steven. R Posted March 5, 2021 #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! mtaylor, Blackreed, Canute and 16 others 19
Jim Lad Posted March 5, 2021 #2 Posted March 5, 2021 What an interesting project. John mtaylor, Canute and thibaultron 3
lmagna Posted March 5, 2021 #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. thibaultron, mtaylor, Tony Hunt and 1 other 4 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
steven. R Posted March 5, 2021 Author #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. Tony Hunt, lmagna, mtaylor and 2 others 5
steven. R Posted March 7, 2021 Author #5 Posted March 7, 2021 Main decking completed. Blackreed, yvesvidal, ccoyle and 9 others 12
Ras Ambrioso Posted March 9, 2021 #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. Canute, mtaylor and steven. R 3 Ras Current builds: USS SAN PABLO-1920-1/64 scale-River Gunboat Previous builds: Stern Paddle Wheeler ZULU-1916-1/48 scale 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 kit Emma C. Berry. Sailing fishing smack. 1/32 scale. Model Shipways kit.
KeithAug Posted March 10, 2021 #7 Posted March 10, 2021 Interesting construction method - I look forward to future posts. mtaylor, lmagna and Canute 3 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
Louie da fly Posted March 25, 2021 #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! mtaylor, lmagna and Canute 3 It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler La Lomellina - Theoretical Reconstruction of a Genoese carrack sunk in 1516 FINISHED Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco 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 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht
steven. R Posted April 24, 2021 Author #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! Ryland Craze, oneslim, vaddoc and 13 others 14 2
Ras Ambrioso Posted April 26, 2021 #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. Canute and mtaylor 2 Ras Current builds: USS SAN PABLO-1920-1/64 scale-River Gunboat Previous builds: Stern Paddle Wheeler ZULU-1916-1/48 scale 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 kit Emma C. Berry. Sailing fishing smack. 1/32 scale. Model Shipways kit.
steven. R Posted April 28, 2021 Author #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 GrandpaPhil, Rik Thistle, yvesvidal and 7 others 10
steven. R Posted April 30, 2021 Author #14 Posted April 30, 2021 yvesvidal, Landlubber Mike, lmagna and 18 others 19 2
Michael_A Posted May 1, 2021 #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
steven. R Posted May 1, 2021 Author #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! mtaylor, lmagna and Canute 3
Jim Lad Posted May 1, 2021 #17 Posted May 1, 2021 Great progress, Steven. John mtaylor, Canute and lmagna 3
Michael_A Posted May 1, 2021 #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
Louie da fly Posted May 3, 2021 #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 steven. R, FriedClams, mtaylor and 1 other 4 It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler La Lomellina - Theoretical Reconstruction of a Genoese carrack sunk in 1516 FINISHED Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco 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 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht
ERS Rich Posted May 22, 2021 #21 Posted May 22, 2021 Found you project and decided to follow along..... What a unique look....looking forward to your posts....thanks. mtaylor and Canute 2 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
steven. R Posted May 22, 2021 Author #22 Posted May 22, 2021 Thank you and I appreciate your interest lmagna, mtaylor and Canute 3
KeithAug Posted May 27, 2021 #23 Posted May 27, 2021 Coming along very nicely Steven. The hull is a great example of freehand tin bashing and welding. mtaylor, steven. R and Canute 2 1 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
steven. R Posted December 23, 2021 Author #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! chris watton, yvesvidal, Canute and 11 others 11 3
Keith Black Posted December 23, 2021 #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, yvesvidal and Canute 3 Current Builds: 1870's Sternwheeler, Lula Wood Hull Screw Frigate USS Tennessee Decorative Carrack Warship Restoration, the Amelia Completed: 1880s Floating Steam Donkey Pile Driver Early Swift 1805 Model Restoration
wefalck Posted December 25, 2021 #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 ... mtaylor, Keith Black and Canute 3 wefalck panta rhei - Everything is in flux
steven. R Posted December 25, 2021 Author #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. Keith Black, mtaylor and Canute 3
KeithAug Posted January 4, 2022 #28 Posted January 4, 2022 The metalwork continues to impress, I look forward to the next update. mtaylor, steven. R, Canute and 1 other 4 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
SkiBee Posted January 4, 2022 #29 Posted January 4, 2022 All I can say is WOW!!!!! steven. R, Keith Black, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Current Projects: Completed Projects: Armed Virginia Sloop - Model Shipways - 1:96 Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack - Model Shipways - 1:24 Phantom New York Pilot Boat - Model Shipways - 1:96 18th Century Long Boat - Model Shipways - 1:48 Norwegian Sailing Pram - Model Shipways - 1:12 Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24
steven. R Posted January 6, 2022 Author #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, lmagna, Valeriy V and 11 others 14
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