OT: 1/700 water line ship models

[SqzMyLemon]

I'm currently struggling my way through Tamiya's 1:350 KGV. Progress has been slow but I hope to post some pictures after I've got more to show on her. I'm also about to embark on a crazy idea of building a Trumpeter 1:350 North Carolina for one of my current PBEM partners and am just waiting for the kit to arrive. I'll post pictures periodically if anyone is interested in seeing it constructed or finished.

I love this thread. I know the site is primarily game oriented, but it's great to see other interests expressed that add to everyone's enjoyment and interest in the subject matter of the game we play.

[jeffk3510]

ORIGINAL: Mundy

ORIGINAL: jeffk3510

I almost pulled the tripper on the ginormous Trumpeter Saratoga... Initially 150 bucks, down to 25 on clearence at Hobby Lobby... what the hell was I thinking not to get it and store it for when I have more room in the sunroom...

That is definitely a steal. I've been tempted to use the weekly 40% coupon on the Alabama they have here.

While dealing with the Arizona, I've been letting myself get destracted by a 1/350 PC-461 that I bought. It looks to be a relatively light build, with a one-piece hull and top. It is a resin kit, though. I bought replacement 20mm and 3" guns for it.

I've had a soft spot for subchasers since UV. (only the strong survive)

The Arizona had two empty tubs on top which were slated for 1.1" guns (with 3" guns as a possible interim). Must fight the urge to put something in there. I bought a replacement set of 5"/51s and will be making the casemates "open" to see the whole thing. The turrets in the kit look so bland.

Ed-

I love that coupon.

[John 3rd]

Hi Guys.

The Family and I have been working on our models and we are having issues with keeping the decals attached to the vessels/planes. What do people recommend to seal the decals?

THANKS!

[CaptDave]

In the model railroading world, we use Solvaset (I think it's a Microscale product). There are other decal setting solutions available, but that's the most famous brand name. Check in the paint section at your hobby shop. Might need to make a trip into Denver to Caboose Hobbies.

[Lokasenna]

You can also try a clear coat varnish. Matte or semi-gloss depending on your taste.

I haven't done this method on historical models, but I have used it for wargaming models. It works alright there. I'd try it on a small one first, or perhaps on an extra decal on a piece of sprue, to be sure that you like the look.

[nashvillen]

Put a gloss coat on the location for the decal, place the decal, use solvaset (partial dissolves the film holding the decal together), then when totally dry, matte finish.

[nashvillen]

Here is my latest build (not done yet, hull stripe is waiting on me getting some masking tape, Measure 12 blotches, and touch up paint):

1:250 Tamyia Fletcher, with Eduard detail parts

Without flash:







With Flash:







Bridge Detail:



I am not the best modeler, but I find it very relaxing and my skills are getting better and better. First time using etched metal parts, and I like it! I need to break out my airbrush on the next one!

[wdolson]

ORIGINAL: CaptDave

In the model railroading world, we use Solvaset (I think it's a Microscale product). There are other decal setting solutions available, but that's the most famous brand name. Check in the paint section at your hobby shop. Might need to make a trip into Denver to Caboose Hobbies.

I think Solvaset is the same sort of stuff from a different company. The Microscale stuff is Micro Set. I've used the Micro Set and it usually does a good job. Though it took a lot on the old decals for my Airfix Spitfire from the 70s.

In the aircraft modeling world a lot of people use Future Floor wax now as a final coat. You can adjust the level of gloss/flat by mixing it with ammonia before airbrushing. Dipping canopies in Future also does wonders to make them clearer so you can see details inside.

nashvillen: The Fletcher is looking very good BTW!

Bill

[John 3rd]

Thanks Guys! We'll look around for some and get it done.

[John 3rd]

Additionally, we LOVE Caboose Hobbies. We keep looking for a detailed CA-5 Union Pacific Caboose to match ours:




No luck as of yet.

[nashvillen]

Thanks, John. Nice 12 in to the foot caboose you have!

Solvaset is a Walther's product, I believe.

[Mundy]

Nice Fletcher. It's on my short list to get.

My current project. Moving slowly this time.

Ed-

[Schanilec]

I remember sometime back, I think the old WitP forum. Someone in Germany or Austria had built a 1/32 scale escort carrier. Quite impressive.

[nashvillen]

Mundy, is that a CVE or CVL? what scale? I have been wanting to get one of the superdetailed 1:350s of them.

[Schanilec]

Looks like Independence - class.

[Schanilec]

Couldn't find the 1/32 scale. I did google a 1/72 Casablanca - class being built. Looks real fine.

[Mundy]

ORIGINAL: Schanilec

Looks like Independence - class.

Yep... Dragon's 1/350 CVL-22. This kit's a true work of art. I have no inclination to replace any of the armament.

Some thing were a bit maddening to work on, like the stacks. Knowing what I do now, I would have assembled them differently.

Ed-

[wdolson]

If anybody is interested, Dragon Online USA has just put the 1/350 Independence on sale for $99. It looks like the latest release has extras in there the earlier releases didn't have. They also have a pre-release offer of $79 for the Italeri 1/35 scale PT boat. Italeri also has released an update kit with parts to make a PT gun boat including the 40mm for the stern. I think this is the first time anybody has released a PT boat that was anything other than the early war Elco (PT-109 or other boats that had the same layout).

Bill

[John 3rd]

Bill: Do you recommend a nice 1/350 of a Japanese CV or CVL?

[wdolson]

I don't think anyone has ever released a 1/350 Japanese CVL. The only CVs I've seen are the Akagi from Hasegawa and the three from Fujimi. There may be something in resin, but I haven't paid much attention to that market.

I've never seen any of these kits up close, but the reviews I've read have left me disappointed. One review said the Fujimi kits are essentially upscaled 1/700 scale kits with roughly the same level of detail. I think the Akagi is a little better, but the Japanese have largely fallen behind the Chinese in kit detail. Zoukei Mura (aircraft only) and Tamiya's large scale aircraft are the only modern exceptions I can think of. Though Hasegawa still beats the Chinese in parts fit most of the time.

I do have the Hasegawa Gambier Bay. If you bargain hunt you can find it for about the same price as the Dragon 1/350 Independence class, but comparing the two, I think the Independence is a much more detailed kit.

I did get a Hasegawa 1/350 Japanese DD from Squadron when they had one of their deep discount sales. It retails for around $100 and I don't think it's worth that. The box is so big I put a couple of other 1/350 ship kits inside. The kit itself is pretty close to on par with Dragon's 1/350 destroyers like the Gearing or Benson. It looks like it will be a nice build. But I wouldn't pay full retail for it.

The yen has weakened against the dollar in the last year. If it weakens any more, maybe some of those Japanese kits will become more affordable? The Japanese kits may appear so expensive in the US due to the exchange rate.

Sort of rambled there...

Bill