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Other Stuff => Workbench => "Build Something" Contest => Topic started by: Gunbird on 11 January 2025, 12:07:28 PM

Title: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 barge frame
Post by: Gunbird on 11 January 2025, 12:07:28 PM
Is the idea I've been toying with for a while, so many options and ideas for this....
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Michi on 11 January 2025, 01:32:18 PM
I‘m looking forward to see what you‘ll bring forth…
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 11 January 2025, 09:34:46 PM
I‘m looking forward to see what you‘ll bring forth…

Same here! My trackrecord isn't particularly good, but hey, motivation and all that.

After a bit of a brainstorm I've settled on something for my 15mm AK-47 collection, something that can be a POI, a jump off point, or just background scenery.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeEblUhHLtckwQsgrPD6BX6RMLNSdyFbgNe8JrwyxMB3yS2juyDMzm6Yw9zgMeoLunl5BCsU3h1YO2AdU_kMJCESCSgSkK06myulsrNJtwiO68VF2HEsfH9I2DMI_xesRuiX7l9oSScOwn1U9weVIb_RO5jiTxSBrYN-RMnuWFl_pj86Wz9TBlHYFRxjx/s1300/le-traversier-a-maputo-quitte-le-quai-de-maputo-pour-traverser-a-catembe-sur-l-autre-cote-de-la-baie-de-maputo-d0510d.jpg)

I've chose for this type of Ferry as it is easier to dock alongside the harbour, and due to its size I can easier store bases of troops or vehicles on deck.

I recently picked up a few Heller 1/200 Trawlers just for that, and it is going to be a lot of work.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VG835RxuEdl4RyqnCa1k-QWhKwgh1EBbSG7TJPY0mKDZlY4syE9t77JYNoHa8XQD5D_rfsTbFbOnX1qdl1EvbZGBWAu_AZ9w_Qht9OroPa8Mpt5ivZG9iOAoTKOBldPJA-6eWOu9wXUIEEyn7J50DuMhzWdukMgZS_USuEsqLMKj5FyMHAT4R3qSmFqx/s800/Volontaire_Marie_Jeanne_BA_01.jpg)

With time and effort I want to turn it into this:

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh-KIdxcjRsLzAEuS-f_s4ooHcSrbObU-RpTdUZMDuY6NSIEJepZLNwTpx0z-y9sJZ0LR_3uBu-XdYX6K1gXXuhiAqFHszCn6Ph2cfJ5vA6ISnOGU-dMse2aSnRma1vPx5fw9hrKbPMQhXpVunOxOhbOTLQ2PqI_bEo7ZPIszERd4Y7QrB5DM_NRDHuWs/s562/Volontaire_Marie_Jeanne_BA_01%20modifed.jpg)

I've built one of these before, and the hull is a decent thick and strong plastic, so the base will be fine. Getting the superstructure to fit 15mm.....now that will be the challenge. Making sure the deck is cleared and it has folding ramps seems like less of a challenge right now, and the painting......so much rust and weathering......is right up my alley.

Now to ponder about a name for this vessel...
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Lost Egg on 11 January 2025, 09:46:50 PM
The Voltaire?

It does look like quite a bit of work but will be cool, good luck sir.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Burgundavia on 11 January 2025, 09:47:47 PM
Ooh, exciting. And welcome back to BSC!
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: has.been on 11 January 2025, 10:14:53 PM
For AK47, I'm interested. :)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Ragnar on 12 January 2025, 06:43:44 AM
This will be amazing to see in progress.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 12 January 2025, 11:57:37 AM
And it seems I'm breaking the rules before I even got started.

Quote
"The vast majority of the piece should be scratch built, and only 0-25% can be commercially bought items or figures, including commercially-created 3D printed pieces.

So, back to the drawingboard it is.

I've sent out a PM to confirm but even I'm pretty sure my current idea violates the rule.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: snitcythedog on 12 January 2025, 06:10:24 PM
And it seems I'm breaking the rules before I even got started.

So, back to the drawingboard it is.

I've sent out a PM to confirm but even I'm pretty sure my current idea violates the rule.
If you use just the exterior sides, then you should be OK.  May be more work than you were initially looking at but it would work. 
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 12 January 2025, 06:25:49 PM
If you use just the exterior sides, then you should be OK.  May be more work than you were initially looking at but it would work.

Nah, it would still feel like taking the mick out of the rules.

I'll find something else.

Edit: And then there is rule 7. "Conversion of commercially-bought items is allowed also e.g. as long as it is a major 'refactoring'. Another example could be a plastic aeroplane kit: adding a couple of extra parts to the kit would not be sufficient to qualify, but having some of the parts from a sprue on an entirely new build would be fine. Again, if in doubt, please ask."

As my forte is taking a standard model and rebuilding it a lot, I'm not sure I have the skills needed for this competition. That or I am severely overthinking.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Burgundavia on 13 January 2025, 03:18:44 AM
You'd be good if you used the hull and built a whole new superstructure or heavily modified the existing one. The hull is the hard shape anyway, so the superstructure can be jank as all get out.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 13 January 2025, 10:25:59 AM
If you say it's good, I'm good. I'll grab the sketchbook and a box of parts, plasticcard etc and get to work this weekend.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Burgundavia on 13 January 2025, 05:09:29 PM
Awesome. Sketches and inspiration pictures only until the 1st, so lots of time to plan and think.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Codsticker on 14 January 2025, 05:05:51 AM
I'm really interested to see how tackle this as I have been thinking of building something similar for some Pulp Alley games.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: mikedemana on 14 January 2025, 07:54:06 PM
About the most backwater ferry that I've seen in my travels was on a visit to Belize and the ruins of Xunantunich. There is a hand-cranked ferry for crossing the river:

https://youtu.be/_0TVTLmMKpI?si=TG_N3LYGTo8xqw6a

Not my video, but it's an idea...  :D

Mike Demana
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: AKULA on 14 January 2025, 09:10:23 PM
Interesting idea

 :)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 14 January 2025, 10:57:26 PM
About the most backwater ferry that I've seen in my travels was on a visit to Belize and the ruins of Xunantunich. There is a hand-cranked ferry for crossing the river:

https://youtu.be/_0TVTLmMKpI?si=TG_N3LYGTo8xqw6a

Not my video, but it's an idea...  :D

Mike Demana

Fun indeed, but too small for my needs :)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 16 January 2025, 09:23:29 PM
Spent some time researching the Ferry I've chosen and found out these sail from Maputo, Mozambique. There are several ones, and they look a like, but they are not identical, so I will most likely steal some parts from the various ones that fit my skills best. My hands are really acting up atm so the H0 bits box, the punch, blank plasticcard and time will be my friends. I won't add crew, glass will be black or bluetone. Cream/white hull superstructure, baby blue hull. I'll need to cast up a ton of tires and add bumper strips to the hull. Glue in a magnet here and there to add a crane (as suggested) or some ZPU as self defence against overly agressive seagulls or something. MPFUMU (a worthy AK name by itself) has a nice closed superstructure.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzK9ThQsaMPFmpTu6ShTUyHYiw3OVfc8FriQLgeibn4DdV4GqZ6SmW5Acovsp2SCqI6Mosxy3N4Iwozh2VewcOtgpiIQnKabhw7Iu2GJMnuoFmmDjo-Ejjq9FbM4zkAlk33HV-lLAkkM8MJ4S7oM4GKSa1kclRRZ3Tu4i007cdo5J0MQxCUu9-iY-9bI5V/s1600/african-ferry-mpfumu-maputo-mozambique-feb-to-catembe-dhow-background-seen-feb-near-maputo-mozambique-31911460.jpg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LAeJYkGtTDzycgUyAnDb5mrr2OlM0Oh5prr5ygzEwl-OvEzvvKbHz6Gx03Y8xz9bg81GY_M4RGEXv1CnTgr0zU2ipmqTVrJZyHGYajMGtXSvGPz-oeQUsi9rZ5VXXNF3OthFWy2zY6HBUBV0jKLoa7rsvYWrMoM1dLp-76bq7WjnG0LM9isvLPzeud6b/s711/2017-01-07.jpg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0pe9IjWRbJUFCbPAI0StExgK0XeC0PKg4Wlp6ZKl6YVuI9XS3si09xbnfu5hTSzUCVlTLikca-hZDlQVaFZE0a1Z9jjXrdQd_l1bpr6oxNYQjkXz6g3g-mYIHaBPqXPLdPzOZxoobipDZnyuZuUPdeWra-eyVDca0e-e-wHdtVCFBFjaYxiXCeenBN29/s730/BAGAMOIO.jpg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YORUKQnte_zvWa9Cjks6XNSzFi5MfxDVS_JbuF7B_tLn2Wx_755H7MH61ZXk341GTBq2d8iVf2i2dIQs0NcncOkVmvOoFwRddYRrXitQOVq6UrjfxJfaL2b9jabSeOeTSMcT7uFe-sRVE9XCCd6_7vT9mFg03C4nkEM4b5BtFxfSlbgHdCmLN5JNVsNz/s1024/7801671356_fcd1418e90_b.jpg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZbb0awjf3P-QdVLLeOkUtp3veXnqGsZcQufbVCIbhcTr7czcZu9bmv-LEbC9Pi8ZVGFPhnNdbuwLeWe2CSen3i8-FlZJD28wUqrLANiffbuilWrNqCSSM8Rq5R-aZt2vJiGtAerLYxa1QuXvN5A-SUDkkSUDvpoKLmnGe3BTv3w1Rn7zJyxYDkOzoH_q/s1600/old-ferry-sub-tropical-background-near-maputo-beach-31614490.jpg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9aYtMKOhTEwjlaju9xhPpY2Ygms6vRtRJxHhGtsFJeFjAMg4yVHXnePicqBiLayESALvq3HZxcQ3g77C3UQ2dLYrjR80TaHabR5SG7WqjMdJCiGvubhDRgdMK6udGdfLG9CChR_DrQ27yq7c0bQZzTnufgecrlI6OW345ynpiZI-q5ZUbtaozf07YD1z/s1300/le-ferry-commence-a-s-eloigner-du-quai-pour-traverser-la-baie-de-maputo-maputo-a-catembe-d050yt.jpg)

I have to say, I feel like the odd one out with how I build stuff compared to the other entries, but hey, what else is new :)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Codsticker on 17 January 2025, 02:44:39 AM
Lol 'MoCargo'. I see the Home Boys Shopping Network has diversified.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 21 January 2025, 02:30:13 PM
I had some more thoughts about the original plan and it just won't do. Looking at the parts and time needed to fabricate a lot of them from scratch, it would still be too much original parts.

So....back to the drawingboard. A Ferry I can build with just plasticard, wood and whatever kit trash bits I can find.

So....this is the new plan.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlzqoxa6_CFv6uRUuB_syIFCqrJEhbxejzQwPkKFAMLRcHJBIMWSkCwsLdifPb-hyvZQVONe77Syik_QxMHPIkOAM6-DF0LM70jE2swgMGHf_SQJ7k3GTgu0fZsb1cUUYe8F29au8clSWQzdXvD0NoPlYDM3-mmuYxwFD34nnl6Q4C8Y8GOjy44Z7HgW-/s1620/large_371127312710b06e82a.jpg)

Now to draw out the dimensions and make a card mock up as I want it to be able to carry single tank stand in AK-47 (not realistic, but neither is AK-47) and I want to get this right :)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Mick_in_Switzerland on 21 January 2025, 02:42:02 PM
That looks interesting and doable  ;)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Burgundavia on 21 January 2025, 04:52:36 PM
Doable is always a good goal. We imagine grand things but built and on the table top is better than grand and undone.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: snitcythedog on 21 January 2025, 11:02:02 PM
So....back to the drawingboard. A Ferry I can build with just plasticard, wood and whatever kit trash bits I can find.
To be fair, I like this design better.  It is much more interesting. 
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Gunbird on 21 January 2025, 11:46:06 PM
To be fair, I like this design better.  It is much more interesting.

Yes, but remember it is 15mm, so not as big as you think. Maybe A5 size. The original planned vessel was about 3 times that size. But I'm rather busy with other builds as well so it is for the best this is a bit smaller.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - Sketches
Post by: Gunbird on 24 January 2025, 08:07:36 PM
Putting thoughts to paper. Used 5mm graph paper so it is to scale.

Seeing as this is for AK-47 I'm focussing on the 3cm and 4 cm wide bases with various depths as the rules prescribe.

I've measured up a Ferry that can hold 2 cars, a truck or a tank, and a larger one that can hold 3 cars, 2 trucks, maybe 2 tanks (though how on earth you can fit a tank on a 4x4cm base as described in the original rules is beyond me). Added a bit of width so I can fill it up with  3x3 cm infantry bases as well.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus0d-V0yi0FV_b3Dllg-boLcTSwL7i3FE0Y6nvS7Pe0XnykzAKBaf7l9R13AZNg5hYZYYmOOdj3oFJyG-_qPXWtTNO3zNCTzoVFggoRDJAHGkx5Twox2_7G-UTjWnnNd_mhwHkwLOgxtg4XGEA8EJvuBxZ_B-tMicuks3Ipf7rIfQimxt7odC_jTk16OC/s2282/1000019648.jpg)

I have almost all of my cars/jeeps based up on 3x5 cm (it's just easier to stick to the same size for storage as well) so this Ferry would fit 2.

 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeh-caZIyGk8JecVRpDqWO5ZeVoWu9V55gnKr9dLDtlrDCmCzBrxFEhnrXr65-7s-m-Wt5ZR039SOR1VSO5NqWxgWjucHzdCB-cMvSmr_oSuA9o6aU6xjPCP6HgecvZBBMab7_3eomsn_j3FRQUZrfyhujhviyt4pslPpJDPTDkmMJ7udhqS-lnbog7AyW/s2443/1000019649.jpg)

This one should fit 3 car bases.

I'm not planning on making 2, just one of these. At the moment I'm nudging myself towards the 3 car base sized one. Engines will be either covered up or open, and I could grab some very basic 1/72 inline aircraft engines from my spares box and use those with some sprucing up. The rest will be plasticcard, bits and what not.

Mind you I can't cut a straight line to save my life so that will be interesting :)




Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 24/1 Sketches
Post by: Michi on 24 January 2025, 10:28:45 PM
I'd go for the XL length ferry, because it could hold an articulated truck (semi/trailer) too.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 24/1 Sketches
Post by: Burgundavia on 24 January 2025, 11:41:53 PM
Ooh! Diagrams. I too would go for the longer. It isn't that much longer and it will be more versatile
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 24/1 Sketches
Post by: Codsticker on 25 January 2025, 12:48:27 AM
Ooh! Diagrams.

+1 for diagrams. :D
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry
Post by: Spinal Tap on 25 January 2025, 07:06:03 AM
Doable is always a good goal. We imagine grand things but built and on the table top is better than grand and undone.

Isn't that the truth, I started imagining Howl's Moving Castle before scaling down to a smaller walking building.

In my opinion the change to a more basic ferry is not only sensible but has some great opportunities to show off your modelling and painting skills.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 Barge frame
Post by: Gunbird on 08 February 2025, 11:50:03 AM
Jeez, look at the time.....

Sat down, cut and sanded the base frame made from discarded fireworks, glued, sanded it again and now it is ready for the sheet of plasticcard and work up from here.

I have an idea how to do the foldable ramp, found some parts that should help with the engine pods, but besides that not much else. Ah well, doing my best.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvf9d9JO097bGEVavp29OKVMWrS7IFpYfAZyOrxXWM88gGYysNkb2z7iQusBgyq-QmSp4GSE1oOnh4p8Z1KHi6eWWC0oR_VZHEiFwP_E78fgrn-OAcPnm9AYezII281PcT1Wj76acILbPdrugUtcmUoOYjAmH8ZAROaXvyqTcV__Sw8LndRi5f8Ph-RY_/s4080/1000020098.jpg)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 barge frame
Post by: snitcythedog on 08 February 2025, 12:55:24 PM
The frame is looking good so far.  Starts are always bare bones. 
I have an idea how to do the foldable ramp, found some parts that should help with the engine pods, but besides that not much else. Ah well, doing my best.
At that scale, you might be able to find some piano hinges or doll house hinges that can be cut to size.  They would be easy enough to conceal within the build. 
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 barge frame
Post by: Gunbird on 09 February 2025, 01:02:15 AM
At that scale, you might be able to find some piano hinges or doll house hinges that can be cut to size.  They would be easy enough to conceal within the build.

If I had the money or time, I would. But I have plenty of paper, brass wire and aluminium tubing that will have to get the job done. I'll find a way. Fortunately only one ramp has to be foldable, the back one is fixed. Somewhere next week I'll have time to start on the plastic work. I hope.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 barge frame
Post by: Gunbird on 09 March 2025, 02:35:57 PM
Lessen learned, don't do 2 Group Builds at the same time. As I was organising one myelf, my focus lay there and not here.

Admitting defeat, i will not be finishing this for this group build, but will do later at my own leasure as I will be needing more naval assets for my fictive country anyway.

Goodluck to the rest of you :)
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 barge frame
Post by: Lost Egg on 09 March 2025, 03:10:35 PM
Shame to see you backout Gunbird but I hope you manage to get it done in the future.
Title: Re: BSC 2025 Gunbird's Backwater Ferry - 8/2 barge frame
Post by: has.been on 09 March 2025, 04:38:15 PM
Shame, but understandable that you are withdrawing.
I look forward to seeing it finished at some future date.