My Pulp Navy - WW1 Subchaser Build

[Johnnytodd]

Who knew there was still interest 2 years later!  Here are the photos:

[Johnnytodd]

[FramFramson]

Whoops, those last two pics don't seem to be working.

[Johnnytodd]

Whoops, those last two pics don't seem to be working.

I think its fixed now

[von der Tann]

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 !!!

[ErikB]

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....

[ErikB]

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!

[Johnnytodd]

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

[Traveler Man]

Very, very smart! 

[Mencey]

Sir, this post is awesome i dont have words for it!!!

[ErikB]

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?

[Johnnytodd]

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:



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...

[ErikB]

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?

[Johnnytodd]

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.