2021 Share #26 Posted December 25, 2021 Me too, I somehow missed this project so far ... I have been pondering something along these lines for several years - having been impressed by the phantastic models of early iron-clad battleships, for instance in the Musée de la Marine in Paris (https://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/paris/frenchironclads.html), the Museo de Storico Navale in Venice (https://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/venezia/museonavalevenezia-1.html), or Museo Naval in Madrid (https://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/madrid/madrid.html). Though on the real ship the armour belts would have been painted, on these models the steel is left visible, making a nice contrast with the copper-sheathing (the ships were wood or composite-built) and stem/stern posts and rams in bronze. Steel as a model-building material is discouraged by conservators (see article here on MSW on this subject), due to its susceptibility to rust. A few weeks ago I happened to participate in a restauration seminar of the Musée de la Marine and asked them, how they conserve these iron-clad models. Apparently they treat corrosion with a rust-converter, that is a phosporic acid solution (as you would use on your car), to solidify the rust and turn it black, followed by a coating in 'Renaissance Wax'. Looking forward to more updates here ... Keith Black, Canute and mtaylor 3 Quote wefalck panta rhei - Everything is in flux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted December 25, 2021 Author Share #27 Posted December 25, 2021 Those are fantastic models! Thank you much for the links to those models. Truly fantastic pieces. I really appreciate members here that provide feedback and inspiration. The USS MAINE came from these design changes in warship design from Italy and Europe when I researched the ship. I am hoping to have her finished this next year. Canute, Keith Black and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithAug Posted January 4, 2022 Share #28 Posted January 4, 2022 The metalwork continues to impress, I look forward to the next update. mtaylor, Keith Black, steven. R and 1 other 4 Quote Keith Current Build:- Cangarda (Steam Yacht) - Scale 1:24 Previous Builds:- Schooner Germania (Nova) - Scale 1:36 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/19848-schooner-germania-nova-by-keithaug-scale-136-1908-2011/ Schooner Altair by KeithAug - Scale 1:32 - 1931 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/12515-schooner-altair-by-keithaug-scale-132-1931/?p=378702 J Class Endeavour by KeithAug - Amati - Scale 1:35 - 1989 after restoration. http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/10752-j-class-endeavour-by-keithaug-amati-scale-135-1989-after-restoration/?p=325029 Other Topics Nautical Adventures http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/13727-nautical-adventures/?p=422846 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkiBee Posted January 4, 2022 Share #29 Posted January 4, 2022 All I can say is WOW!!!!! steven. R, Canute, Keith Black and 1 other 4 Quote Current Projects: Completed Projects: Phantom New York Pilot Boat - Model Shipways - 1:96 Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack - Model Shipways - 1:24 18th Century Long Boat - Model Shipways - 1:48 Norwegian Sailing Pram - Model Shipways - 1:12 Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven. R Posted January 6, 2022 Author Share #30 Posted January 6, 2022 Thought I would add some new photos of the build. Getting the masts built and booms attached. Thanks for stopping by! yvesvidal, mtaylor, Rik Thistle and 11 others 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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