SS UNITED STATES by Micromodel

[jimkrauzlis]

Greetings, Everyone!

Despite the best attempts by work to keep me busy, I did manage a bit of time to complete my next project, which is the SS UNITED STATES passenger ship by Micromodels. I have long wanted to build one of these little ones and finally managed to stumble through one. It took two builds as the instructions are in some instances a bit vague, such as the build up of the superstructure and I just plain got it wrong on the first attempt. With that experience under my belt I ventured forth on a second try and this is the result. Since these models are have been out of print for quite a spell, and is my usual habit, I scanned the sheets and did a bit of modification before printing them out for the build. The major difference between my version and the classic design by that amazing Micromodel founder Geoffrey Heighway is the color of the decks. Mr. Heighway used a very pale yellow, almost a teak-like color, whereas I tried to copy the pale green of the original. I also took the opportunity to clean up a bit of the scan with a few touch-ups which the first build showed me left unsightly color problems from the original.

This is not yet complete, as I have to build up the courage to tackle some 24 little lifeboats and their davits to be added along the boat deck, and I want to touch up here and there a bit, particularly the water base, although Mr. Heighway's amazing artistic skills are very evident in his treatment of the wake pattern. There are a few things I would try to do a bit different in building another one of these little babies, but for now I'm generally happy with the way this came out. I rather doubt I would try to add any railing at this scale, though the idea did come to me briefly, as it would most likely lead me to book a visit to the local padded room.:D

So, for now, here is how she looks.







Again, as always, any criticisms, suggestions or comments are welcome.

Thanks for stopping by and having a look.

Cheers!
Jim

[Fozzy The Bear]

Originally Posted by jimkrauzlis

SS UNITED STATES passenger ship by Micromodels.

Very nice Jim. An impressive build at that scale. Looks Great!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Knife]

Wow, that's a big match!

[Gil]

Ok Jim,

She's nearly ready to go into the bottle..., that is after you finish with the lifeboats...,

+Gil

[Barry]

Thing of beauty yet again

[dansls1]

Very nice job!

[airbob]

Jim,
EXQUISITE!!! little gem!!!...I just any build of this elegent ship!!!:D:D:D

[airbob]

(insert) love

[Clashster]

Looks awesome, Jim! Now the fun really begins with those lifeboats! Now that you have the tedious "big build" out of the way....

[Phil]

Very nice Jim!
The only drawback (for me) to some of Micromodels is that some parts are to be made from bristle and matchsticks (wood). I believe the lifeboats must be made from matchsticks.