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Miniatures Adventure => Interwar => Topic started by: AKULA on July 17, 2009, 08:17:05 PM

Title: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 17, 2009, 08:17:05 PM
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030826-1.jpg)

Its going to be just a smidge under 48" long, so in 1/56th that is 224 feet, whereas most destroyers were 275 feet or so.  275 feet would be 59" in 1/56th, and I wanted one that would fit at the end of my table (which is 4 foot wide)....and not so big that it would preclude me from building something bigger if/when i completely take leave of my senses....

I guess I got a bit carried away.... :lol:

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030828-1.jpg)

Mini for scale is a 28mm GWM officer.

Base is 6mm MDF, on High Density polysterene, with Balsa decking - surprisingly light (the whole can be carried one handed).

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030827.jpg)

This is my progress to date (since Wednesday night) - have carved out the hull shape, glued it all down, and then coated it with a tetronfiller/PVA Glue mix, and then sanded it down a bit. 

I've intentionally left it a bit rough to give the impression of a battered old hulk - will be covered in rust streaks etc when i get around to painting it.

Its not going to be an exact copy of anything, more in the style of a large minesweeper/small destroyer, left over from the First World War.  Probably closest will be the Admiralty S Class, most of which were launched in 1917/18, and then scrapped in the mid 1930s (although some survived until the end of WW2).

Armament is likely to be two or three 4" QF MkII, a Bofors (as i've got some made up already, instead of the usual pom-pom), a couple of torpedo tubes, and some machineguns.

Available for amphibious BUF Landings over the Humber, or maybe even for Yorkist Front coastal hopping against those government arms shipments....

Will keep you updated on what progress I make.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: argsilverson on July 17, 2009, 08:53:31 PM
sounds interesting!
good luck with your project!

I would like to remind you to check your paints first in some chips before applying them on your model and do not forget to use only acrylics/water based paints. enamels and spirit thinned ones will melt your hull.
also in case you need fittings use:

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/
fittings section

and sirmar models
http://www.sirmarmodelships.com/fittings.asp

these might save you some work.
[if you are in UK/EU]
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Arlequín on July 17, 2009, 09:12:19 PM
Wow....  :o can't wait to see that! Keep us informed on progress.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: answer_is_42 on July 17, 2009, 09:28:03 PM
Wow indeed! looks fantastic old chap, bravo!

Just one thing though; where do the zombies fit in?  ::)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: georgec on July 17, 2009, 10:05:27 PM
Have you considered 'simulating' a V/W class destroyer from 1918?  Many of these were around in unmodified form in 39/40 and they looked like the majority of British destroyers all the way through to the Tribals.  However, a large number were also modified into AA (the 'Wair' class) and Escort variants.  With a bit of modular construction you could 'plug and play' for any of the 3 variants.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Hauptgefreiter on July 17, 2009, 10:06:55 PM
If you're going for an older ship showing it's age, what about the "USS Caine"?
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 17, 2009, 10:07:29 PM
do not forget to use only acrylics/water based paints. enamels and spirit thinned ones will melt your hull.

also in case you need fittings use:

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/
fittings section

and sirmar models
http://www.sirmarmodelships.com/fittings.asp

Good advice - i've already made a small "test" model (entirely unrelated to ships) - for the bulk of the hull i've got some matt acrylic-based paints that should do the job - pretty hardwearing stuff, as it would take me about 20 tins of varnish if I chose to try to protect it!  Thanks also for the linkies - undecided how much in the way of fittings to include, its meant to be a gaming piece rather than model, but i have the horrible feeling that it might spiral out of control....

Just one thing though; where do the zombies fit in?  ::)

 lol
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 17, 2009, 10:12:44 PM
Have you considered 'simulating' a V/W class destroyer from 1918?  Many of these were around in unmodified form in 39/40 and they looked like the majority of British destroyers all the way through to the Tribals.  However, a large number were also modified into AA (the 'Wair' class) and Escort variants.  With a bit of modular construction you could 'plug and play' for any of the 3 variants.


If you're going for an older ship showing it's age, what about the "USS Caine"?

Both good suggestions.  TBH, I'm erring more towards a generic ship, with more of the feel of a DD, rather than getting too fussed by particular classes.  I mentioned the Admiralty S Class, as it wasn't overarmed, so won't be a superweapon for what i have in mind - many of them were actually being scrapped during the mid 1930's, so its battered appearence, and hotchpotch of weapons won't be too out of character for A Very British Civil War (my main use for it).  Rather than a top of the line model, I see it as a rusty old tub that has been rescued from the breakers yard, and chucked back into service...

Also keeping it a bit more generic should keep the rivet counters off of my back at least  ;)

I am thinking about rotating the armament though, perhaps with some interchangeable weapons mounts.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: gamer Mac on July 17, 2009, 10:42:05 PM
WOW Thats big :o :o
Its going to take a lot of work to finish that.
Looking forward to seeing the final result.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Captain Blood on July 17, 2009, 11:33:27 PM
Cor. That's going to be impressive. Big boatie  :)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Bako on July 18, 2009, 05:25:29 AM
That's quite the tin pot vessel you've got yourself.

where do the zombies fit in?  ::)

Check below deck.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: argsilverson on July 18, 2009, 08:09:46 AM
That's quite the tin pot vessel you've got yourself.

where do the zombies fit in?  ::)

Check below deck.

I think they hate salty air!
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Doomhippie on July 18, 2009, 12:13:32 PM
I'm very impressed. So many ship projects around and each one a new highlight. I love this forum...
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Arlequín on July 18, 2009, 12:26:34 PM
That's quite the tin pot vessel you've got yourself.

where do the zombies fit in?  ::)

Check below deck.

I think they hate salty air!

You'd think they'd want to take advantage of it's preserving qualities... unless of course they are trying to get 'pickled' at the bar.  ;) 
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Troop of Shewe on July 18, 2009, 03:48:26 PM
keep posting, i have a inkling of an idea for a large WW1 vessel as well, so looking for tips.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 19, 2009, 06:34:39 PM
Brief Update:

Part of the superstructure, including both funnels.  The pedestal at the back is an anti-aircraft mount.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030855-1.jpg)

There is one more level to go on the bridge.

 :)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Bako on July 19, 2009, 06:58:41 PM
...unless of course they are trying to get 'pickled' at the bar.  ;) 

 lol

The vessel is shaping out nicely. Is that little doodad a ladder?
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 19, 2009, 07:56:59 PM
Is that little doodad a ladder?

You mean by the superstructure?
   
Yeah, it must have been left behind by one of the little workmen

 lol
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Bako on July 19, 2009, 09:02:10 PM
Lazy gits!
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 20, 2009, 05:21:49 PM
Another brief update from what I got done last night:

Basic Shape of the Bridge - still needs detailing and tidying up.  The raised area at the back will have a couple of machine gun positions later on - will be working on the heavier anti-aircraft guns next.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030861-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030862-1.jpg)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: NECROSTONE on July 20, 2009, 06:18:59 PM
Enjoying this.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Remgain on July 20, 2009, 10:02:49 PM
What the hell!!
It will be possible to play a skirmish, or pulp, scenario using only this beauty AS the table!

Marco (running away to finish his U-Boot as soon as possible!!) lol
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 21, 2009, 05:19:27 PM
Last nights effort:

A twin 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun. 

Not strictly speaking standard issue in 1938 - although the Army started evaluating the bofors in 1937, I don't think the Royal Navy had them in wide use until 1942?  However, as the Polish Navy had them in 1937, the Captain of my battered old tub, has "acquired" one direct from the makers   ;)

The basic guns are spares from when i made the Single mount, which i've then adapted.

The crewman is from the BEF Miniatures 2pdr AT Gun.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030856-1.jpg)  (http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030857-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030859-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030860-1.jpg)

Will add some clear discs, to represent the circular sights once its painted & varnished.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: white knight on July 21, 2009, 06:35:00 PM
Awesome!  :o
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: answer_is_42 on July 21, 2009, 09:12:15 PM
Awesome!  :o

What he said. I want to make my own now. Destroyer, that is...
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 21, 2009, 10:00:05 PM
Painted:

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030867-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030868-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030870-1-1.jpg)

Going to start work on the 4" guns tommorrow.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 22, 2009, 09:44:29 PM
Tonights update:

A QF MkII 4" Gun

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030874-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030873-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030872-1.jpg)

Needs the edges smoothing off, and the trunnions (?) tidying up. 

Am trying to get as much done as possible before Friday, as have "guests" this weekend, which will involve me having to socialise and pretend to be listening to polite conversation, while I plan the next stage.

Unfortunately, due to a previous incident involving "just popping out" for an hour to ninja an opponents fleet in Ogame, my opportunities to get further work done this weekend are likely to be curtailed...
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: traveller on July 22, 2009, 10:31:48 PM
You are GOOD at what you are doing! Looking forward to see the next chapter
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Bako on July 23, 2009, 02:03:28 AM
Excellent stuff.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 23, 2009, 10:11:42 PM
Latest Update (probably the last one for 3 days due to having guests for the weekend):

Have begun to shape the funnels, add the mast, and start work on the bulkheads and portholes.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030875-1.jpg)

 :)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Hauptgefreiter on July 24, 2009, 05:36:22 PM
That looks very promising  :-*
I'm eagerly awaiting your progress reports
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 24, 2009, 05:52:19 PM
Am glad that some of you are enjoying this - believe me, i'm having a lot of fun making it as well (already thinking about how I top it).

Its a challenge to make something entirely from scratch, but much more satisfying than just buying a kit (not that anyone makes a kit for a 1/56th Destroyer, as far as I know....)

 :D

Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Aaron on July 25, 2009, 01:16:43 AM
You are a complete madman and I think I love you! The closest thing I have ever seen commercially is the old "Blue Devil" kit and I think that is only 1/72nd.
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Captain Blood on July 25, 2009, 09:00:39 AM
I'm enjoying it. I'm feeling that the end product is going to be a sight to behold... Keep going!  :)

Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 26, 2009, 06:06:43 PM
Right....our weekend guests have gone, so got a couple of hours in, this afternoon.

Nothing too exciting, more a case of starting bits and bobs, that will need tidying up later.

Have added a platform that cuts across the superstructure, to provide additional AA MG positions, and somewhere that liferafts etc can be attached to.  Unlike the rest of the superstructure, its made out of 6mm MDF, as I wanted something that wouldn't warp, or flex, and that I could drill for the stanchions to be attached to.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030877-1.jpg)

Have also added to the rear, Bofors AA platform, plus additional details, including ladders, hatches, more doors etc etc

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030880-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030878-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030879-1.jpg)

Getting there...slowly....

Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: TadPortly on July 28, 2009, 12:22:22 PM
Personally I think this is an insane project - well done sir! I take my hat off to you!  :)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 28, 2009, 07:13:34 PM
The construction phase is pretty much complete!

 :)

Scored the decks, added some torpedo tubes, the second 4" gun, and a few other details (bollards, vents etc).

The last couple of things (anchors, chains, and the rest of the stanchions) will have to wait until after the initial base coat of paint has been added.

 (http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030884-1.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030889-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030885.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030886-1.jpg)

A BEF Morris A/C, to give some idea of the size of the beast.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030888-1.jpg)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Hauptgefreiter on July 28, 2009, 07:59:54 PM
*** ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATION! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! ***

She already looks seaworthy  8)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 28, 2009, 08:30:52 PM
 :-*

Super Duper!

Doing a great job!
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: answer_is_42 on July 28, 2009, 09:01:49 PM
Beautiful! Lets hope she paints up just as well!
Any ideas as to a name for her?
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Bako on July 28, 2009, 09:35:16 PM
Excellent piece! I wonder though, shouldn't there be railing or something to prevent waves from dragging the crew out to sea?

Call her Helga ;D
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on July 28, 2009, 10:05:15 PM
Beautiful! Lets hope she paints up just as well!
Any ideas as to a name for her?

I can't match Michi's paint job on his steamer unfortunately....

Have a few ideas on names - will probably pick an Admiralty class name, perhaps one of the ones that was scrapped prior to WW2, as it would fit in my my BCW scenario.


Excellent piece! I wonder though, shouldn't there be railing or something to prevent waves from dragging the crew out to sea?

Yup - the stanchions form the basis of the railings for exactly this reason.  Decided it is easier to paint the decking first, then add them in afterwards.... ;)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on August 03, 2009, 07:49:21 PM
Almost finished - still waiting for my order of stanchions to turn up, but i'm unlikely to have them ready until after I get back from my holiday.  The stanchions are my main extravagance, in a project that has been built pretty much from odds and ends - 70 brass railing mounts costing £20 in total (about half the total cost of the project).

Apart from that, need to finish the Bridge interior, life rafts, flags...and anything else i've forgotten - still, not too shoddy for two and half weeks work!

 lol

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030890-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030892-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030893.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030894.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030895.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1030896.jpg)

Decided not to go overboard on the rust, but rather mottle/drybrush the hull & superstructure to make use of some of the dinks in the side (remember I wanted to make a WW1 era destroyer that is on the verge of being scrapped, before pressed back into service for the British Civil War (1938)).

Still have the crew to convert/paint, but they will have to wait until probably September, due to holidays/work etc
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: answer_is_42 on August 03, 2009, 08:07:33 PM
Out of all the 1/56th scale interwar Destroyers I've seen on the LAF today, this is by far the best.
No, really, it's awesome.  :-*
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: TadPortly on August 04, 2009, 09:38:02 AM
totally agree with you there! Amazing work  :o
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Doc Twilight on August 04, 2009, 09:53:22 AM
Just superb. Smashing, even.

Gets me motivated to try my hand at my own naval project.

-Doc


Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 06, 2009, 12:27:07 PM
Said it before, but I'll say it again...

:-*

Super Duper!
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on August 25, 2009, 06:40:44 PM
DONE!

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1040091-1.jpg)

Have added the stanchions - about 80 of them - and varnished the model - i think the slightly wet sheen helps (it is an ocean going vessel after all).

Needless to say, will come back to it, and add more details as I feel like (liferafts, Dinghies, Flags etc), but its usuable now.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1040093-1.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/AKULADEEP/A%20Very%20British%20Civil%20War/P1040095-1.jpg)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: answer_is_42 on August 25, 2009, 07:05:18 PM
Fantastic.  :-* :-*

I'm just repeating myself now, aren't I?
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: gamer Mac on August 26, 2009, 08:25:05 AM
great model :-*
Some very nice details.
Where did you buy the stanchions from they are lovely and really finish off the deck :-*
How are you going to use it in a game?
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on August 26, 2009, 09:10:16 AM
Where did you buy the stanchions from they are lovely and really finish off the deck :-*

Billings Boat do 23mm brass stanchion, with 2 holes.

Robbe Models do 25mm brass stanchions, with 2 holes.

The delay in completion was because my local shop tried to back order the Billings ones, but the German manufacturer is on shutdown for a month. In the end, I opted for Robbe stanchions (becuase I found someone with a supply!).

http://www.westbourne-models.com/

The owner Duncan was very helpful (specialist boat shop) - arrived the day after I ordered them!

How are you going to use it in a game?

Good question!

 lol

Its for A Very British Civil War, so possibly offshore naval bombardment supporting a landing, or a naval game in its own right.....possibly as an "escort"  ;)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Helen on August 26, 2009, 09:26:31 AM
Lovely work Akula.  8)

Helen
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Wirelizard on August 26, 2009, 09:30:44 AM

How are you going to use it in a game?

Cutting out party (or parties!) attempting to steal it away from dockside for their own purposes?

Build a length of dockside to fit, add a couple of small boats for the cutting-out party, put on a big blowout game!
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on August 26, 2009, 12:20:28 PM
Can we see it in a sea setting?

Thats the plan!

I haven't got any suitable terrain...erm like a flat blue cloth....at the moment - it was really one of those spur of the moment pojects without any degree of forethought.

Have been discussing a VBCW naval game over on GWP, so will need to sort extra out, and will post some photos when I do.

 :)
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: Geudens on August 27, 2009, 03:29:06 PM
don't forget you promised to take me out on a cruise...  lol

A job well done, mate!

Rudi
Title: Re: (WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th
Post by: AKULA on August 27, 2009, 07:45:31 PM
Cheers matey - maybe better to wait for the full size one....

 ;)