Korean Turtle War Ship by wim500 - FINISHED - Young Modeler - scale 1/65 - wood

[wim500]

Already a few years ago I was looking to a documentary (Discovery) about the battle between Korea and Japan. The Turtle Ship had the leading role and at the end I know that I had to build this ship. I have made searches on the internet and could only find one kit from Young Modeler (South-Korea). There is also a 1/100 scale kit, see the nice topic about this ship from Mike Szwarc – it's because of this topic I could not let the box closed anymore .

 

Some wikipedia: (full text: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle_ship )

 

"The Turtle ship, also known as Geobukseon(거북선), was a type of large warship belonging to the Panokseon class in Korea that was used intermittently by the Royal Korean Navy during the Joseon Dynasty from the early 15th century up until the 19th century.

The first references to older, first generation turtle ships, known as Gwiseon (귀선; 龜船), come from 1413 and 1415  records in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, which mention a mock battle between a gwiseon and a Japanese warship.
However, these early turtle ships soon fell out of use as Korea’s naval preparedness decreased during a long period of  relative peace.

Turtle ships participated against Japanese naval forces that supported Toyotomi Hideyoshi's attempts to conquer Korea from 1592-1598. Korean admiral Yi Sun-sin is credited with designing the ship. His turtle ships were equipped with at least five different types of cannon. Their most distinguishable feature was a dragon-shaped head at the bow (front) that could launch cannon fire or flames from the mouth. Each was also equipped with a fully covered deck to deflect arrow fire, musket-shots,
and incendiary weapons. The deck was covered with iron spikes to discourage enemy men from attempting to board the hip. Claims that it was iron-plated remain controversial."

 

A replica is shown in the War Memorial in Seoul.

 

 

Controversial or not, I will build her covered with the iron spikes.

 

Some pictures of the box and its content:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And started already with a dryfit - total length will be 60 cm:

 

 

[john46]

Hi Wim,

 

This is a very interesting ship indeed. Will follow your build.

 

Regards

John

[Bahamas Diver]

I saw the same documentary. I also searched for a kit of it and found the same kit. I have not yet purchased it though. I am really glad to see you build this ship. I will definitely be watching your progress.

[Adrieke]

i must say this is certainly a special ship

 

wil be following to see how it turns out

[wim500]

Thanks for looking in, you're always most welcome.

 

I have started with the pedestal frame. I used some oil,  the reason why It's still a bit shiny.

 

The hull is not so complicated, very flat but it's according to the original ship.

With a little help of "Lego" I glued the first five frames:

 

The planking will be layered and frames are already prepared for it by the manufacturer:

 

I'm satisfied with the first results:

[edbardet]

I am very interested in this kit. I have been trying to find plans to scratch build it and have had no luck. None of my inquiries to Korea have had any response, so the kit is probably my best bet.

Please keep up posting.

Ed

[Anja]

Hello Wim,

 

This is something very different. Haven't seen anything like this before.

 

It seems all the action on this ship is happening below decks. I wonder what's down there.

It will be interesting to follow you on this one.

 

Good luck with the build.

 

Take care,

 

Anja

[Sjors]

Hi Wim,

 

Amazing what kind of vessels they are building.

I will follow your build!

I'm curious how this comes to an end.

 

Sjors

[wim500]

Ed, Anja and Sjors, thanks for looking in and your comments, it's appreciated.

 

@Ed

Until now I haven't found any plans either, this kit (or the 1/100 scale from Young Modeler) was the only option.

@Anja

Below decks it must be very crowded. There were about 60 to 80 oarsmen and about 60 marines aboard. The marines should take care of at least 10 cannons at each side and the sulfur gas or cannon situated in the dragonshead.

 

@Sjors

It's indeed amazing how many vessels there are - most interesting for us as builders.

This ship is an upgraded Panokseon-ship, also a Korean warship. You can read more about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panokseon

[xavjar]

Excuse my ignorance but I’ve never seen or hear of this vessel before, she should make a fine build. I’ll be following your log with a lot of interest,
 

Cheers Phil,

[wim500]

Hello Phil,

 

The same with me, before I watched the documentary I had never heard about this vessel either.

Thanks for looking in .

[MSzwarc]

Hi Wim, it will be interesting to see the larger kit go together, with its interior details. I keep thinking I'm nearly done with my build of the smaller kit, but there's still so much to be done. Good luck with your build.

[wim500]

Thanks for looking in

 

@Don Farr

Hi Don, this one is indeed the one with the interior details. However it's more than a year ago I bought it on ebay they still have them in stock: http://www.ebay.nl/itm/220435859097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_29118wt_906

 

@MSzwarc

Hi Mike, you're most welcome to follow this one. I kept the kit in my closet for more than a year, but after looking in your buildlog ...... .

Have to say I like the kit, nice wood, fine drawings,etc.

[xavjar]

Hello Phil,

 

The same with me, before I watched the documentary I had never heard about this vessel either.

Thanks for looking in .

 

Hi,

 

I'm sorry I missed that program it sounds as though it was a good watch, I'll have to keep an eye out for it you never know it might get repeated.

 

Enjoy your build mate, I'll look forward to your next update,

 

Cheers Phil,.

[JeffT]

I have this model also. My wife is from South Korea and wants me to build it. Its also available here:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220435859097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[wim500]

Jeff, she is easy to build, so it's not so hard to satisfy your wife .

 

Seven planks on each side were enough to close the hull, no difficult bending.

 

Overview:

 

First modifiation is upcoming.

This is according to the instrucions:

 

And look at this photo of the replica:

 

It's not quit the same  .

[Anja]

Hello Wim,

 

It is indeed not quite the same.

 

But with your skills and talent, the modification will turn out just fine.

Will you be drawing the modifications yourself on the basis of the replica? Or do you have another source?

 

Good luck with the modification and take care,

 

Anja

[wim500]

Hello Anja,

 

Thanks for looking in.

This photo of the replica is my best resource. but I think it's sufficient enough for the modification.

[Sjors]

I've got you Wim,

 

You are not building this vessel because it looks fun but there is not much planking! 

Very nice replica.

 

Sjors

[riverboat]

HI Wim: ...... You certainly  do some interesting builds, this should be right up there with your Chinese  Pirate Junk, I'll be keeping tabs on your progress, I enjoy your work.

Frank

[mtaylor]

I've got you Wim,

 

You are not building this vessel because it looks fun but there is not much planking! 

Very nice replica.

 

Sjors

 

I would have thought it's because there are no ratlines. 

[wim500]

Thanks for looking in .

 

@Sjors/@Mark, you really got me, not much planking and no ratlines, the perfect ship for me to build .

 

@Frank, I really do like these kind of ships and next to the Pirate I build an Egyptian merchantvessel (Nave Egizia), I'm considering a reposting of it.

[Sjors]

Wim,

 

Don't consider but post it!

 

Sjors

[Ship Shape]

This is a most excellant war ship and I am enjoying your build.......looking forward to more.

Rick

[wim500]

Thanks Rick and here is some more.

 

First the bow (rounded planks):

 

 

Parts of the mast foot:

 

Dryfitted in ship:

 

The tail of the ship must be extended with three pieces, now trying to repair the small gap with sawdust and a bit of carpenters glue.

It's not done yet.

 

Preparation of the maindeck:

 

Overview (dryfit):

[Anja]

Hello Wim,

 

Nice job on the tail. It will look good once it's finished.

 

Take care,

 

Anja

[john46]

Nice progress Wim.

 

Regards

John

[wim500]

Anja and John, thanks for the nice words .

[Sjors]

Morning Wim,

 

It is still a strange vessel but what you are doing looks great!

Nice progress.

 

[wim500]

Good evening Sjors,

 

It may be a strange vessel, but I like her

 

The last photos for this weekend, the rest of the week my employer wants me to be in the office .

 

Bending sideboards - 5mm x 5mm cherry.

First soaked in water of course.

 

 

And the first modification of the tail (not finished yet).

Furthermore I want to hide the gap at the right side - I'll fix it, but need some time to think about that.

 

Edited March 17, 2013 by wim500