USS Los Angeles by BrianK - FINISHED - 1/200 - Kartonowy Swiat - CARD

[BrianK]

The decals were custom done on a laserprinter using white waterslide paper. I did the depth marks and boat numbers (725 for the USS Helena) and added the tomahawk tubes also for the Helena. Looking back I wish I had spent more time getting the black color right. Graying it down would have blended the decals better.

[BrianK]

Hull painting was next. Tamiya masking tape and brush painting. I added silver to black to dull down the bow and stern to match the paper 'black' color of the main hull. A mix of caboose red and brown and white got the anti-fouling color pretty close.

[BrianK]

I put the propeller on and then the stern planes.

[BrianK]

or some reason I did the display stand here using 1mm cardstock and redid the name plate changing from Los Angeles to Helena.

[BrianK]

The sail was next with final touch up painting to hide glue lines and fix the masking tape leak throughs.

 

So its finished. I am not sure which skills need more improving, my bulkhead seams or my putty work. 

I will say I thought this would be an easier model but it turned out to be hard. Any deviation from symmetry in a model like this shows up easily (I reattached the planes several times) and there are not a lot of details to distract the eye and hide the flaws! 😃 

 

I did learn a lot and this kind of project is humbling and inspiring. I am taking at least one card model to Thailand in May and will have 3 months there to work on it. 😃 

 

BTW, former USS Helena Captain Paul Dinius, (mentioned above) was kind when I showed him the model. He said there is no way he would have the patience to tackle something like this. When I complained about the dents and poor putty job. He said it looks about right for a working boat that has been in service for over 40 years.....

 

 

[BrianK]

Thanks for all the thumbs up guys. Chris none of the three kits below have butt joints that I am aware of. 😃 I will put one in the suitcase this spring to have something to do at the farm outside Bangkok.

 

Regards,

Brian

[Nirvana]

Brian, 

I just finished reading your build log.
I am impressed with your patience and determination. 
You did a great job with all the rolling of paper.
Coming to an end and leaning back and saying "I did it" is always a good feeling.