Amerigo Vespucci by Bill97 - OcCre - 1/100

[Bill97]

Ok my friends it has been a bit since my last update. Some big advancements since then. One problem I encountered, just like Daniel, when installing the “square” portholes is getting them to sit flush with the side of the ship. On the actual ship these portholes are flush but the kit supplied metal pieces are to be just glued to the side. I wanted them to light up along with the other portholes as well so have the holes drilled out.  I ended up carving out the depth of the square port holes and set the pieces into the side of the hull. I then began the process of painting the four distinctive colors on the hull. A lot of masking and painting, masking and painting. I initially planned to airbrush the colors but eventually settled for using a brush.  I added the brass port hole inserts. The actual ship has these painted the same as the stripe but I left them brass. I still have the OcCre green to add to the bottom of the hull and a bit of touch up to sharpen a few places on my lines. I also want to fine tune some of the painted square port holes to make them a bit more distinctive. 

Edited October 16 by Bill97

[Bill97]

Added the trim along the top of the deck and touched up some paint here and there. 

[Bill97]

Spent the time since my last update working at the stern. I added the captains balcony, the supports under the balcony, doors, the navigation lights, the decorative balcony rail including the Amerigo Vespucci name, and the lower stern decorations. 

[Bill97]

Spent most of my shipyard time since my last update working on the starboard side of the main deck. I opened up two entrance ways similar to the actual ship. Added the blue curtains over the storage lockers and the storage cabinet at the end. This is an upgrade of sorts from what OcCre has if you follow the instructions. The photos show the same area on the actual ship and what I did. 

[Bill97]

Been a bit since my last update so I would catch up with what I have been doing. Have spent my available time in the shipyard making small items that will be added to the ship. OcCre supplied metal stairs for the four main stair cases that were to be painted like wood. I did like the appearance much so I decided to cover them with veneer, stain, and varnish. Still need to make the handrails. Also started making the elevated watch platforms, two for each side.  Used copper wire and solder to form the rails and canopy cages. Will still need to file down the joints. And finished up the bridge adding rails, stairs, storage cabinets and radar units. 

[Hubac's Historian]

Coming along nicely Bill.  Your paint lines are crisp, and that’s a huge improvement to the kit staircases.