I have finally started my 1/350 scale LST. Even in 1/350 scale, she is 11 and 1/4 inch long. I am currently making the gun tubes. Pictures to follow shortly. I have not quite figured out how to do the railings in this scale. They are a prominent feature of this model.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4076.JPG)
Lou
Making progress.
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Lou,
I didn't realize you planned to start one of these. She looks great so far!
Garet
Dave started his some time ago. I have been put it off long enough.
Lou
The making of the railing has been solved. At least for me it is! I used plastic screen material and cut it three rows wide leaving the bottom horizontal strand off.
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At first I cut off the vertical pieces I wished to remove.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4136.JPG)
On closer look I found that it is a weave of nylon fibers coated in plastic. I then tried removing the vertical pieces using a tweezer. It worked.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4145.JPG)
Gluing the bottom edge of the strands makes it look pretty good.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4137.JPG)
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4136.JPG) I used super glue on a pin to attach each strand. There is a bit of a twist that may become problematic in longer sections so a straight pin may have to be inserted every few inches, but that is a problem for tomorrow.
That's a great idea for rails!
Garet
I know there is a template on a card model website for making railings out of thread. Basically you put threads on the template, stiffen it with white glue and when dry peel it off. I can find the website if you like?
Peter
I have seen that Peter. I will stay with the plastic screen material, however I will post your website on our links page.
Lou
A great model and a neat technique that may have other uses. Hope you can forward the web site.
Cliff.
Here's the website they have some beautiful cardmodels, some quite complex and some free! The template for the thread ladders and railings is halfway down the download page. http://www.papershipwright.co.uk/download.shtml
Peter
Thanks Peter. Hope someone can place this in the "Techniques" section.
Cliff.
The link to that page has been placed in the links section.
Lou
The armament is being fashioned and the gun tubs are being glued to the deck. I drilled a hole vertically into the end grain of a 1/8 inch piece of fairly hard pine. I then inserted a dowel and removed material to render the gun tube wall thickness down to 1/32 inch + -. The forward installations have a beveled bottom piece to make them horizontal. The cabin area is not glued down yet as some additional details have to be made and attached. Like real ships, I found that no two drawing agree so I elected to use Dave's version for this project.
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http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=5271
Installing defensive armament.
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Installing vents.
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Installing davits.
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Installing cable reel and life raft. The bottom additional life rafts will be made from card stock rather than wood sheeting as in this one. It will make them look thinner and more realistic.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4168.JPG)
Installing launch lowering guides for the personnel landing crafts. The wire is the copper center wire found in TV cable.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4173.JPG)
Installing railing and first of new life rafts.
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Roughed out Sherman tank and progress to date. The wooden blocks are the life raft holder and will be essential to keeping the railings straight.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF4178.JPG)
The LST joins the fleet. Inspired by Dave's own LST and the drawings he posted. Thank you Dave.
Early morning fog hides the LST and her escorts.
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(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_LST_Fog_002J.JPG)
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http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=5346
The LST is my first 1/350 ship having railings attached. The use of screen mesh has served me well. Perhaps one could retrofit the others in the fleet... um, or not!!
Lou
Lou, the LST, and particularly the railings, came out really well.
Garet
Thank you Garet. The shipyard is now vacant awaiting the next project.
Lou