TITANIC by Force9 – Trumpeter - 1/200 - PLASTIC - White Star Liner

[Force9]

 

The Forward Well Deck Bulwark (Starboard)

 

Time now to install the starboard bulwark replacement… Let’s see how it fits.

 

I made the section a bit longer on the aft end so that I could carefully file the end a bit at a time to get a perfect fit.

Once satisfied, I first cemented down the forward upright side – paying particular attention to aligning the facing of the new section with the outboard hull edge.

Next, I cemented down three strips along the base and lined up the new piece with the hull across the bottom – again paying particular attention to exact alignment to the outer hull surface.  Since there is a slight curve to the hull along this edge, I divided the strip into three sections so that there wouldn’t be any tension pushing outward along the length of the new bulwark.

Lastly, I cemented the aft edge to align with the edge of the hull – paying particular attention… blah, blah.

The small gaps are fine… easily filled in and smoothed over at a later step.

You can see the significant improvement in the scale width of the bulwark.  Not to say it is exact to what the true scale would need to be – but close enough for me.  Using the .020” sheet gives enough stiffness to work without the risk of warping when the inner details are applied.

I did not add the inner stiffeners and other details “off the model” ahead of installation.  That would be wasted effort if for some reason I messed up the fit and alignment of the new section and had to start over.  (ask me how I know) Instead, I’ll add those details in situ after I’m satisfied with the fit.

 

The gap that is created with the thinner bulwark will be handled with filler pieces.  Once the Scaledecks piece is in place, the space will get filled with the “Limber Board” that overlays on top of the deck along the inboard edge of the bulwark.

 

I’ll follow up to show some of the detail in place, then move on to the aft well deck starboard bulwark.

 

Cheers,

Evan

Edited November 23, 2024 by Force9

[Jeff59]

Love the dedication to this, can see this build is going to be running for a while 😂 brilliant.

[Force9]

Aye @Jeff59...

 

I'll be at this for a while.  Should be able to bump up my progress over the holidays.

 

(Looks like you've taken on quite a bit in your Bismarck build... You've gutted her!)

 

Cheers

Evan

Edited December 17, 2024 by Force9

[Force9]

 

Fo’c’sle Railing Detail

 

Before proceeding I need to attend to another detail up forward… 

 

Around the Fo’c’sle there should be a lip that extends above the deck.  It serves as a wash plate and supports the base of the railings.  This is not accounted for in our kit, but I think KA or Pontos includes a solution in their photo etch offering.

 

We can see it in the detail of the Father Browne photo referenced earlier:

First, I’ll file down a bit of the existing edge of the Trumpeter kit -just down to the existing coping strip.  This will allow the new strip to be seated down a bit to be even with the deck.

Next, I’ll chisel away the kit coping strip.  This'll be added back later:

Everything is now prepped to add a strip of angle styrene:

I’ll extend it the length of the Fo’c’sle for now… I’ll eventually need to trim it back to allow for the details that affix to the very front of the bow.

 

Lastly, I’ll need to add the new coping strip to the very top outer edge of the angle strip. This should all align a bit better to the actual ship than what Trumpeter has in place.

 

Cheers,

Evan

Edited December 17, 2024 by Force9

[Jeff59]

All this hull plating must be driving you nuts 😂 not to mention the strain on your eyes. A really exceptional model indeed. I just know this is going to be very special.👌

[md1400cs]

Exceptional work - very much enjoying following your log 

[Force9]

@Jeff59 - The hull modifications have not YET pushed me over the edge... Stay tuned.  Speaking of temporary insanity - Great to see your progress on the Bismarck.

 

@md1400cs Thanks for keeping up with my build.  I appreciate the encouragement.

 

 

More Starboard Well Deck Bulwark Detail

 

I’ve made progress on the Well Deck.

 

Details have been added to the interior of the bulwark:

Sliding bolts, bulwark stay rods, etc. will be added at a later stage. I’ll likely utilize the KA PE versions of the rigging pad eyes.

 

The exterior has also been refined a bit.

 

You can see the doubling strake is in place as well as doubling plates.  These plates are only the underlying beds at this point… I will come back and add a top layer to these using the thinnest styrene sheet that will include the rivet pattern.

 

Additionally, the coping strip has now been extended across the new piece using .10” x .20” Styrene strip. This is also added along the top edge of the Fo’c’sle wash plate that was recently added. 

A bit tricky to keep it straight along the edge – a small metal ruler was a useful guide while gluing.

More fun to come.

 

Cheers,

Evan

Edited yesterday at 02:54 AM by Force9

[yvesvidal]

Trumpeter should definitely hire you to improve their models.... 😄

 

Amazing work.

 

Yves