(WIP) A Small Destroyer in 1/56th

[AKULA]

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.... ::



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).



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.

[argsilverson]

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]

[Arlequín]

Wow....  can't wait to see that! Keep us informed on progress.

[answer_is_42]

Wow indeed! looks fantastic old chap, bravo!

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

[georgec]

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.

[Hauptgefreiter]

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

[AKULA]

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? 

 

[AKULA]

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.

[gamer Mac]

WOW Thats big
Its going to take a lot of work to finish that.
Looking forward to seeing the final result.

[Captain Blood]

Cor. That's going to be impressive. Big boatie 

[Bako]

That's quite the tin pot vessel you've got yourself.

where do the zombies fit in? 

Check below deck.

[argsilverson]

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!

[Doomhippie]

I'm very impressed. So many ship projects around and each one a new highlight. I love this forum...

[Arlequín]

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.   

[Troop of Shewe]

keep posting, i have a inkling of an idea for a large WW1 vessel as well, so looking for tips.