The prototype Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System is on display for comments and suggestions for improvements. The light need to be slightly smaller and the mirror made more realistic.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9800.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1165
Lou,
I haven't seen one of these close-up, so I'm not sure if this is a good idea for this application, but I've seen the flying scale model guys put a drop of white glue on instrument panel dials to make them look like they have glass covers on them.
Good idea to simulate the lens. The glue will bead better than future wax and give that rounded lens look. Thanks
Lou
Quote from: lastvautour on April 18, 2008, 07:14:09 PM
Good idea to simulate the lens. The glue will bead better than future wax and give that rounded lens look. Thanks
Lou
Yep, that´s the best trick for lences and also windows
Here is the start of the flight deck. Four recycled baseboard pieces glued together with biscuit joiners embedded in the edge. I had to purchase the tool at quite a high cost so using recycled wood is a must on this project to keep me out of the poor house.
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Flight deck planking being glued together.
Adhesive to glue planking $0.05
Biscuit joiner to align planking $112.00
Satisfaction priceless
Moving right along, the deck has been cut out and awaits minor shaping and major sanding.
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The fleet is also starting to take shape with the first Banshee and Tracker. 1/48 scale Skyhawk placed for comparison. The Skyhawk was trialed on the Bonnie but did not go any further. The Australian did fly the Skyhawk off their carrier HMAS Melbourne sister ship to the Bonnie
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The 18 inch ruler gives an idea of the size.
Lou, I really like the idea of displaying a well built Carrier with the aircraft she deployed. I have large plans (very detailed) for the converted Wolverine. This was a side wheeler converted to a carrier for training purposes from Navy Pier in Chicago. Many of the great planes found in lake Michigan off Chicago fell from the decks of the Woilverine.
However, it seems to me that a carrier is a big committment, requiring time and space. My fear is that I will never get it built.
I have viewed excellent Carrier models, such as the one displayed at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, they are very impressive.
Ted Billings
Ted, I plan on taking a few years to complete my Bonnie. As to your paddle wheel carrier, I believe there was an article in Fine Scale modeller a few years back on that ship.
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The first deck level is siting on the workmate behind me. It needs to be planned down 3mm and cut to shape. I will do this within the next week or so. I hope!!!!!
It almost seems trivial to say it but your carrier deck certainly is impressive. Together with any aircraft that you propose to man the carrier with you will definitely have a great presentation. It will take more time than I can imagine. There goes the golf.
Cliff.
The flight deck and # 1 deck have been cut out. While doing the #1 deck I realised that the drawings were 1/146 scale so I had to modify the already cut flight deck and apply plugs to compensate. Measure twice-cut once. I keep forgetting that one!!!!!!!!
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The prototype Banshee is used to see how I will approach mass production of the remainder of the air fleet.
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And the work continues.
The front, sorry, the bow of the flight deck is being readied for gluing to no 1 deck.
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Lots of glue to ensure a good bond
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The space left is used to insert support structure for the catwalks and the safety nets.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF2645.JPG)
You are coming along, this will be a great ship to look at.
Last year I found another Bonaventure ship on the web, Phil Warren's carrier made 100% of matchsticks, you probably know his work.
http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/APinn/Matchstick%20Fleet%2005/?action=view¤t=DSC00036.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/APinn/Matchstick%20Fleet%2005/?action=view¤t=DSC00036.jpg)
Ben
Lou,
You are a going concern! I can't get my small models finnished and here you are kickin' carrier butt! It's all looking good as usual,
Take care in the sunshine,
Kenny
The Banshee fleet is coming along with blank blocks being made and photocopies of the 1/144 scale drawings glued in place.
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Carving can be tedious with so many of the same pieces being done over and again, but then the end product should be quite satisfying. The prototype revealed that the engine placement need some re-engineering and that adding the canopy piece after the drawing was lined up with the top of the fuselage was a better way to go. All in all thing should come out OK.
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That certainly is inspiring, Lou. I have no doubt that it will be successful and a great contribution to the hobby. Your observation that the satisfaction of the end result justifies all the repetitive labour entailed beforehand is a philosophical incite that all need to be reminded of periodically - especially in regard to this hobby. God luck and have a great Canada Day. Guess I know how you will be spending the holiday.
Cliff
Thank you Cliff and have a happy Canada Day also.
!
Lou,
Your aircraft assembly line is amazing.
Happy Canada Day! They were playing Quebecois music on our local station here this morning. We're very close to BC, but Quebec seems a long way away. When I drove to Seattle years ago across Canada, a young boy in Saskatchewan or so said to me, "Oh, Seattle, that's in BC next to Vancouver, eh?" In general, the Canadian children we saw along the way knew the locations of Virginia (from) and Seattle (to) better than those from the States.
Garet
The assembly line is in full swing but will have to shut down for Canada Day fireworks this evening.
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The Tracker line has also started with photos to follow later this week.
Pieces for the four Trackers and the basic island decks are just placed for a photo op. The island will have thin layers of flooring added between the four decks to support catwalks and window protrusions
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The Tracker pieces have all been cut out and require major shaping and sanding.
The main mast has been started and will comprise of no less than 120 pieces to complete. # down 117 to go +-
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Eight Banshees. Fuselage have been carved and await the fitment of wings and tail feathers
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Guns will traverse left / right and up / down
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF2814.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1546
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF2816.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1545 Production model will substitue fine wire for the thread used to simulate the gun coils
The basic mast structure is up. Now all that remains is attaching another 100 or so bits and pieces.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_HMCS_Bonaventure_Mast_1001.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1554
The 3 inch guns are ready for installation to the gun station once I build them. They form part of deck 2 which will be started ???????
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Bonaventure_3_in_Guns_1002.JPG)
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Wonderful job, Lou! I'm always amazed how you can turn out several copies of such a detailed part.
Garet
I use basic building blocks. There are 21 pieces to each, but each is a simple piece glued to other simple pieces. The barrel is bamboo stock inserted into a toothpick, inserted into a wooden block. The coil section(toothpick) has thread wrapped around to simulate the recoil spring. Two of these sub assembly fit into a yoke which fits into two supports which are glued to the rotating base which is made up of two pieces for perception of dept. Etc etc etc. If any one is interested I will draw up the pieces to demonstrate.
The Banshee Squadron has been assembled and glued. There remains the attachment of engines, some sanding, paint and decals. I anticipate 90 minutes each spread over a few weeks. I have ordered the prototype's decals but await delivery of the single set before ordering the remainder. This will be an expensive project.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Banshee_W001.JPG)
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Lou, the Banshees are coming along nicely. I have the strange sensation that your hangar has been shrinking over the last few weeks, though :-)
Garet
The hangar has been used for photo ops on my plastic collection. It seemed like a good place to shoot the squadron's progress.
It makes a fine backdrop!
I still need to add electrical hook ups, hydraulic carts and tool box etc to make it look homey.
Trackers are coming along. I sat the Banshee aside for a while and started the trackers. Unfortunately the Tracker prototype had to be sacrificed during initial testing to see how to go about making these small gems. However, I learn something new nearly everyday.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_CP-121_Tracker_W001.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1574
P.S. The Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System is in the shop and should be ready for viewing within the week.
The Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System are ready for installation. They vary quite a bit from the original and should more accurately represent what was being used on the Bonnie.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3143.JPG)
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Check out the first photo in this post for comparison.
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http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9800.JPG
Production models on the left/prototypes on the right
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The trackers are coming along nicely with all nacelles carved and sanded and the first set of wing/nacelle assemble. The fuselage are all partially sanded and the bubble side windows being simulated with added piece and lots of sanding. Photo describe better than my words.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3134.JPG)
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Latest update on the HMCS Bonaventure air fleet
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I am attempting to rescue the Banshee prototype by retrofitting a revised engine design that is a bit more realsitic. These engines even have their exhaust hollowed out. At 1/144 scale, it is not all that hard to do.
Well, 12:30 PM here - nap time
Lou
Engines have been installed and final sanding after putty should be done by the weekend.
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Note added Nov 08 - these were scraped due to incorrect drawings.
Good work Lou!!!
A bit more advancement on the RCN Banshee with two being ready for painting. So far I only have one decal set and cannot make my own without a printer that prints white. Using clear over white decal fim does not work well at this scale.
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The Trackers are also progressing.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF3228.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1623
Every now and then one must screw things up to appreciate when thing do go good. I placed faith in an on line drawing only to find that the drawings was faulty in dimensions. Back to the drawing board.
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Well that's a bummer Lou. Hang in there.
Cliff.
Second Banshee prototype using correct drawings is underway.
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http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1685
It has been a while but I finally did the first Banshee to my satisfaction. here is a photo of the no 1 and no 2 prototypes. The no 1 was way too short and the wing too small.
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http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2214
Now just another seven to go!!!!
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Banshee_Multi-2.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Banshee_Multi-1.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2216
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2218
PS. Ray, sorry for the plastic Sabre.
I M P R E S S I V E ! ! !
Rafa
Thank you Rafa. I had 8 of the no 1 prototypes done when I realized my error. That happens a fair bit with me.
It's happened to me, too!
The new fuselages and wings have been cut out and now require shaping and sanding.
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The Banshees are progressing along. The first prototype survived the cutting torch and will be held as a reminder to check twice and then some before cutting. Left to right or closest to the camera are, the first prototype recognizable by its shorter fuselage, the second prototype and the production models. The production models have the rear horizontal stat situated lower on the fuselage to more closely reflect the actual aircraft. The prototype method is easier, but the production version looks a bit better when viewed close up.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF4522.JPG)
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We have six Banshee airframes awaiting Westinghouse engines. You know contrators. Three more airframes to sand and attach tail feathers
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The first of two HO4S-3 helicopters has been started
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http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2306
Now to find time for the Kingsfisher.
The air fleet is in
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The air fleet is taking longer than anticipated so another HO4S-3 may not materialize.
The canopy framing is completed and now the Banshees await final sanding and painting.
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Should be ready for decals early 2009.
A tally of parts so far indicates:
10 fuselages
10 wings
10 vertical fins
10 horizontal planes
10 canopies
80 pylons
10 nose gear wheels
10 nose gear hubs
20 nose gear forks (10 left - 10 right)
10 nose gear struts
20 nose gear doors
20 main gear struts
20 main gear wheels
20 main gear hubs
20 main gear axles
20 main gear inner doors
20 main gear outer doors
Total 320 parts so far not counting the failed original 9 plus a prototype.
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Gee whiz, Lou. And I was complaining about making four identical torpedo tubes! Great work there.
Garet
I switched to the Argus for a few hours just for a break. I have all the Banshee undercarriages assembled and only need to paint them before inserting into holes drilled in the fuselage and wings.
The second deck is being attached. Building from the top down is a bit different but, so am I.
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The Banshees are painted and decals are being affixed. Photos in a few days(I hope)
The Banshee decals only require serial numbers that are coming from CanMilAir decals in London Ontario.
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Those Banshees look great, Lou! Nice work!
The Banshee Squadron is complete and is just awaiting the launching of HMCS Bonaventure to put out to sea.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Banshee_parking.bmp)
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Now, just 4 Tracker, 2 HO4S-3 Horse and of course, HMCS Bonaventure.
Lou
Hull carving is progressing this week with having bought enough wood to finish it.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF5661.JPG)
Lou
Packed like Christmas decorations, the Banshees are ready for travel to the pulic showing.
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Lou
The hard part is now starting with lots of sanding.
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Impatient to see what she will look like with deck marking.
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Progress report June 2009.
The first HO4S-3 Horse is ready for priming and the second. Well!!!!! So little time these days.
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All Tracker have been painted and await undercarriage and props which have been completed.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6135.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6132.JPG)
Decals for all 6 have been ordered from CanMilAir decals so the end of the line is in sight. Now th Bonnie herself.
Lou
Wow, the tracker is a beauty, Lou.
Garet
Thanks Garet. The decals have been printed and were mailed to me Monday 15 Jun so I think I may have them on by next weekend. The undercarriage pieces are finished and I have started to glue them in place.
Lou
Decals have arrived, however I have not had time to place any of them . I took a photo to show what the Trackers look like without the CanMilAir decals.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_RCN_Tracker_Multi_j.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2840
Oh ya, the chopper is my second prototype H04S-3 Horse with initial coat of paint. Much clean up, sanding and some more painting before decals go on. The decals are on the way.
Lou
Nice, Lou. Crowded deck there!
Garet
I am trying very hard to keep the pace up. I know that July will be a slow month and that the weather is forcasted to be wondeful for the east coast.
Lou
The Trackers are completed. At last count there are 44 pieces in each Tracker. Decals are from CanMilAir and they worked out great (my opinion only).
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6624.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6606.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6616.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6621.JPG)
All in all it is satisfying to finish a specific project. In this case I have several specifics within a large project. Now on to the HO4S-3s. There are only two of those.(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6625.JPG)
The Trackers look great, Lou. Then again, so does the whole air wing. I bet your decal contact is really loving you.
Ken Pugh
At $7.00 dollars per aircraft, his summer holiday was assured. Thanks for the compliments.
Lou
Your Trackers are really neat, Lou.
Cliff.
Thank you Cliff.
Lou
Hi again Lou.
An airplane story. When I was on course in Ottawa in 1960 there was a naval officer also on course. He was a pilot and was allowed to check out a Tracker to fly home to Greenwood on the weekends as I recall. However, he later told us, that as the forecast weather was below his minimums, he was obliged to take the commercial alternative home. Of course part of his carry-on consisted of his parachute. The ticket agent is supposed to have said:"I've seen some nervous passengers before but I've never seen one carrying a parachute".
Cliff.
The HO4S-3s have been painted and windows applied using masking tape and an unsteady hand. Decals are here and will be put on shortly.
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The airfleet is completed.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6850.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6802.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6800.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF6793.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-2938
Additonal work has finally begun on the Bonnie. Shaping of the stern areas and sanding has been undertaken.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF7841.JPG)
Some progress has been achieved on the Bonnie. Trying to make the mast is causing some problems in making parts suitably small to look in scale. So far not so good but I will get there eventually.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF8261.JPG)
Here we have four separate attempts to get it right. I do not want to resort to using plastic girders to make the mast.
Lou
Lou,
Those are really intricate. At first, I though you were working on scenery for a model railroad!
Lou,
This is my first read of your tour d'force and it read like a novel, complete with some Perils of Pauline along the way (the Banshee mishap)! My goodness, what a splendidly conceived and constructed project. It is all too inspiring for words. I shall watch with eagerness its further progress and completion. I assume The Canada Museum in Ottawa is awaiting its finish...
Huzzah!
Joe
Finally been able to produce decent girders approx 1/16 inch thick. With sanding they look pretty good for the mast.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF8308.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF8309.JPG)
I used a home made jig on my bandsaw and used a metal cutting blade. The wood is a basswood paint stirring stick from my local Canadian Tire store. The grain is straight and the wood density is great.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Band_saw_guide_%281%29.JPG)
One other thing is the radar dome on the rear of the upper deck. I made a dowel centering tool and it worked quite well.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Dowel_centering_tool.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Dowel_centering_tool_%281%29.JPG)
Lou,
All very impressive (construction, jigs, etc.).
Although it is expensive, the model railroaders use basswood strip stock, though it looks like you're doing a wonderful job with your jig and bandsaw. Ray had recommended the basswood strips for some of the details on my PT boat.
Garet
The most amasing thing is the quality of the paint stir sticks at Canadian Tire. And they are free.
lou
Both masts have been assembled and now need details added in the form of antenae and radar arrays.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Tower_progress_001.JPG)
As she stands, the main mast has 126 pieces and the smaller radar tower has 56 wooden pieces and a ladder made from window screen materiel.
Lou
Amazing work, Lou!
Thank you Garet. The work is slow but satisfying. Paint has been applied and details still need to be applied. I also need a few touch ups and some sanding.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Bonnie_island_and_masts_%281%29.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3798
The gun emplacements are coming along. I have three of four rough carved and one temp placed in its intended location.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Bonnie_gun_emplacements.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Bonnie_gun_emplacements_%283%29.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Bonnie_gun_emplacements_%282%29.JPG)http://Smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3793
The majority of the hatchways have been marked out. I have received some highly details photos from a friend and the creative juices are flowing at the shipyard.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9311.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSCF9313.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3812
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3811
Nice progress on the Bonnie, Lou! I showed someone your photos and they didn't believe how big she was until I showed them the photo of you holding the deck piece.
Garet
Thanks Garet. She weighs in at approx 15 pounds. I should take my scales downstairs and weigh her.
Lou
Lou, If I may ask, where did you acquire the Bonaventure drawings or plans?
Thanks
Ben
A friend provided me with some good drawings. They are of the post-refit version but do quite well with some photos found on line and research shared by my friends.
Lou
Quote from: lastvautour on March 18, 2010, 12:07:02 PM
A friend provided me with some good drawings. They are of the post-refit version but do quite well with some photos found on line and research shared by my friends.
Lou
Ha!
Any chance some scan version could be available in the solid model memory plans section soon? ;)
Thanks
Ben
I will ask my friend and if doesn't mind I will scan and post. It is a pretty big drawing and will not fit on one sheet. I can overlap but cannot guarantee that the images will scan to the same scale. I have had problems with this before.
lou
If you are ok to go ahead, do the basic stuff only, I will be able to manage the reassembly myself, even if it is cut in 8 parts ;D
My intention is only to do a 1:1250 scale version of it.
Thanks
Ben
At that size, there are some drawings from my stash I will hunt up for you.
Lou
Some nice work there Lou, is it going to be a static display or a working model?
Strictly static for me these days.
Lou
I've been meaning to mention this, Lou, but just haven't gotten around to it until now. Back in 1966, my brother and I spent the summer at our grandmother's house in Canada. She lived in Lauzon, Quebec, right on the St. Lawrence River, on top of a hill overlooking the Davie Brothers Shipyard, where the HMCS Bonaventure was undergoing her "mid-life" refit and modernization. She was the first aircraft carrier I'd ever seen, and I was fascinated by her. All summer long we watched her in the dockyard, and when we came back for a short visit the following spring, we were surprised to find her still there! The great irony turned out to be that after that long refit, she only lasted another couple years in service before being paid off and scrapped.
Your model not only fills me with admiration for your modelling skills, it also brings back a lot of childhood memories...
That is a coincidence. I joined the military in 1966 and travel to Quebec for my basic training. I am sorry I never had the chance to see the Bonnie for myself, and if you look on line she is not the most photographed ship in the world. I am glad to bring you joy.
Lou
Some major sanding is being done with a coarse file. No end in sight. I will miss the launch date by several years.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4083.JPG) (http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4082.JPG)
Some more sanding and work on the various openings.
Lou
The striking shipbuilders are back to work after contract negotiations. Painting of the deck has started and will continue for the foreseeable future.
Lou
Not quite ready to receive or launch aircraft just yet, but we are working on it.
Lou
Moving along. Marking are coming.
Picked up the paint this afternoon. I made a paint chip of the colour I wanted and had them mix it for me. Otherwise, buy those small bottles would have put me in the poor house. As such the quart of paint was $20.00.
The photo is the first coat quickly applied with a sponge. The surface is still very rough and needs much filling and sanding, but I wanted to see the effect of the paint.
Lou
It looks really good Lou! I forgot how big she is until I saw her in this photo.
Peter
I had forgotten just how heavy it was until it needed to be turned on her side. Nearly 12 lbs. This morning the entire hull received its first coat. The latex/acrylic will serve as the primer and filler for fine depressions but it is feared that a big tube of wood filler will be required to do the job. At least it is moving along. She has been idle for such a long time.
Lou
The starboard side is nearly done with the fore gun mount in place. Some light sanding and a few coats of paint and the other side will get the treatment.
Lou
Still some sanding to be done on the hull, however a friend is coming over this after to view the Bonnie so I pulled the air fleet out of storage and placed them out for show only. The accessories are also just sitting there for now. All will be put away after and sanding will resume. It gives an idea of what she will look like.
Lou
Looking great Lou, some excellent carving, and great detailing, don't forget to make the tug boats for towing to her new display area. Regards Paul J.
The majority of the decks edge is lined with safety nets. Here is a first crack at it. The netting is screen door mesh that will be painted white and lined up properly.
Lou
wow, that is delicate work, Lou! It's looking great!
Thank you Garet. She has been idle far to long.
Lou
Fine work drilling those holes Lou, the screen mesh looks effective. Regards Paul J.
Would you believe I ran out of glue and had to sideline the Bonnie on the weekend. I cut out a few catwalks which were attached this morning. probably will have some progress shots by the end of the week.
Lou
You can never have too much glue, I have just found out that Toolstation have just started stocking Elmers range of glue in their new catalogue here in the UK. The only time I ever got Elmers before was in a flatpack bookshelf for gluing the dowels in, you got a small bottle of Elmers Glue All. Regards Paul J.
Elmer is a common brand out here. I started attaching the cat walks and the Landing System Light platform. Much much more needs to be done. I don't anticipate launching much before 2015.
Lou
I like your landing lights Lou, your carrier will still get its keel wet before our two new Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, du in 2016 and 2018. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Elizabeth_class_aircraft_carrier .Regards Paul J.
Strange not to have an angle deck!!!!!
Lou
I think they have just scaled up the design from the Invincible class, as they just had the straight deck for the Harriers to take off from, and at the moment the F35's will take off the same way (unless they change their minds again). Regards Paul J.
The cradle will enable rotating the ship to get at various areas with little danger of damage to those areas already done. Here we have a view of the forward netting and railings around the port landing light system.
Lou
Today we finished the Bonnie's launches and work boats. Each boat is 2 1/4 inches long. The finish is shellac and acrylic white white decals for windows. Each will rest in its own bay within the side of the Bonnie and be seen from the side only.
Lou
Lovely detailing on the small size of the boats Lou, regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. There is a small 14 footer still to come.
Lou
Progressing.
Lou
Tidy job with the netting Lou, the screen mesh looks effective. What are you using to attach it?, is it superglue gel?. Regards Paul J.
I am using super glue liquid right now as my supply of gel is just about gone. Either work well One must wait a bit longer with the liquid.
Lou
Moving along. A fire station. One of 8.
Lou
Lot of details left to make and install but progress is being made. Anticipated launch 2014. I have sanded repainted the flight deck with lighter grey colour and I also plan on working on the island next week.
Lou
Looking good Lou, Regards Paul J.
Many enjoyable hours have been spent on catwalks. The port side is nearly finished. At every turn a workaround is required to make her as realistic as possible.
Lou
Catwalks continue to be the main event on the Bonnie. The aft catwalk is getting stanchions attached prior to netting being applied.
Photo to follow.
Lou
The aft catwalks flooring and mesh railings has been attached and painted. The next area, aft starboard catwalks are not well documented so more research is required. There are still many areas on the port side that also need completion, but that will wait until the entire ship is brought to the level of detail currently on the port catwalks. My early 2014 launch may not be attainable at this rate.
Lou
Lou I am in awe at the amount of work that has gone into this project,ongoing complex models such as this really look impressive and you have given this one your best for sure,every small fitting is a model in itself.
Barry.
Thank you Barry. There is still a lot to do. Maybe 2014 is an optimistic launch date.
Lou
I think a miniature bottle of champagne will need to be made gor the launch,you can get those tiny dolls house bottles !
Barry.
New glue bottle and the building goes on.
Lou
Shipbuilders have been busy today.
Lou
Screen mesh is just siting there for now. Glue scheduled for tomorrow morning, unless the sun shines, then it's lawn cutting.
Lou
Additional details added to the aft starboard catwalks. Progress has been slow this summer but will pick up this fall and winter.
Lou
Lou your progress is amazing,this is one epic model and a true labour of love.
Barry.
It is indeed a labour of love. I hope to finish it someday.
Lou
Some work is being done with the flat form for the outer island catwalk being faired into the hull.
Lou
I noted the program reminded me that I had not activated this topic for at least 120 days.
truly amazing Lou! very detailed.
The unpainted parts are new in including the plastic railing made from garden mesh.
Lou
Life boat canisters are attached at one station only. I need 64 (x3) units. The Bonnie sits sideways to work on the motor boat bays. The crane has also been given a bit of time.
Lou
Some inside details started with a ladder and railing to the upper deck.
Lou
Majority of the crane is done.
Lou
Nice! Crane for life boats?
Biggles
The crane was mainly used to transfer cargo and fish planes out of the water.
Lou
Nice detailing on the crane Lou, she's slowly coming on. Regards Paul J.
Like real shipyards, schedules keep being pushed back but launch should take place this decade???
Lou
Ha ha!(:
Biggles
I felt guilty walking by the Bonnie everytime I go to the workshop. These are smoke generators. The photo shows I need to do touch up painting in this area.
Lou
Still a amazing project Lou.
Do you think you'll finish it?
I don't really know but I do keep working even if it is only adding one piece every other month.
Lou
Port side boats installed.
Lou
Renewed interest in the Bonnie. I have started an SPS-8 radar array is on the bench. Making radar mesh from wood is a challenge. Photos to follow later in the week.
Lou
It's a work of art.
Cheers
Gordon
The top array is started with many more pieces to come. The close up is the SPS-8 radar progress.
Lou
Bits and pieces are coming along. SPS-8 is done but the details are very low. Some new railing yet to be painted. The funnel and water tank have been glued in place.
Lou
Lou,
Looks great . Well done!
Gordon
SPS-8 and SPS-49 installed as well as four storage lockers on the upper deck. The two remaining pictures are the addition radars and the upper array platform.
Lou
PS a chance to sneak in my 1/72 F-15 Eagle. This has to be the worst kit I have ever built.
Nice work Lou, great detailing, I don't know about you but I enjoy making the detailed parts, such as undercarriage, more than removing wood and sanding. Regards Paul J.
It all depends on the subject. Some of my 1/32 aircraft have built up engines and most of my 1/144 have undercarriage. The Bonnie need lots of small parts and is truly a decade + project.
Lou
I did manage some work before the propane leak. The main mast is about 30% done.
Lou
Progressing along nicely. The mast has 4 metal, 42 plastic and 142 wooden parts. I still need a few bits and pieces to add and paint.
Lou
I have not counted how many parts to the island. There is still work(enjoyment) to be done before it is done.
Lou
Looks great Lou, excellent detailing. Regards Paul J.
HMCS Bonaventure radar and communication systems complete for now. Rigging and same antennae may follow later. The island will remain removable for transporting.
Lou
Looks amazing Lou. Regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul.
Lou
Lou,
Impressive! Look forward to further updates.
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. Things will slow down on the Bonnie as other project take precedence.
Lou
Flight deck repainted but I still need yardage numbers applied in white. I need to visit a stationary store to look for "dry transfer" white numbers. I though of experimenting with white decal film and printing a colour similar to the deck colour but with having colour differences it may be beyond my talents.
Lou
Looks great. The ship is certainly marked and coloured differently than modern carriers.
It was standard procedure to tell the pilots to stay off the grass while landing. Someone figured it would be helpful for the landing.
Lou
Too funny! I thought, perhaps, the green was to make the pilots think it was an airfield. Of course, some of those pilots may have flown Spitfires only ten years before on grass :D
Fraser
Just a few more progress shots of the arrestor system and life rafts. The rafts are 60 pieces of wood and 40 vinyl straps. The Bonnie could string 7 cables in total.
Getting there.
Lou
The model looks very good. Seems like the crew did not heed the warning regarding jet blast. ;)
Drunken sailors.
Lou
Incredible!
Gordon
MD-3 tow tractor arrived from Shapeway some time ago. I have started converting them to The Royal Canadian Navy version by cutting off bumper followed by the power cart portion. I then glued the bumper back on and voila a Canadian MD-3. To spark the interest I relocated the Bonnie where I will see her every time I go into my plastic work area. I have also removed the air fleet from the storage box to further inspire me.
Lou
Nice conversion Lou, good to see the Bonaventure back out again. My inspiration seems to come in bursts nowadays then goes away again. Regards Paul J.