Vintage Monogram Balsa Warship Models

[Joe]

A few years ago I found a "trove" of 1940s Monogram balsa wood kits of WWII warships. There were five (5) in the series, and they are reasonably challenging builds.

I'll post more about them later.

[Joe]

Typical kit and plans.

Cutting out small parts from the balsa sheets can be a challenge: these kits were created long before laser cut-outs

[Joe]

Progress on the USS Chicago build-up. Confession: some of the components are NOT from the kit. In fact, some are NOT balsa wood. One example: the large gun turrets.

[Joe]

One of the most challenging build-ups of this kit are the Kingfisher Float Planes. I've attached the relevant section of the plans, and the balsa/paper materials provided in the kit.

I've had to construct miniature aircraft like these previously—see my Shangri-La post—and they take considerable patience plus a very steady hand.

[Boomerang]

Looking good so far Joe. 16" hull makes it a fair size.
Picking up a trove . What a bonus .
You've tweaked my interest in a model of HMAS Sydney (II) . I have a plan that I picked up on eBay a few years ago.

I'll pull it out and have a peruse .

Looking forward to more progress reports.

Cheers

Gordon

[lastvautour]

Excellent progress to date. Nice to see you posting again.

Lou