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Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: Damas on 01 February 2011, 07:39:12 PM

Title: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Damas on 01 February 2011, 07:39:12 PM
Ho ho, they say, not another steamer thread.

Stay with me now.

About two years ago, just before meeting the wife-to-be, I had an almighty clear out of all things modeling.  Yes that's right, 20 years of lead mountain o_o donated to a couple of school clubs or recycled, tools thrown out, scraps and oddments finally hoovered up and the man space tidied up. :'(

Then wife :-*, marriage, new job, stress from new job.  So the wife goes; "Why don't you start your modeling again, it'll allow you to wind down in the evenings."  Now after some uncharacteristic tears and a really strong cup of 'doctored' tea, I found this place and inspiration struck.

Back story over.

I've picked up a few Russians for VSF/pulp but I still wasn't sure where this was all leading so I flicked through the archives and saw a few inspirational steamers and thought that would be a fun thing to do.

So, the vision.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5342170113_4976967cde.jpg)
Now with a basic shape I worked out that the hull should come out a 36 inches and about 6 inches wide looked good.
Then I went and got two A1 sheets of mountboard and started cutting!

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5401500170_c669691459.jpg)
I drafted a rough waterline profile and blocked off the compartments and then used t-beams spaced 3 inches apart to raise the sides of the ship.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5400897633_9e7e1c69a4.jpg)
Here is the main hold, to the left is the main bulkhead, to the right is the bow bulkhead with doors to the fore-hold.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5400901205_9474ef0c0d.jpg)
Here is the bow with the intermediate deck started.  I then realised that the upper decks wouldn't be supported.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5401503008_04e4ca8b57.jpg)
So I added a bunch of supporting ribs as per the real thing.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5401505870_80b00d10aa.jpg)
And some of the side plating to start supporting the ship.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5400912771_0f3327656d.jpg)
I then raised the bow ribs, added the chain locker and a bunch of other bits.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5400911433_e42df2ba7e.jpg)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5400914085_9c161fd0a0.jpg)
Here I added the top of the main cargo hold, the hatch and a secondary hatch for access to the coal bunker.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5401510184_970009499b.jpg)
Now you can see the stern half deck (not sure what that is going to turn into yet.)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5401520094_001421e346.jpg)
The bow is now built up fully, the plating all done (I hate compound curves in cardboard) and the upper deck supports sorted.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5401521436_ffc3d1a2b4.jpg)
Rear deck now ribbed and plated up to the main deck height.

Now with all that done so far since new year I'm going to do a bit of fiddly stuff as a break.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 01 February 2011, 07:43:44 PM
Wow, this looks very impressive  :-*

cheers

James
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Mancha on 01 February 2011, 07:45:28 PM
Welcome back!  And the more steamer build threads, the better.  This one is already looking inspirational.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Colonel Tubby on 01 February 2011, 07:48:23 PM
Ho ho, they say, not another steamer thread.

Ah! But 'what another steamer thread' it is! This is looking to be a very impressive build!

I look forward to following this project so please keep the updates coming!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Ray Rivers on 01 February 2011, 08:03:13 PM
Goodness that looks quite excellent.

Too bad it is only 36 inches long.   o_o

 ;)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Michi on 01 February 2011, 10:00:25 PM
Ho ho, they say, not another steamer thread.


Never too many. What a start, man! Go on, enjoy us with more progress!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Bugsda on 01 February 2011, 10:20:14 PM
Brilliant! I couldn't do this stuff even if I had a Luger held to my head, I'm so jealous of your modeling abillity  8)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Calimero on 02 February 2011, 12:17:21 AM
Ho ho, they say, not another steamer thread.

Never too many. What a start, man! Go on, enjoy us with more progress!

Indeed. Fantastic work so far 8)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Wirelizard on 02 February 2011, 12:27:18 AM
(I hate compound curves in cardboard)

I can imagine! This is looking awesome so far, I love that almost all of the inside of the hull looks like it'll be accessible to game in (the decks do come off, I hope?), and the fact that you persevered with compound curves in cardboard (!) makes the hull look great.

We must see more! Like Michi said, there can never be too many pulp steamer projects!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Braz on 02 February 2011, 12:42:54 AM
 :o Fantastic work. Love how you are building it up with all the detailed sub pieces. It could be played on right now as if it were in a shipyard.  The hull looks wider than 6" though; probably just the photo angle. Going to use this method when I build my ship...eventually. Thanks.  Any pics with figures for scale?
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Melnibonean on 02 February 2011, 12:46:17 AM
Great work. You could base a whole game just on the ship itself.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Damas on 02 February 2011, 07:11:29 AM
Great work. You could base a whole game just on the ship itself.

The ship was designed to be gamed with (and on), and not just as a shelf filler so all areas are accessible.  All decks lift off and doors open where required.

I have fudged many areas and of course I'm not modeling the majority of the infrastructure of the ship (anyone who would want to rivet count and then detail a three inch foul water pipe feeding a static tank would need serious help! ;D)

The next round of pictures will have some figs in for scale.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Hammers on 02 February 2011, 10:09:11 AM
A right nice'un! I don't think we can have too many steamer projects. Each one seems to do it slightly differently.

What a nice wife you have, btw.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Patrice on 02 February 2011, 10:22:47 AM
Very impressive work!  :o  I am thinking about building a tramp steamer but I don't know how to do it... This will help.

And, sorry about your discarded lead mountains, but, yes... This should be studied by ethnologists: the traditional ceremony, in our remote wargamer tribes, when young men must suffer a painful but necessary ritual process of deWarhammerization before they enter the adult world (and this rite being often accompanied, sooner or later, by a parallel process of wife-ization).
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Andym on 02 February 2011, 10:32:03 AM
Nice!! :o I like the idea of being able to play through it. I feel looking at it that there should be small 28mm shipbuilders making it though. A model ship built like a real one, impressive!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Luthaaren Von Tegale on 02 February 2011, 12:48:38 PM
Quote
A model ship built like a real one, impressive!
just what I was thinking. That is a great looking model so far.

On the compound curves in card - how do you do that? I've had a few attempts but usually give up and I now fudge the whole thing.

vT
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 02 February 2011, 01:21:41 PM
A right nice'un! I don't think we can have too many steamer projects. Each one seems to do it slightly differently.

Sorry to go OT a bit but could we have that as a long term Build Something Contest maybe. Bit too much perhaps  ???

cheers

James
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: gauntman on 02 February 2011, 02:27:20 PM
 :o Outstanding....that ship will be a gaming table unto itself.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Damas on 02 February 2011, 03:13:29 PM
On the compound curves in card - how do you do that?
The easy way to describe it would be 'it's magic'.

The hard way is by working out where your curves will go, drawing directional lines in parrallel on the card and then using the edge of a table to gently roll the card in both directions until it starts to dome and then do the same over the corner of a table.

This pulls the fibres of the card out slightly (it helps if the card is warm to the touch) you then need to fit the shape to whatever you are plating.
(I should mention that I use a strong supporting ribbing for this to work properly.)

The plate is then given a very thin coat of pva on the convex plane, this allows the pva to contract slightly on drying, assisting the curature of the plate.

Do that a dozen times and you have a bow!

As previous posters have said "too many ships is simply not enough"

Well, would it be wrong of me to state that I've already thought of making a Nile steamer, steam packet ship, Russian Monitor and possibly a wreck or two as extras?  That plus an Aeronef?  :D
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Doomhippie on 02 February 2011, 09:13:31 PM
As long as you keep posting pics you are welcome to build each single ship on Earth... :D
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: warrenss2 on 03 February 2011, 11:31:53 AM
I've got to keep an eye on this thread!  :o

Excellent work!!!!

Quote
So the wife goes; "Why don't you start your modeling again, it'll allow you to wind down in the evenings."
--- Why can't I find a woman like that? Or, better yet, one who would game and push lead around.  lol

Warren
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Luthaaren Von Tegale on 03 February 2011, 12:31:42 PM
thanks for the tips Damas - I'll be giving that a try for sure.

vT
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Tars Tarkas on 04 February 2011, 01:58:15 AM
Great start and a beautifully planned project.
I'll add another vote to the "can never have too many tramp steamer threads" sentiment.
I've always been frustrated that there aren't more pulp steamer stories out there for inspiration.  Louis Lamour wrote some great ones, and the OTR "Voyage of the Scarlet Queen" episodes are very good, but I want more!
I built a steamer myself, but it's far short of your artistic levels.  Still, I hope to make it the starting point for a host of adventures across the South Pacific.  From Kong-type islands to duels with pirates and hostile subs, the pulp atmosphere available can't be beat.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: zbizek1 on 09 February 2011, 01:15:15 AM
HELLO DAMAS, ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO ANY GAMING TABLE (IF YOU CAN FIT IT ON) MAKES ME VERY ENVIOUS OF YOUR SKILLS WOW! REGARDS MARK
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Hammers on 09 February 2011, 08:46:44 AM
We are all glad you like it but please don't use all caps.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Andym on 09 February 2011, 12:19:56 PM
Maybe he think Damas is deaf and he's shouting? ;)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Hammers on 09 February 2011, 12:22:08 PM
That's like saying you should use caps when you write to a blind person.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Damas on 09 February 2011, 01:37:01 PM
Eh?  What?  About two thirty I think.  :D

also, update this weekend.  ;)


D
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Ignatieff on 19 February 2011, 08:24:45 AM
Outstanding work!  You just cannot have too many boat building threads!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Sangennaru on 19 February 2011, 09:24:35 AM
also, update this weekend.  ;)
mmm is saturday, it is the weekend: i want the update!!


amazing work. what i like is the sobriety and the precision of the project: no cartoonish proportions, it just seems to... work XD
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Mr.Dodo on 21 February 2011, 02:41:27 PM
So far I declare that the best Steamer project I have seen. So... nautical! Looking forwards to seeing more.
 Also like what has been said about the 'dewarhammerisation' ritual. I too moved from New Wife wanting rid of 'all these toys' to being encouraged in my sanity keeping hobby that see's me staying in ( as in 'he doesn't get out much') and happy.
Full Steam Ahead!
 
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Patrice on 22 February 2011, 09:29:14 AM
New Wife wanting rid of 'all these toys'
Do not flinch under sexist abuse. When I hear a woman muttering something against "toy soldiers" I always answer very seriously and politically  : "Why are you talking such sexist nonsense!" It usually works  :D lol Playing toy soldiers is a fundamental Right of Manhood that should never be denied by womanhood! NO SURRENDER to sexist anti-wargame female bigotry!

OOoops a bit carried out of topic, sorry  :-X
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: syrinx0 on 02 March 2011, 02:18:37 AM
Looking good so far but we need more pics...

Would you go so far as to model an engine room or leave it open for gaming?
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Damas on 02 March 2011, 08:04:47 AM
Well chaps,

My "this Saturday" turned into a bout of man-flu giving me a temperature of 102 so modelling took a side place to spinning lights and sweats!  Then the next weekend was relatives and the next was a full week of work away from home.
Now having lost a month somewhere (I'll check under the table later) I'm almost ready for an update, with a reference figure for scale!

Regards all,

D
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: warrenpeace on 05 March 2011, 01:03:23 AM
Damas, if you need some detail bits to finish that up, Reviresco has some really good detail bits for ships.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP
Post by: Damas on 07 March 2011, 08:06:14 PM
Update time!!

Here are a couple of updates of some detail bits I've finally been able to fit in between work and, well, work.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5401524092_4e0d167878.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5401524092/)
Here is the start of a scotch double boiler

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5507036664_cee2775734.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5507036664/)
T'other end

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5507038338_ee16829487.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5507038338/)
Close up with riveting

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5506441255_81c1fd370f.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5506441255/)
Here are some nice valves and dials, just waiting for the painting

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5507041012_e146fa6bda.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5507041012/)
Here we have a triple expansion engine, full of gubbins

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5507043372_c1f2746798.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5507043372/)
T'other side with a control station

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5506447007_fc6dc45bf5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5506447007/)
Here is a potential Captain figure for scale

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5506450877_68ebfb6a43.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5506450877/)
Here are the components in place

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5506452075_4a711056b9.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/damasrojere/5506452075/)
Engine room, looking aft

Along with these bits, I've started updating the hull sides and adding a bit of structural re-enforcing.

Update at some point when work now permits!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Colonel Tubby on 07 March 2011, 08:11:59 PM
WOW! This is turing into one impressive build! Your attention to detail does you credit!

I'm looking forward to seeing what your going to come up with for the bridge and cabins!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Evilcartoonist on 07 March 2011, 08:25:48 PM
Are you kidding me?! Awesome!! Great boilers, and I LOVE that engine. :-*
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: D@rth J@ymZ on 07 March 2011, 08:33:11 PM
That is an impressive project on a massive scale.  Fantastic.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Sangennaru on 07 March 2011, 08:37:21 PM
LOL! again, your skill is making me traumatized. i wish i have the methodicity of your!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Damas on 07 March 2011, 08:38:58 PM
Well, it was the Zepp that inspired me to start!

Maybe I'll do a zepp docking tower to swap out with the main forward deck and we can have a FULLY integrated game at some point!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Hammers on 07 March 2011, 09:49:15 PM
People are have *really' been jacking up the standards for steamers lately... :)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on 07 March 2011, 10:03:43 PM
People are have *really' been jacking up the standards for steamers lately... :)

Well, that's getting weird. Seeing that amazing madness I feel myself like a novice in this hobby.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Uncle Mike on 07 March 2011, 10:58:40 PM
WOW! This is brilliant! The best I've ever seen...and big enough to be playable! Bravo!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Captain Blood on 07 March 2011, 11:26:08 PM
This is an Admiral Benbow quality build. At least. I can say no more.
Gobsmacked.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Hawkeye on 08 March 2011, 01:35:35 AM
That detail is STUNNING. I feel clumsier than my eleven month old son. Not to put down mini-Hawkeye, or anything, but, you know.... those boilers! And that engine!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Andym on 08 March 2011, 08:29:28 AM
Feck me!!! Wow!! :o :o :o
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: gamer Mac on 08 March 2011, 09:57:51 AM
The detail on the engine and boiler is outstanding :-* :-* :-*
Keep up the good work
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Big Martin on 08 March 2011, 12:41:31 PM
Looking great. Love the boilers - just like the pictures in an old book of "engineering plant" I've got in work (engineering insurance in case you're wondering).
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 08 March 2011, 01:27:50 PM
Lovely build work going on there  8)  :-*

Details, details, gotta love the details  :D

cheers

James
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Damas on 08 March 2011, 01:45:17 PM
Well thanks y'all.

I really have to blame GamerMac for his Zepp madness :-*, his awesome thread which allowed me to read through the build and of course the Prof. for starting up this board and allowing me to return to the happy lead hunting grounds!

D
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: syrinx0 on 12 March 2011, 05:16:11 AM
Truly awe inspiring work Damas. Can't wait to see the detail on the controls in the bridge considering our engine room. :)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: 6milPhil on 12 March 2011, 11:25:51 PM
Brilliant work... all we need now is the "Steamer Wars" rule set and a very large table.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: answer_is_42 on 13 March 2011, 10:57:00 AM
People are have *really' been jacking up the standards for steamers lately... :)

Yeah. I'm starting to think that some of them might even be nearing the quality of my foamboard/card/balsa creation of about two years ago.

To be brutally honest, I’m feeling rather inadequate... 
 :'(
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Tintin on 17 March 2011, 01:02:48 AM
I cant stop my self from coming back to this post... I hunger for more! :)
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: warrenpeace on 27 March 2011, 04:53:50 PM
Maybe there should be a big game to which Damas brings his extraordinary steamer, Gamer Mac brings his extraordinary zeppelin, and the League of Extraordinary Kriegspielers brings Admiral Chuggerchevsky's battleship Potempkin (in the Suez photobucket links on this Ignatieff thread):

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=4735.0
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: moif on 11 April 2011, 12:32:58 AM
I love the boilers and engine!!! Looking forward to seeing this finished
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: TadPortly on 26 April 2011, 11:12:13 PM
indeed - stunning stuff
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Dr. The Viking on 28 April 2011, 06:05:52 AM
I believe plastic card trees have been found in England!

Very nice work. In fact quite amazing!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: BigMecha on 13 June 2011, 09:58:44 PM
Awesome!  COOLS!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Damas on 14 June 2011, 09:06:12 AM
Boo! :-[ :P


Although there has been progress, it is small due to the vagaries of life getting in the way.  I've also built a VSF Russian force in the mean time as a break from card.

I am now on a break for a week so I might play with some card in the next few days. ;)

I'll update the subject header when there are new piccies.

D
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Drachenklinge on 14 June 2011, 01:07:38 PM
great ship!

I am working myself on a dwarven steamer but this tops it easily! Great work, so far! Don't let yourself beeing rushed! These things need time!

Looking forward, too, but with patience ^^

best wishes
Drachenklinge
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Traveler Man on 14 June 2011, 03:29:08 PM
I'm working on a 'Flatiron' gunboat right now. If it turns out half as good as that ship o' yours, I'll be a happy man!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Dudeologist on 18 July 2011, 01:21:19 AM
Amazing!!! Truely Inspireing!!!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: fanfavorite on 18 July 2011, 06:46:50 AM
Who are you? And what did you do to the "Status Quo"?
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Drachenklinge on 18 July 2011, 11:37:36 AM
yes ... no sight for over a month! I hope he is not lost on some forsaken island while making some engine-testing!


Don't give up!

best wishes
Drachenklinge
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: MiniBattleScape on 31 July 2011, 01:13:25 AM
impressive!!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Mr.Dodo on 27 September 2011, 12:54:48 PM
Anyone see smoke on the horizon?
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Damas on 28 September 2011, 02:25:40 PM
There is, It's my life on fire!  >:(

Real life has had to take presidence over the summer but my little rowboat is still around and I'm still hoping to complete by BLAM 11.
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Jim French on 09 October 2011, 06:14:47 AM
Let me get my .45 and my Springfield and I'm good to go to Kong Island!
Very nice ship!
Title: Re: Pulp Steamer WIP **Updated 7/3/11**
Post by: Skratch on 09 October 2011, 12:12:21 PM
Indeed nice work!