Bismarck by hof00 - FINISHED - Amati - 1/200 - Partworks

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

(Sorry no photos yet....)

 

I pulled issues 72 thru 75 These deal with cladding for the Lower Forward Superstructure, Port and Starboard.

I decided that I would begin by sheathing the "Redoubt" PE for the prior to sheathing all the flat, straight bits.

My reasoning is that the curved pieces have minimal Railings attached and I require to "Handle" the Superstructure whilst forming and attaching these curved pieces.

 

My doctrine is that I am not going to damage Railings when they are not installed....🙂

 

That's the plan anyway....

 

Cheers....HOF.

[keelhauled]

Hi Harry,

 

The build is very cool. I was intrigued by the multimedia approach. I went through the build last night, but need to go back through in detail. I atill dont know how i missed it.

 

Glad you're well. 

 

Cheers 

Marc

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Installed Forward Superstructure Redoubt PE.

The operation went o.k, I must have something correct.... 🙂

 

I am of the opinion that these bits were super critical to the remainder of the Superstructure PE

A foundation if you like.... 

 

I can now move forward with the detail bits in the following order:

• PE detail on the PE installed
• PE detail on Fore/Aft, Port/starboard sheathing
• Install the above sheathing

That's more of the plan....

 

Edit:

The Port side Aft Redoubt PE had a gap between the Plastic Redoubt and PE sheathing.... It was really bugging me and after some deliberation, I decided the re-form the Forward most "Fold," had to reform the rear folds also, re-attached and much better.... 🙂

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

 

 

Edited April 22, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Starboard Fwd Superstructure, 1st tier detail, applied to PE Sheathing....

After five hours, my eyes need a rest. 

It's much easier to apply the detail directly with the sheathing on the PE fret.

 

I was tempted to attach the remainder of the sheathing but I know better.... 🙂

 

Port side and photos tomorrow. I'll review installing after researching subsequent steps....

(The last thing I want to do is paint myself into a corner.)

 

Cheers....HOF.

Edited April 23, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Completed PE cladding for 1st Tier of Fwd Superstructure.

I have not yet installed the last six pieces of cladding as I have some test fitting/checking to do first.

 

Anyway, photos of the last couple of days work.... 

(PE fret photo: Top three are Starboard, bottom three, Port.)

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

I am pleased that I did not install the Fwd Superstructure cladding, I suspected and found, that there were quite a few plastic boxes, vents, etc, that are mounted on the cladding, both Fore and Aft Superstructures.

(These were contained in "Issue 83")

 

The moldings were absolutely terrible, I almost had to saw them out of the sprue!!

(There were seven "Deck Lights" that I did not bother with, they were pretty "Knackered" after removing these tiny pieces and at about 0.5 X 1.0mm, no one is going to notice.)

 

Anyway, cleaned them up and attached. (I am now a big fan of the wax pencil to pick up and position the tiny bits.)

 

I hope to install the PE cladding tomorrow. (I have to be so careful with the Railings.... I don't think they even like to be breathed on.... 🙂)

 

Cheers....HOF.

Edited April 25, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Installed cladding for the remainder of the 1st tier, Fwd Superstructure

(I should have taken a photo of that but once I get the next tier PE cladding installed I'll get some photos done.)

 

So, I got sidetracked with "Issue 119" which concerns mainly the Main Hanger Boat Skids that I was part way through.

(This was bugging me and needed completion.)

I had already built the four Skids and just had to mount them.

The two that hang off the sides, I initially installed about 2.0mm too far Aft and after checking the instructions and Rods' photo, (rvchima" Thanks Rod), I got out the "De-bonder" and re-installed in the correct place....

Skids on top of the Hanger were not too difficult.

 

I Primed the structure and the Aft Signal station.

 

Photos show the above with the Service Boats placed on thier Skids to ensure that I got things more or less correct.

(I like the small bit of color against the grey of the model.)

 

I'll carry on with the Fwd Superstructure tomorrow.

 

Cheers.... HOF.

 

 

 

 

 

[Old Collingwood]

Liking the look of that  - the boats so add to the detail.

 

OC.

[hof00]

4 hours ago, Old Collingwood said:

Liking the look of that  - the boats so add to the detail.

 

OC.

Thank you Sir,

The Boats are just "Placed" to ensure fit and no fouling... 🙂

 

I'm looking forward, (Sort of), to the remainder of the Fwd Superstructure cladding.

(The Aft Superstructure cladding was mainly one tier's worth, so, a no brainer, the Fwd, is at least two tiers.: 

I am in two minds to complete the 1st tier Platforms/Railings or work my way upwards in the order of instructions.

 

Which ever way I go, I need to be mindful of how fragile the Railings are. (As your good self would be only too aware. 🙂 )

I also need to be able to "Handle" the structure with a little bit of confidence.

Anyway, trying to mitigate any potential risk.

 

Feel free to offer any advice, that also extends to anyone who might be interested....

 

For now, I'll sleep on it.

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

 

 

Edited April 27, 2022 by hof00

[keelhauled]

Very nice work. The boats look great! 

[Old Collingwood]

If it was me  I would try to work on the different levels as  separate assemblies  (off the  deck)  and only  fit them when finished  - that way it avoids too much re handling.

 

OC.

[hof00]

5 hours ago, keelhauled said:

Very nice work. The boats look great! 

Thanks Marc!!

I'm getting used to the "Fiddle" factor.

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

[hof00]

4 hours ago, Old Collingwood said:

If it was me  I would try to work on the different levels as  separate assemblies  (off the  deck)  and only  fit them when finished  - that way it avoids too much re handling.

 

OC.

Thank you for the advice, appreciated.

 

I decided to work on the 1st level tier, AA Platfo9rms, Doors and Railings.

I don't have the luxury of building off the superstructure as the pieces are attached directly to it.

With todays efforts, I needed to turn the structure upside down to assist in placing/gluing bits, so, I think I made the correct call today.

Port/Starboard AA Platforms and Port side Railings done, tomorrow, Starboard Railings. (I might even be able to attach more superstructure PE cladding.)

Curving and installing the Railings is not my favorite task by a long shot.... 🙂)

 

I'll gat some photos tomorrow also.

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

 

 

[rvchima]

Harry,

I've been away from home for 10 days or so, and I got behind on your log. First of all I am so sorry to hear that you had to deal with Covid. I thought that NZ handled the pandemic much better than we did here, and am surprised that you ran into it. I hope that you are OK. Second, beautiful work on the cladding! I really struggled fitting the PE into those round gun ports. Some of my doors in the PE don't line up with the doors in the plastic. Yours look perfect.

 

Rod

[rvchima]

On 4/25/2022 at 1:17 AM, hof00 said:

(I am now a big fan of the wax pencil to pick up and position the tiny bits.)

I have been making my own pick-up-sticks using 3-M double-sided tape and whatever size wood sticks I need. I cut off a sliver of tape, attach it to a stick, say 1/16" x 1/8" or 1/8" square, and use that to position pieces. The tape only lasts for 3-4 pieces but it only takes a few seconds to replace it. I've been using the same roll for years.

[hof00]

1 hour ago, rvchima said:

I have been making my own pick-up-sticks using 3-M double-sided tape and whatever size wood sticks I need. I cut off a sliver of tape, attach it to a stick, say 1/16" x 1/8" or 1/8" square, and use that to position pieces. The tape only lasts for 3-4 pieces but it only takes a few seconds to replace it. I've been using the same roll for years.

Thanks Rod,

I'll "Stick,"  (Pardon the pun), with the wax pencil for now.

I got quite a few for $10.00 or so on-line.

 

Yup, thanks, well over the COVID thing, like the worst ever head cold/ flu.... (I think I picked it up at a recent funeral, hardly anyone was "Masked Up.")

 

Thank you for your kind comments. re: cladding. I'm still learning.

(BTW, I look at your Bismarck and am in awe!! 🙂)

 

I have a couple of questions for you....  What gar do you arrive at between Decking and  edge of the Hull? 1.0mm or greater? Do the Stanchions butt up against the Decking? (Thinking ahead for the Stanchions.... )

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

Edited April 29, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Completed the 1st tier Railings, it took me a few hours, primarily as I was not happy with yesterdays work, Port side.

So out with the De-Bonder and re-applied about 1/3 of this.

Starboard took me significantly less time to achieve a satisfactory result.

Just a few touch-ups required and a tad of filler around the redoubt PE and Deck. (Some Railings also need a "Tweak" here and there.)

 

Prepared the PE cladding for tier 2, attached all the Ventilators, doors, Ladders, Etc.

I should be able to install this cladding tomorrow.

 

So, after six or seven hours today, it's time for a break.... 🙂

 

Cheers.... HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Still working on the Fwd Superstructure, Tier 1/2

Not much to say really, PE cladding continues.... 🙂

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

[rvchima]

On 4/28/2022 at 11:35 PM, hof00 said:

I have a couple of questions for you....  What gar do you arrive at between Decking and  edge of the Hull? 1.0mm or greater? Do the Stanchions butt up against the Decking? (Thinking ahead for the Stanchions.... )

 

Frankly, I am dreading the 200  or so stanchions. 😳  My gap ranges from 1.5 mm at mid-deck to 3-4 mm at the bow or stern. The holes are right up against the deck most places.

 

On 4/29/2022 at 12:18 AM, hof00 said:

So, after six or seven hours today, it's time for a break.... 🙂

Aaagrh! You're wearing me out just reading about this. But keep it up - everything is looking great.

[hof00]

3 hours ago, rvchima said:

Frankly, I am dreading the 200  or so stanchions. 😳  My gap ranges from 1.5 mm at mid-deck to 3-4 mm at the bow or stern. The holes are right up against the deck most places.

 

Aaagrh! You're wearing me out just reading about this. But keep it up - everything is looking great.

Thanks Rod,

Last time I dry fitted the Deck, there was a gar of about 2.0mm on the Bow section, the rest were flush....

It's going to be interesting to get a 1.0mm gap on either side. of the Deck I'm not yet sure how I will approach this....

Thanks for the advice regarding the Stanchions right up against the Decking, it makes sense, not only from a drilling perspective but in placing these also.

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

[hof00]

Hi All, 

Small update:

 

Still working on the Fwd Superstructure, Tier two.

PE decking done for this level, it took me more than one attempt to get these pieces properly aligned and flush with each other, I used CA to attach with the "Capillary" action thing from both sides of each PE Deck piece.

 

Attached Railings for this Tier two.

These were a real mission, Starboard side anyway.... Port was easier.

I wasn't happy with the Starboard Rails, I de-bonded about 1/3, got rid of the excess CA on the Brass Deck and re-installed, better but not perfect.... 🙂

(I'm pleased they are done, and, with limited damage to Tier one Railings, just a couple of Rails bent, easily straightened.)

 

Tomorrow's task will be the forward-most cladding, Tier two.

(I'll be attaching PE detail to the cladding before installing.)

 

I'll get some photos done when this is completed.

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

 

[hof00]

Hi All,

Update:

 

Almost completed Tier 2 of the Fwd Superstructure, two Hand Rails, a Ladder and a folded Brass Box that I seem to have lost.... (I'll build a new Box....)

 

The work was concerned with the very forward cladding.

I began by placing  PE detail components on the flat cladding, makes things so much easier. There were a few really tiny bits, Cleats. I did manage to install these but I ask myself was it really worth it? You can't see them. I guess I know they are there.

 

Installing the cladding was a little problematic, there were a couple of gaps in the joining corners, these got filled and filed.

A very thin strip of wood was installed at the very top of the Brass and levelled with the Roof.

 

(I'll install the last components on this once I an happy with filling any gaps.

 

Cheers.... HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

 

[hof00]

Hi All,

Second update for today:

 

I have begun working on the FWD Superstructure, Tier 3 and 4 and I decided to post photos of cladding in progress....

(Just ignore if they seem a little repetitive.... 🙂)

 

It starts with Tier 4, I'm happy about this as it means that I won't inadvertently damage Tier 3.

(Anyway, enough for today, Tomorrow, Tier 3.)

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

 

 

[keelhauled]

Hi Harry

She's taking shape. It's a very cool process. I like the lookof th cladding 

Best

Marc

[hof00]

56 minutes ago, keelhauled said:

Hi Harry

She's taking shape. It's a very cool process. I like the lookof th cladding 

Best

Marc

Thanks Marc,

Agreed, it is definitely a "Process" and I think that I'm getting a little better at working with PE.

Like anything, when it's going together well, it's more enjoyable.

 

I had a quick count of the "Part-work" issues left to go, around twenty or so out of 140.

Am I close to completion? Too early to say.... 🙂

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

 

[Old Collingwood]

Looking  really nice  -  love the way the PE sheets  have the railings  as part of the  parts  and not seperate.

 

OC.

[hof00]

On 5/7/2022 at 11:38 AM, Old Collingwood said:

Looking  really nice  -  love the way the PE sheets  have the railings  as part of the  parts  and not seperate.

 

OC.

Thanks OC,

Yup, Railings integral with the cladding is definitely an advantage....

I still need to watch where my fingers go.... 🙂

 

Cheers and Regards,

 

Harry.

[hof00]

Hi All,

Update:

 

Completed cladding, Tier 3 and 4.

Not too many issues.

 

Last photo is the Ammunition Hoist that gets mounted on the front of Tier 4. (The "Legs" need to be straightened.)

I am thinking about replacing the "Whisker" thin PE bits. (Rod, (rvchima mentioned that this structure was "Difficult.")

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

Photos:

 

 

Edited May 8, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Fwd Superstructure tidy up/finishing, (Perhaps), day today....

Installed Ammunition Hoist forward most part of Tier 4. I decided against using the "Whisker thin PE bits and substituted 0.25mm Brass wire, much easier. 🙂

 

Tier 1 and 2 got the last bits installed on the very front of the Superstructure. (I lost the folded Brass box, Rod, (rvchima), provided the dimensions, (Thanks heaps Rod!!!), and made a replacement from Styrene.

(The superstructure look a little "Scrappy" but I am confident once primed/painted, it'll look much better.)

 

I think tomorrow I'll spray completed sub-assemblies with Acrylic Satin Polyurethane, something that needs to be done and it'll give my eyes a much needed rest.... 🙂

 

I have pretty much caught up with the "Issue" sequence. 

(Now up to "Issue" 121 out of 140, this really doesn't mean that I am close to completion.... I have had a look at the remaining "Issues" and there are many rather detailed and complex bits to install, inc. Decks, Painting, Etc, Etc.

 

Included with the photos, I have included photos of my sub-assemblies, just in case anyone was wondering, "Where's the rest of it?"

 

Cheers....HOF

 

Photos:

 

 

Edited May 9, 2022 by hof00

[hof00]

Hi All,

Small update:

 

Haven't posted anything for a few days, been busy painting.... 🙂

 

Started with primer for Superstructure thus far followed by the Light Grey and "Hand" painting the Dark Grey bits.

I figured I'd start with the rear Superstructure first for the dark areas.

I could not mask for an Airbrush so "Hand" painting seemed to be the most viable option.

I removed the Bo0at Skids on top of the Hanger as there was no way to comfortably paint the Hanger Roof without doing this.

 

Forward Superstructure bits were more straight forward.

(I hadn't actually done any small hand painting since my AFV days many years ago.... 🙂)

 

Vallejo Gold Brown used on the Grating areas, not a perfect match by a long shot but the closest not to be too noticeable once the Wood Decks go on.

 

Why haven't I painted the Aft lower Superstructure?

I need to go over this tomorrow and find the locations that a few "Vent Openings" have come from. (I don't like my chances of finding these as there is allot of complexity here, I'll  try anyway.

 

Cheers....HOF.

 

Photos: