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Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: Johnnytodd on 05 October 2011, 12:22:45 AM

Title: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 05 October 2011, 12:22:45 AM
As a vehicle for my Pulp Sailors I've decided on a subchaser model.  Following a set of relatively simple plans I've adjusted the scale to 1/56th.  The finished boat should be just under 24" long.  I prefer to work in wood so I've started the basic hull out of thin sheets of hobby plywood:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1.jpg)

Here are the plans:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/Sub_Chaser.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Evilcartoonist on 05 October 2011, 02:18:26 AM
I shall enjoy watching this come together!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Andym on 05 October 2011, 08:53:13 AM
Ambitious!! Good luck to you sir!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Big Martin on 05 October 2011, 01:22:10 PM
Looks interesting - keep us posted with progress.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 05 October 2011, 01:36:54 PM
A fine looking project  8)

You can't beat a full set of drawings to build from  :)

cheers

James
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 05 October 2011, 01:52:47 PM
If anybody is interested in building this boat,  send me a PM with your email address and I'll forward a copy of the plans.  The plans are fairly straightforward but are meant for a motorized model.  Mine will be a simple waterline platform.  Check out this website for inspiration:  http://www.subchaser.org/showcase (http://www.subchaser.org/showcase)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Huascar on 05 October 2011, 09:42:20 PM
Would be keen to give this project a go. How did you do the calculations for converting the plans to 1/56 scale?
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 05 October 2011, 10:13:40 PM
To convert this (or any) plans into the scale of your choice you just need to know the the size of the actual object.  In this case the subchaser was 110' long, so I first convert that into inches (or cm) = 1320"; then I divide by my scale (56) = 23.57 (inches).  If you have a adobe photoshop you can enlarge or reduce any line drawing in this manner.  I've used this technique to build planes, tanks and boats
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 09 October 2011, 02:15:20 AM
After some gentle persuasion I finally got the hull just right.  Next is to finish the contour and build up the deck:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc2.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 12 October 2011, 10:42:27 PM
Now adding detail to the deck:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc3.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Andym on 13 October 2011, 07:30:32 AM
Looking good!! The bow in the plans looks smooth, but I see you've put part of the keel in, are you planning on smoothing it down?
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 16 October 2011, 01:56:10 PM
Been a busy week so not as much progress as I hoped for.  I'm not entirely satisfied with the plan I'm using... some construction details are too vague with many historical inaccuracies.    The original boats had a keel so I've added that to my model for a more realistic hull and also to add support.  Here is today's photo:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1015.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 20 October 2011, 04:32:28 PM
A bit more progress.  Maybe this topic should move to WIP category?  (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1020.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 20 October 2011, 05:51:13 PM
That's looking very nice indeed  8)  :-*

cheers

James
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Colonel Tubby on 20 October 2011, 07:22:44 PM
Fantastic - that is going to be a ship to be proud of!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Wirelizard on 20 October 2011, 11:25:24 PM
That is looking incredible - not just a gaming piece but a genuine model!

Can't wait to see more progress.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Andym on 21 October 2011, 04:15:11 AM
Well done! She's going to be a cracker!! 8)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: redzed on 21 October 2011, 11:50:14 AM
looking really good :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Hauptgefreiter on 21 October 2011, 05:29:36 PM
Will the captain of this beauty be a guy who rolls two steel ball bearings in his right hand?  ;)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Evilcartoonist on 22 October 2011, 01:17:35 AM
I'm amazed at not just the quality, but the speed at which you've put it together! With that kind of speed, you could build a few Liberty ships while you're at it.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 22 October 2011, 01:58:40 AM
Evilcartoonist - Speed is not my goal but thanks for the compliment.  Glue dries overnight so I build a little every day - roughly an hour or two. Now deciding how to abreviate certain details rather than get bogged down in making it exact.  Every model or plan I've looked at is different, so I'm trying to build a boat in keeping with the pulp wargaming spirit & as historically accurate as time permits.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Mason on 22 October 2011, 01:41:57 PM
 :o :o :o

Wow, this is a great thread.

Watching with anticipation!

Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 25 October 2011, 03:50:26 PM
Just about ready for paint.  It took a while to figure out how to build the vents, then fell back on trusty old green stuff (black).  Will string up the antenae and railing wire after paint.

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1025a.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1025b.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: von der Tann on 25 October 2011, 06:47:49 PM
 :o

First of all ... that is one stunning model, that -imho- should be put on a display, not a gaming table where things might come off / break off. It would be a shame to see damage done to that beauty.

But I have a question. Where's the funnel?  ??? ... Forgive me my display of total ignorance concerning naval things, I was but a grunt in a ground pounder battalion.


von der Tann
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 25 October 2011, 08:44:42 PM
Von der Tann, 

I'm more of a modeller than a wargamer so this model won't see too much hard use  ;)

The small size of subchasers at 110' make them more "BOAT" and less "SHIP" and they ran on gasoline rather than steam - so no stack/funnel; exhaust was vented from a pipe protuding from the rear deck house over the engine room.

John
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Rob_bresnen on 25 October 2011, 09:45:41 PM
John

Love it!

RB
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: von der Tann on 26 October 2011, 07:14:36 PM
Von der Tann, 

I'm more of a modeller than a wargamer so this model won't see too much hard use  ;)

The small size of subchasers at 110' make them more "BOAT" and less "SHIP" and they ran on gasoline rather than steam - so no stack/funnel; exhaust was vented from a pipe protuding from the rear deck house over the engine room.

John

Thanks alot John!

von der Tann
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Traveler Man on 26 October 2011, 08:40:31 PM
Wow! Beautiful work, sir!  :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: AKULA on 26 October 2011, 08:53:55 PM
Looks great, makes me want to build another ship.
 :)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: jtrnka on 04 November 2011, 03:17:45 AM
Fantastic work John !!  :-* :-* :o
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Blackwolf on 04 November 2011, 04:10:16 AM
That is beautiful :-* :-* Here is a link that may interest you    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_Agar
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 04 November 2011, 01:54:03 PM
SC125 is off on her maiden voyage, ready to battle the enemies of democracy.

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc41.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc42.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc43.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc44.jpg)

Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Sangennaru on 04 November 2011, 02:26:06 PM
I love the llok, that's a great work! Congrats!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Old Goat on 04 November 2011, 03:11:15 PM
Stunning piece of work.

Excellent work that man.

OG.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Poiter50 on 04 November 2011, 03:12:46 PM
Loved the work up but the finished article is incredible!! :o
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on 04 November 2011, 03:25:37 PM
An absolutely fantastic model.  You should be proud of it.

Thank you for sharing both the finished model and the work-in-progress.

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: joroas on 04 November 2011, 03:50:27 PM
Wow, that is gorgeous.........  :o
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: inkydave on 04 November 2011, 03:55:58 PM
JT, now that is grrrrrrreat :o

Superb build, looks really playable.   Congratulations!!!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: von der Tann on 04 November 2011, 04:09:10 PM
As I already mentioned during wip ... I really like this.

Stunning - excellent - fantastic work!

von der Tann
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on 04 November 2011, 04:22:30 PM
 :-*FANTASTIC :-*

Excellent piece of work.

Paul
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Big Martin on 04 November 2011, 04:44:46 PM
That's just stunning.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Ray Rivers on 04 November 2011, 06:39:23 PM
 :-*

VERY Nice!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Alex_Nay on 04 November 2011, 07:41:00 PM
Ups, awesome......amazing!!!!!! :-* :-* :-* :'(
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Calimero on 04 November 2011, 07:51:07 PM

Fantastic work 8)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Colonel Tubby on 04 November 2011, 08:22:07 PM
Brilliant! Fantastic! Its been a treat watching this ship evolve over the weeks.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 04 November 2011, 09:17:15 PM
Thanks everybody for the kind words.  I'm already looking ahead to the next project.  Its another addition to my 1/56th scale navy:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/US-OS2U3.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Rob_bresnen on 04 November 2011, 09:43:18 PM
That really is very good. Who make all those nice sailor models? (everybody loves a sailor  ;) )
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 04 November 2011, 10:24:57 PM
The sailors are all from Pulp with the exception of the officer who is from Cannonfodder
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 04 November 2011, 11:24:02 PM
That's a corker  :-* :-*

The sailors set it off nicely  :)

cheers

James
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Melnibonean on 06 November 2011, 08:43:59 PM
Fantastic work. Far beyond my abilities (and patience).
Well done.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Andym on 07 November 2011, 08:28:02 AM
That's a fan-tastic boat!! Great finish! You now just need a sub for it to chase.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on 07 November 2011, 08:41:25 AM
Great projects.

I wanted to ask;
"What scale will you model the Kingfisher?"

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: G2 on 07 November 2011, 08:56:44 AM
That is one really nice build. I absolutely love it. Great modelling and great color choice. A+.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Mason on 07 November 2011, 01:11:58 PM
That ship is........
.....Sheer, Bloody , Brilliant!

 :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Ignatieff on 07 November 2011, 05:49:29 PM
Wow!  Superb work, fantastic craftsmanship, and a stunning result.  Respect! :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on 07 November 2011, 07:56:39 PM
Have you seen this link;
http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/57k1.htm

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Traveler Man on 07 November 2011, 08:26:15 PM
Beautiful work, really elegant!  :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 07 November 2011, 08:38:06 PM
Tony,

Thanks for the links I hadn't seen those.  They will certainly be of use on my next project.  I prefer to build all of my models in the oddball scale of 1/56

John


Have you seen this link;
http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/57k1.htm

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Helen on 07 November 2011, 09:10:59 PM
Wonderful work John, a true masterpiece of modelling.

Cheers,

Helen
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on 08 November 2011, 09:09:51 AM
Hi John Thank you for the link and the kind comments. I'll keep checking back for progress updates.

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Admiral Benbow on 22 November 2011, 10:00:58 PM
Lovely model - great work!
 :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Svennn on 22 November 2011, 10:25:04 PM
Spot on, tremendous model. How about a sub for it to chase?
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 27 November 2011, 02:23:40 AM
I would love to build the ultimate pulp submarine = the Japanese I-400 sub/aircraft carrier,  but in 1/56th scale it would be over 2 meters long.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: ErikB on 27 November 2011, 02:55:02 AM
Great work, and thanks for teaching us how to do it, too!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Doomsdave on 27 November 2011, 03:00:30 AM
Unbelieveably good and built in record time. 
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 27 November 2011, 08:55:40 AM
I would love to build the ultimate pulp submarine = the Japanese I-400 sub/aircraft carrier,  but in 1/56th scale it would be over 2 meters long.

Don't let the size stop you  :D

cheers

James
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Melnibonean on 27 November 2011, 01:19:54 PM
I'm speachless. I am without speach.
That is some great modeling. I only wish I hade the skills for that kind of modelling.

Cheers.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 01 December 2011, 03:27:58 PM
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/US-OS2U3.jpg)
[/quote]

Well I've managed to shatter a bone in my finger and I'm off work for a week.  To pass the time I started the next project for my pulp navy.  Head over to the workbench if you want to follow the progress of this kingfisher plane.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Damas on 01 December 2011, 03:34:09 PM
I am agog with jealousy.  :o

If your output continues at this voracious pace of quantity and quality, you will have an air/sea fleet in no time.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: FramFramson on 01 December 2011, 05:07:34 PM
Glad your injury hasn't impeded your dexterity to the point that you can't work on models!  :D
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Stu on 05 December 2011, 03:38:05 AM
I would love to build the ultimate pulp submarine = the Japanese I-400 sub/aircraft carrier,  but in 1/56th scale it would be over 2 meters long.

I've got one on a slow boil, it will probably be about one metre long though.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Mitch K on 09 December 2011, 08:42:27 PM
Don't let the size stop you  :D

cheers

James

Try a WW2 Kriegsmarine Type IIA - a mere 80cm long! lol
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Gun bunny on 09 December 2011, 08:49:02 PM
beautiful :)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: ErikB on 18 December 2013, 11:00:38 PM
Where did the images go?

I was hoping to look at this to get inspired to design my own.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: d phipps on 19 December 2013, 01:53:59 AM
Where did the images go?

I was hoping to look at this to get inspired to design my own.


The message indicates that he deleted or moved the photo to a different folder. You might try PM'ing him to see if he still has that pic.


Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 19 December 2013, 02:15:39 AM
Who knew there was still interest 2 years later!  Here are the photos:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc41_zpsca458a97.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/pulpnavy1_zpsd5112f02.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc43_zpsf4d73b71.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc42_zpsf57fc7a1.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 19 December 2013, 02:16:51 AM
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1025a_zps75e5a721.jpg)

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/sc1025b_zpsdc7b5174.jpg)
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: FramFramson on 19 December 2013, 04:25:47 AM
Whoops, those last two pics don't seem to be working.
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 19 December 2013, 12:46:22 PM
Whoops, those last two pics don't seem to be working.

I think its fixed now
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: von der Tann on 19 December 2013, 02:18:08 PM
Splendid! I really love this and it leaves me speechless. I need a navy too - too sad I cannot even hope to build something like this.

A W S O M E !!!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: ErikB on 19 December 2013, 05:06:46 PM
Who knew... after just two years...???  Are you kidding?  This is fantastic and inspiring!  Wonderful job!

By the way, are these Bob Murch's sailors?  And how did you make the markings?  Decal?  Or are your painting skills as good as your building skills...?  :)

And, to be honest, I had the photos on my cell phone and would consult them from time to time, but I switched cell phones (every 2 years we get a discount and renew our contract with them) and no longer have some of those images. 

Now, I'm out of cash (holidays) and it's a good time to doodle and plan projects for when the bank account refreshes....
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: ErikB on 19 December 2013, 05:35:02 PM
How long is it and how wide, by the way?  Do you have some measurements for the different structures on it?  Metric, English, or measured in mini-base-diameters... :)

I have a very difficult time getting the proportions right on boats.  I figure at least 1 base width on the main deck, but what about the superstructure built up?

Thanks heaps!
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 19 December 2013, 06:53:48 PM
Erik B,

The Sailors, gun and some deck accessories are from Murch, with the exception of the Lt. who is from Cannonfodder.  The hull numbers and flag were hand done - I used a simple plastic stencil to do the numbers. The size is 58cm long x 10cm wide.  I think the plans I used were discussed earlier in the thread.  I haven't built anything since the PT boat earlier this year and I'm really feeling the itch to do another ship...

John
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Traveler Man on 19 December 2013, 08:02:01 PM
Very, very smart!  :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Mencey on 19 December 2013, 08:18:48 PM
Sir, this post is awesome i dont have words for it!!! :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: ErikB on 19 December 2013, 10:33:30 PM
Ah, I found the website with the plans!  I get it, now.  I think I could make something like that, not so well as you, but I could give it a go.

How did you do the hull?  Plank-on frame?  Solid block?
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 20 December 2013, 12:02:02 AM
Erik B,  PM me if you want and I can talk you through the whole process.  If I recall, the hull is all plywood with a 3/16"-1/4" thick base for rigidity then a carved solid wood bow and stern, then ribbed framework to support an 1/16" deck, then very thin aircraft plywood for the sides of the hull.  I built it the same way as the PT boat:

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/001_zpsc9969bd6.jpg)

This method is probably better suited for R/C modeling than wargaming.  Bending the plywood is a real pain - save some time & just go with a solid wood hull...
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: ErikB on 20 December 2013, 12:19:38 AM
Ah, cool.  I can do this technique, so long as I get to paint it over instead of leaving "beautiful" natural wood....  Not so beautiful when I made it.

Carving is hard.  I never get the shape right or even no matter what I do.  Maybe, with some proper templates to use for fitting, I might be able to get it right.  Lord knows, I've tried carving several things, including a race car that turned out like... well... not symmetrical, to say the least.

Why plywood instead of balsa, by the way?
Title: Re: My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build
Post by: Johnnytodd on 20 December 2013, 02:47:03 AM
I prefer plywood and basswood for their strength vs. weight - balsa is just too soft and flimsy is this size.  You could also use sheet styrene.