(WIP) Aircraft Carrier in 1/56th (28mm)

[AKULA]

So...there I was the other day thinking, what am I going to do with this Destroyer i've built:



Then the thought hit me - it could be an escort!

I looked at the various options, and the one that really struck a chord was HMS Argus.  For those that aren't familiar with it, HMS Argus was originally laid down in 1914 as the Italian Cruise liner Conte Rosso, but was purchased by the Royal Navy, and converted into the first flush deck carrier, being commissioned in September 1918.  In the late 1920's, she became a training carrier a role she would still have been in, in 1938, and therefore ideal for my VBCW campaign.



(Source:MaritimeQuest)
http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/great_britain/pages/aircraft_carriers/hms_argus_d49.htm

Other plus points are her size - only 560' long, so a mere 10 foot in length, rather than 15 foot (which is how long the large RN/USN carriers would be).  For me, the lack of a big bridge structure was a plus - the Argus has a retractable chart house, that could be lowered during flight operations!  Finally, the last refit in 1936 saw most of its armament removed, meaning that i've got a free hand when it comes to what I arm her with for 1938.

Crew: 400 (vs 1200+ for larger carriers)
Aircraft: 18-20

For the rivet counters, I should probably add at this point, that i'm planning to build something that looks a bit like it, but not an accurate model, down to every last rivet! 

[Geudens]

Right mate, beware of those nice young men in their clean white coats: the're coming to take you away... 

Rudi

[uti long smile]

That's very nice! Any more pics?

[AKULA]

That's very nice! Any more pics?

The Destroyer is on the following thread:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=12196.0

I'll post some more photos of my WIP, as I go - started it about 10 days ago, so will take some photos later on today of my little carrier.

 

[voltan]

do a dreadnought aswell

[answer_is_42]

Blimey. I'll be watching this.
I suppose then you'll need a couple more escorts, perhaps a light cruiser, and then an oil tanker and supply ship. Once that's all done, what will they fight? How about some German or French ships? 

[AKULA]

One thing I'll need, is a REALLY BIG TABLE!

 

[AKULA]

OK, got some photos done of where i've got to so far....did I forget to mention that I started working on the carrier, about 10 days ago....?

 

Base is 6mm MDF, hull is high density polysterene, as per the Destroyer, flight deck will also be 6mm MDF.

Its in 3 sections, for storage, and transport:

Bow Section


The opening a third of the way in from the left would have held a 4" gun before the refit - undecided yet on what will be there.  That small dot, on the flight deck about halfway across....is a 28mm figure!

Middle Section


The 4th layer is recessed, on the middle section, to allow for a walkway, there will eventually be plenty of liferafts/girders and other junk in this area.

Stern


The will be two cranes underneath the flight deck (where the spray can lid is), which were used to allow seaplanes to be brought on board - underneath the flight deck there is a large open hanger.

Forward Hanger/Elevator


Slightly enlarged, so that is can hold a 1/48th Blackburn Skua Divebomber - the deck section will be a separate piece that can be lifted off.


Aft Hanger/Elevator


Odd shape - this lift was presumably for planes with folding wings, or for munitions etc.

All 3 sections together:



The flight deck isn't stuck down yet (the tub of filler is only there to keep the flight deck in place for the photo) - will coat the hull in filler/PVA glue and then sand, before attacking the deck, and then fill in any gaps.

 

[uti long smile]

Jeez.. we're gonna need a bigger boat...

[gamer Mac]

You are bonkers
Wll be looking forward to the WIP.
Have you got planes already or are you going to scratch build them too.

[Michi]

It´s a shame you are so far away from me. We should team up for north atlantic convoys and get Marco to sneak attack us with his new U-Boat. I bet your torpedo bombers will give him hell while I deliver my load securely...

[former user]

did he write 10 foot?
did You write 10 foot? - like 300 cm?

why don't You build it as a gaming table? complete with port equipment?

do You live in a palace? can I have a room?

you just gave me an idea

I usually intended to be cremated when dead, but I could be buried in a 28mm model of the USS Nimitz

I shall start building know, I am already 41 and it will take some time....

[AKULA]

Somebody PM'ed me, asking for a photo with a ruler, for scale....

....haven't got a ruler long enough, so here is a 4 foot destroyer instead!



 

The carrier is indeed ten foot long.

[AKULA]

Have you got planes already or are you going to scratch build them too.

Am going to use 1/48th planes - so far i've got a fair few (unmade) kits - Blackburn Skua fighter/divebombers, a swordfish, and a gloster gladiator.  As it is a training carrier, i've given myself a bit of leeway.

It´s a shame you are so far away from me. We should team up for north atlantic convoys and get Marco to sneak attack us with his new U-Boat.

Would be good, wouldn't it?

 

[voltan]

just had an idea to show the scale, we just need to know how tall you are and wether there's anyone else there to take a photo