Beyond The Sprues
Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Annual Clear your workbenches GB => Topic started by: finsrin on March 06, 2013, 04:46:16 PM
-
Sticking with my kitbashes end up 1/72 policy.
Revell 1/426 USS Arizona becomes 102ft long as 1/72.
Like to make it a gun Boat. Will be way different than previous airplane builds.
Only thing firm at this time is all those 1/426 portholes gotta go.
Rest yet to figure out as 1/72. Hmmmm....
-
Interesting........
-
This oughta be good! 8)
Try looking for 1/72 submarine and armor accessories for weapons. Also, check your local Lowe's or other hardware store and browse their "fittings and fasteners" aisle. I've found some really great little odds and ends there that are great for whiffing.
-
"fittings and fasteners",,, seems like a good tip - thanks.
Will look at 1/72 submarine, PT boat, and armor accessories.
"Interesting" and "oughta be good". Appreciated, will see how well I piece it all together.
-
Grease Fittings (http://www.lowes.com/Search=grease+fittings?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=grease+fittings)
These might be of some use. They're nice and small and come in straight, 45 and 90 degree angles. Gun barrels jumped to mind. Prices were from $0.99 to $2-3. Worth a look if you're in the neighborhood.
Also found out they have other "hobby parts" included brass and aluminum rods and sheets along with with wooden parts akin to dollhouse stuff but many wheels and other odds and ends. They're all in pull out flat drawers on the same aisle as the screws, nuts, and bolts, etc...
-
Don't forget to look at the figures made for the many Vosper and PT boats and subs as well. You can find the whole dock side if you don't want to build your own. There are plenty of aftermarket weapons and weapon stations as well for the ships and subs.
-
Thanks for the tips.
Revell 1/72 PT-109 kits are inexpensive here. Likely have one of those donate some of the parts.
-
My local Michael's stores has the 109 kit and with their 40% coupon they're under $15. Try there if you haven't already ;)
-
My local Michael's stores has the 109 kit and with their 40% coupon they're under $15. Try there if you haven't already ;)
Exactly what I did !
Three colors spray paint for Dauntless II were also bought that 40% way.
We be thinking alike.
-
Pleased to report:
Ship yard is in operation. There has been filing - filling - fitting - cutting - sanding - glueing taking place.
Three types of model kits. Four individual kits.
Fun meter is registering high on the scale.
-
Sounds great, finsrin! The most important thing is the Fun Meter!
I can't wait to see this baby!
Brian da Basher
-
Having fun is the most important part so good to hear!! Any updates/photos yet? How'd the trip to the hardware store go? Find any interesting parts?
-
Having fun is the most important part so good to hear!! Any updates/photos yet? How'd the trip to the hardware store go? Find any interesting parts?
Had "scope creep" doing hull mods for better maneuverability in narrow areas of archipelago waters. Time consuming !
Topside layout and weapons partly figured out. Some cutting-fitting done. Four 76mm guns have turned out to be a good replacement for Arizona's four 14" turrets.
Cutting flat stock to build 2nd deck. Raiding other models and flat stock to build the bridge. Using some of 1/200 ETV Waker parts.
Converting topside from 1/426 to 1/72 is involved. Some original parts are serving as 1/72 in their own way.
Just so happens a Hobby Lobby store opens in town 3/22. Never been in one. Look forward to seeing what it offers.
Not done the hardware store browse - is on list if needed.
Now at seven kits and three scales.
Will take/post pictures of what there is to show.
Bill
-
OK - Finally have some pictures.
More topside is in work than shown here. This shows basis on which rest of build goes.
Only bow thruster is glued, rest just set in place. Some paint leakage by masking tape to clean.
Has bow thruster and steerable screws for best maneuverability. Be good in tight places. Took lotz of time.
Front green deck is cut from PT boat. Has 1/72 scale hatch and life raft will be there.
Four 1/72 Sherman turrets fit well after cutting out center of original turret mounts. Have metal 76mm barrels for them.
Two most outboard secondary turrets on each side are now 50cal. Three viewing slots near 50cal turrets. 1/426 portholes to be filled. Port holes on hull filed off.
So much more to do.
-
This is cool. Can't wait to see what you do with the bridge and what not.
-
looking good...... :)
-
NICE!!! She's taking shape man 8)
Might I suggest an armament upgrade though? If you're going with 76mm main guns, then you should step down your calibers, IE, add some 40mm Bofors, 20mm Oerlikons (25mm bushmasters maybe?) and THEN .50cals. Just an example, not sure the time period for this gunboat. You'd want something with a very high rate of fire but still some punch while the 76mms are pounding away methodically.
Keep at it man!
-
Finsrin, your Arizona gunboat is beyond cool!
Man just to have one tenth of your limitless imagination...
Brian da Basher
-
Thank you for comments and support of concept-build.
About armament:
Could replace 50cal with 7.62 miniguns for defense against boats/swimmers/repelling boarders. GAU-8 from 1/100 A-10 look the part.
2x 20mm tri-barrel turrets (add armor) from Cobra helicopters on 2nd deck.
-
I couldn't help but think of a modern version with Abrams tank turrets and Bradley or LAV turrets with 25mm guns. Each would have thermal sights etc to be able to pick out targets. Excellent work and a clever idea.
-
If model was 1/350 Arizona there would be room for larger turrets. At least M60 main turrets. Like to build one with modern turrets. M1 turrets as main battery - sweet :)
1/232 USS Olympia (107ft as 1/72) and 1/225 USS Oregon (112ft as 1/72) are candidates for 1/72 armored gun boats.
-
Finny!!!! SITREP yesterday mister!!!! >:(
Hope she's coming along and all is well on your end man.
-
With "sort out the stash" plus Spring yard and car projects/stuff, will have to post it later. Also want to finish PBH-417 build.
Am enjoying all the other Floaty builds. Impressed by collective creativity and build skills here at BTS :)
-
Bit of progress. White plastic is next deck up.
Front position shows support for Bushmaster gun deck and deck placed on support.
Bridge will be just aft of Bushmaster.
Circular tubes under rear of white deck support where armored 20mm turrets will mount.
Bushmaster and 20mm turrets are built. Bushmaster is open with shield in front of standing gunner. All three turn and elevate.
White deck will have sides at edges going down to deck below.
White rectangles on rear deck are hatches over two Caterpillar C15 853hp diesel engines.
-
I couldn't help but think of a modern version with Abrams tank turrets and Bradley or LAV turrets with 25mm guns. Each would have thermal sights etc to be able to pick out targets. Excellent work and a clever idea.
Your suggestion has stuck with me. Did buy a 1/350 USS Arizona. This 1/426 is 102ft as 1/72 and 1/350 is 125ft. Has more room though not a big increase.
See two options:
> Four M48/60 turrets
> Two Abrams turrets. One fore, one aft. After plastic surgery to decks.
Be a one size up armored gun boat. Open to hearing turret preferences from BTS.
Might do it next before finishing PBH-417. Take advantage of Arizona lessons I have learned while they are fresh.
-
I'd go with the Abrams. The M48 (or M60) turrets may be the lighter option but the Abrams has the firepower, protection and better computers.
-
I'd go with the Abrams. The M48 (or M60) turrets may be the lighter option but the Abrams has the firepower, protection and better computers.
With room for Bradley or LAV turrets with 25mm guns - per kerick.
Be a dynamic duo of gun boats.
-
That's just wicked cool, finsrin!
I can't wait until you launch this sucker!
Brian da Basher
-
Maybe do something similar to the 155 mm/52 MONARC:
(http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNGER_61-52_MONARC_Hamburg_pic.jpg)
-
Never seen a ship-turret set up like that. Is zactly concept of gun boat main armament.
Probably installed via photoshop in this case !
-
No, the German Navy tested it extensively in real life in an attempt to use an "off the shelf system" to provide their ships with heavier firepower. It didn't work as planned though as the turret proved difficult to navalize, IE make watertight... I don't know if they're still working on it or not.
http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNGER_61-52_MONARC.htm (http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNGER_61-52_MONARC.htm)
-
Yes, it was a real trial (sad that these days people can question photos as being possible "photoshops" :(, though I do understand). One of the reasons for this proposal is to gain some cost savings through common projectile designs/supply chains etc - i.e. since land systems are heavily focussed on 155mm, why not use the same for naval platforms rather then calibers such as 5-inch (127 mm). Interestingly, the Zummwalt class should be the first to adopt such a solution with their 155 mm/62 caliber Advanced Gun System. It is planned that a battery of two 155mm AGSs (as planned for each Zummwalt), firing-rocket assisted Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP) will provide precision strikes and volume fire at a range of up to 83 nautical miles. This system is equivalent to twelve 155mm howitzers and will see a three fold improvement in naval surface fire coverage when compared to current capabilities.
(http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/ddg1000-03.jpg)(http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/ddg1000-05.jpg)
(http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/ddg1000-construct02.jpg)
-
I've seen that elsewhere & I seem to recall it is an actual fit - a testbed of some kind for navalising the gun & weapon systems?
???
Guy
-
I'd go with the Abrams. The M48 (or M60) turrets may be the lighter option but the Abrams has the firepower, protection and better computers.
With room for Bradley or LAV turrets with 25mm guns - per kerick.
Be a dynamic duo of gun boats.
I could see using either the M1 or M60 turrets. There should be surplus M60 turrets around to convert plus the fire control and armor could be upgraded as done by several countries operating the M60. However the M1 has the 120mm gun so might be more expensive but have a bigger punch. The M1 fire control would be in place already and be able to target objects while dealing with the motion of the ship in the water.
A concept of a field expedient gunboat being built out of surplus equipment would suit the M60 turret while a purpose built one would suit the M1 turret IMHO.
I've always imagined a platform similar to an oil rig armored and armed to protect some sort of vital resource or passage. This would be similar to the gunboat concept.
-
Nice project!
There was a British project many years ago called the Autonomous Patrol Gun, which was basically a navalised Centurion tank turret with its 105mm L7, intended to provide a low-cost means of shooting up patrol boats. According to D.K. Brown it never got anywhere with the RN because the admirals got hold of it, gave it auto-loading and high-elevation, then complained that the price had shot up... ::) I have an old naval Weapons Book from about 1980 that still lists it as a Vickers private project though....
-
Did a phase one cleanup of model room. Cleared away top layer of clutter. Previously scratch built upper deck of gun boat appeared. Have a 1/72 Dragon Wagon cab which is an ideal fit and look for the bridge. Had good start on scratch building a bridge. Awkward tedious build with some model parts and some scratch made parts. Dragon Wagon cab is likely best thing out there to transplant as a bridge. Couple easy mods and its ready for sea duty.
This is good news here at my stalled shipyard.
-
Good to see you back on track with this build. Amazing what you can find on the bench when you clean it.
-
Back to gun boat build.
Started off to put door in rear of bridge. Went with side doors. Need to wall off rear.
Bridge is 1/72 Dragon Wagon cab.
Two 20mm turrets are from 1/87 T-34 then got plastic surgery.
Higher fore & aft Sherman turrets probably get range finder blisters.
Need front shield on 25mm.
Sides of white (to be wood tan) 2nd deck need to be scratch built.
Front (green) deck cut from PT boat will be wood tan.
Need to design mast, include radar.
Open to suggestions.
Attached pictures show current status.
-
Glad to see some action on this build. Can't wait to see this done! Are you going to go Navy grey or coastal camo?
-
Great choices on the turret types. They look great. The whole thing is pretty marvelous even before the paint
-
Glad to see some action on this build. Can't wait to see this done! Are you going to go Navy grey or coastal camo?
Good question - dunno.
Have link(s) that show coastal camo ?
-
Here's one that looks coastal.
http://www.warfaresims.com/?p=696 (http://www.warfaresims.com/?p=696)
Finnish Navy during WW2 fighting the Russians.
http://forum.worldofwarships.eu/index.php?/topic/168-finnish-coastal-defence-ships/ (http://forum.worldofwarships.eu/index.php?/topic/168-finnish-coastal-defence-ships/)
-
Look up the various tropical green dazzle schemes the USN used on its amphibs during WWII. Plenty of variety and ideas there.
Look under: AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS & LANDING CRAFT
http://nautilusmodels.com/camouflage.htm (http://nautilusmodels.com/camouflage.htm)
PT Boats, APDs, AGPs, ARGs, and IX-110 among others carried them in addition to the category I listed above. Look through the long list for those other designations. If you want paint chips of the colors let me know and I can show you a scan of the master pattern with all the greens present.
She's looking great man! Time to start adding all of those little sundry details now. You going with figures at all?
-
Thanks for your input guys :)
Firstly --- Recommend everyone with a floaty interest look at Finnish navy link provided by kerick. Had no idea of these ships. Thatz high end top of the line armored gun boats. So much firepower packed into 305ft ship. WOW
> Will be browsing those camo schemes. Maybe apply camo to above main deck stuff.
> Have a 1/72 metal 25mm Bushmaster barrel to replace plastic one. Plastic barrel is about 75mm size. Will give gun a more correct look.
> Ordered 75mm metal barrels for Sherman turrets. These are 75mm gun design turrets, not 76mm.
> Two rectangles behind aft turret are hatches sized right to R&R Caterpillar C15 853hp diesel engines which are in turn sized right (close enough) for hull.
> Standing 1/72 figure sizes right for bridge door.
> Designations: With several battleship kits of various scales, a range of smaller to larger 1/72 gunboats can be built. Thinking of designations like GBL (Gun Boat Light) for less than 75mm main guns, GBM (Medium) for 75-90mm main guns, GBH (Heavy) for 4"-5" main guns, GBVH (Very Heavy) for above 5" main guns. Might use AGB for Armored Gun Boat and GB for non-armored gun boats which are faster etc...
-
I'm just bowled over by how you so effortlessly you blend so many parts of varying scales together, fins.
If you painted it all in primer and told people it was a high-end kit from Japan, no one would doubt you.
I am humbled by your genius, sir.
Brian da Basher
-
Thank you --- but,,, I'm not at build level/skill you perceive.
What you don't see in my build (all builds) pictures is the bumbling screw-ups clean-ups and redo tries.
"effortlessly" - does not apply.
"humbled" "genius" - Thanks again, though applies more to other BTS posters than me.
Bill
-
I'm liking it! :D
I might even steal the idea for a couple of RAN gunboats in my Royal Australian Marines AltHist universe. ;)
:)
Guy
-
I'm liking it! :D
I might even steal the idea for a couple of RAN gunboats in my Royal Australian Marines AltHist universe. ;)
:)
Guy
By all means,,, please do.
Love to see what you and anyone else comes up with building 1/xxx scale ships into 1/72ish gun boats.
-
Yes, it was a real trial (sad that these days people can question photos as being possible "photoshops" :(, though I do understand). One of the reasons for this proposal is to gain some cost savings through common projectile designs/supply chains etc - i.e. since land systems are heavily focussed on 155mm, why not use the same for naval platforms rather then calibers such as 5-inch (127 mm). Interestingly, the Zummwalt class should be the first to adopt such a solution with their 155 mm/62 caliber Advanced Gun System. It is planned that a battery of two 155mm AGSs (as planned for each Zummwalt), firing-rocket assisted Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP) will provide precision strikes and volume fire at a range of up to 83 nautical miles. This system is equivalent to twelve 155mm howitzers and will see a three fold improvement in naval surface fire coverage when compared to current capabilities.
([url]http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/ddg1000-03.jpg[/url])([url]http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/ddg1000-05.jpg[/url])
([url]http://www.jeffhead.com/usn21/ddg1000-construct02.jpg[/url])
Is this ship upside down? ;)
-
Does look like upper hull plans got printed inverted and ended up getting built that way.
No one will admit it, so build got finished as in pictures.
To avoid a defense contracting debacle everyone says this is how it was designed to begin with.
-
Tis fall,,, am beginning cleanup of extra messy model room so some manner of kitbashing might begin in 2-4 weeks.
Parts of gun boat got scattered by chaos of summer. As parts are found during cleanup they will be deposited in one container.
When model building is feasible want to start with something or two less complex than gun boat before jumping back into it.
With 16 1/1 car models in build or maintenance I get distracted. Though should add to archipelago air force in a ~month.
Happy building to all you. Sorry - didn't get to commenting on enough your summer builds. But am liking em..... :)
Bill
-
Really stunning conversion - the use of the turrets and mixing of the scales really work out well - Do you have anywhere where the finished project can be viewed ? Would definitely like to see it all together in all its final glory - Once again like to thank you for sharing your great build with us.
-
Appreciate your interest. I too would like see it "in all its final glory"
Is oldest of three stalled in-work model projects. Got immersed in seven 1/1 car projects plus garages plus car meets.
Model building room became disfunctional. Needs major clean up. Don't know where all the parts are. As car season winds down in Fall I will have more model time.
On positive side --- have started clean up. I see the improvement. Though anyone coming in room would not know it.
Thanks
Bill
-
I think I can speak for all your ardent fans.............We will all be waiting patiently to see the Arizona in all her Beauty being launched in 2016.
It has been a really inspiring build to watch and am sure many modellers who have seen this have a totally new look at 1/350 Battleships !
All the best with your Hobby Den Spring clean.
Herman
IPMS
Cape Town
South Africa
-
Surprised to see your posting on Gun Boat -- Thanks.
So happens,,, I gathered up some of its parts last week. Missing one Sherman turret. Its in messy room somewhere.
Those recent purchases (see Ooops bought) recluttered the place. Did take truck load of kits to garage Thursday. Still too cluttered to build.
While coulda been cleaning was studying how to build 1/48 E-2C as 1/72 something. Slow start, now making progress on that. Must put that aside and get back to getting model room operational again.
Herman; hope your statement "am sure many modellers who have seen this have a totally new look at 1/350 Battleships" is correct. I see them thru 1/72 tuned eyes.
-
Good to see you getting back into modeling action. I've pondered the tank turret gunboat for quite some time. Some day I might just build one.
-
I give ship kits a 2nd look for 1/72 potential. 1/426 Arizona is common inexpensive kit at swap meets. Ideal for first try at this.
Lot of 1/125 to 1/600 kits that otta work. Depends on what want resulting build to be. Cutting-sanding off non 1/72 stuff is important get 1/72 looking result.
Forward deck with hatch is cut off 1/72 Revell PT-109. Common inexpensive kit around here. Enjoy figuring out total configuration and what does and does not work.
1/125 to 1/350 ships can also become 1/48 gun boats.
Love :-* to see someone else build one. Of better-same-lessor fit-n-finish not an issue for me. I build for enjoyment at my level. No ego involved.
Keep in mind for scaleorama GB should it get voted in !
-
Ship hull is one thing. Gathering up several 1/72nd tank kits to rob the turrets from is another.
-
Have seen 1/72 Panther and Sherman resin turrets on Ebay. Don't have to buy complete tank kit.
Is where I bought gun boat turrets.
-
Bridge is off for rework issues.
Attached pictures show progress on deck and guns.
-
Awesome.
If you need some 1/72nd scale raw material, PM me.
-
It's great to see an update on this fantastic floaty thing!
Love the deck work and look forward to seeing the new bridge.
This is one of the best nautical scale-o-ramas I've seen yet!
Brian da Basher
-
Made progress. With bridge and mast mounted, the main items are done.
Are numerous small things to do and to get parts for.
Maybe a sailor or two on deck would help.
Pictures attached.
-
Looking great Bill. Keep up the good work.
-
Looks like a million bucks and I really like the new wheelhouse!
Have you considered adding tail fins? Just think of the increased speed & intimidation factor...
Brian da Basher
-
The wheel house does look great. A couple sailors would give the mind a reference to what scale it is. Looks fantastic all around!
-
Looks very Russian.
-
Thanks all. Good to hear you are liking it. Is rewarding to have this much done. Made a lot of work for myself with parts not meant to go together and scratch building.
Looks Russian - Hmmm,,, is that because bridge is set well back ?
-
Think it's because I've seen Russian gunboats of similar design somewhere.
-
The Finns had some interesting ships similar to this.
-
Looks like a million bucks and I really like the new wheelhouse!
Have you considered adding tail fins? Just think of the increased speed & intimidation factor...
Brian da Basher
Tail fins can block guns. However could add chrome exhaust pipes !
-
Great look! That Arizona hull works like a charm
-
I am so happy to see you making some super progress and this amazing creative build.
Been regularly popping in since you started this Project Big fan of your work