Warship Model Display Question

[Lex]

Not exactly off-topic, this is a question for ship model builders. I would like your opinion on where the turrets should be pointed when displaying.

It seems a norm that in cardmodels, ships are displayed with their (main) turrets turned towards their 'rest' position. I guess there could be more freedom if the subject is a waterline model, but for full hull models, would you think it's a good idea to display a ship in combat conditions with for example, turrets pointed one way?

[dto]

There are no set rules on displaying ship models; it's the builder's choice on how it should be exhibited. That said, there are some general conventions (but feel free to ignore them if you wish):

If a waterline ship model is depicted "at sea" on an ocean base, the turrets can be posed in whatever position the situation requires -- aimed at some distant target, or trained fore-and-aft while simply under way. The aim is realism in this case, so weathering is also expected unless the ship is fresh from the builder's yard. But even photos of the Titanic on her maiden voyage show a couple rust streaks.

If the ship is a "presentation model" -- usually full hull with no weathering on turned brass posts anchored to a wooden base -- it is assumed to be an idealized representation, as no real ship would be in such a position (unless mounted inside a museum). Then the guns are normally trained fore-and-aft, with perhaps a slight elevation.

Besides brass posts, many full-hull ship models rest on a series of wood blocks mimicking drydock keel blocks. But since this is also representational the guns would not be seen in action positions. Besides, most ships in drydock would have their turrets "at rest" so the guns won't snag the shipyard cranes.

So it's basically a question on how you wish to present your model. A waterline ship resting on a lacquered wood base or polished stone would also be considered a "presentation model" and normally would be pristine. But if you REALLY want your full-hull model with weathering and guns in action on a traditional ship stand, nobody should criticize you.


David T. Okamura

[Lex]

Thank you so much David, that is one of the most informative explanations I have ever read. It really clears up a lot of things, especially the different types of 'model'.

So effectively as I understand, to depict a full hull subject in combat situations one would ideally need artificial water, waves, and, really, the entire diorama set. For something at 1:200 scale I can understand the practical difficulties this would involve without putting the entire thing in a fish tank.

Nonetheless, would some degree of weathering be okay with a wood block base? That seem like a good balance in this situation.