May 5th, 1864

[ct ertz]

A bit more done.

[ct ertz]

A bit more done, sorry for the poor pictures.

[cgutzmer]

WOW! Those are detailed really well! ove the guys on board
Chris

[ct ertz]

OK, we got the Albemarle about done, the Commodore Hull about done, and now we started on the USS Sassacus, the gun boat that tried to disable the Albemarle by ramming it, and was repaid for the effort with a shot through the boilers. I am using MM's model of the USS Mendota for the ship, as there were some 30 ships of this basic style produced for the Union during the war, and they were all pretty much alike.

This model is harder then it looks, the hardest of the MM models that I have so fare made. Luckily, so far the pieces all fit well. We are rushing this a bit, kind of a shame for such a great model, but the project is due Tuesday. Michael spent this after noon cutting out the paddle wheel frames and ships launches. this was some of the most detailed work so far for him and it was a bit of a challenge. He also did most of the egg carton framing. There are a lot of small details on this model, but as with the Commodore Hull, the challenge will be to get enough figures made and on board to make the decks "look" right. We did decide to go with the printed anti-boarding netting instead of making our own do to time limitations, but it should still look good.

[ct ertz]

Some progress. The blank spot is for the USS Sassucas. We haven't decided if the seen will be just prior to the ramming attack or just after the ships parted.

[Kazziga]

I am impressed with your diorama. Great work!

[ct ertz]

We are working on the sailors now. Lots and lots of itty-bitty blue jackets. When we get the ships done we will start adding smoke and steam.

[ct ertz]

Well, we ran out f time to get it as done as I would have liked, but for a weeks work it didn't come out bad. I would have liked to have a lot more figures on the decks of the Union ships.

Around the base Michael put his other requirements such as his time line and a journal entry, along with a couple of pictures.

The diorama pictures the USS Sassacus making a run to ram the CSS Albemarle, while the USS Commodore Hull tries to get in close enough to net the ironclads screws with a large net, while avoiding being rammed herself. SIx or seven Uiton ships spent three hours fighting the ironclad, hitting it with 500 shells and ramming it at least once. The attempt to disable the Albemarles screws or rudder and boarding attempts proved useless.

[Don Boose]

That is a fine historical diorama, CT/

Don

[redhorse]

A week's work??? Wow, that's really impressive!