IJN Shikishima, GPM, 1:200

[docrox]

After finishing the USS California for the moment I was fed up with AAs or life rafts.
So I checked my stock and found the IJN Shikishima, a pre dreadnought Japanese battleship.
Laser cut formers, machined barrels and the photo etched set were on hand too.

Informations about the ship are found here:
Japanese battleship Shikishima - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[docrox]

The skeleton was finished within 3 hours thanks for the pre cut frames.
I started hull plating from bow to the middle and then from stern. The last part had to be slightly trimmed. The joints were filled with hot wax then troweled up with a tool. The hull was then coated with a pore filler. Sanding followed, after that a layer of revel colour was applied.
A second sanding and a last layer of colour was done next. Then the shafts with their brackets and palms as well as the rudder were glued on to the hull

Hans Gerd

[redhorse]

Interesting ship, I'll be following this one.

[Greg S.]

Coincidentally, I am building a Shikishima. However, I am not using a kit but am working from simple drawings from a Japanese book.

I will be following you with added interest.

[docrox]

The main deck was laminated with 1mm cardboard. First I mistook the gray circles as skylights but a look at the instructions showed that they had to be punched.

The formers for the anchor bearings were added and the hull plating began. Before attachment the casemates had to be fitted.

Hans Gerd

[birder]

your shipbuilds are a joy to watch! Wonderful work Hans

[eibwarrior]

Hello Hans. Very nice start to this pre-dred.

You did such great work on California. I will watch your build with great interest.

[docrox]

The last 2 weeks there was no progress with Shikishima:
First I attended a fair at Friedrichshafen, Lake Constance, for 4 days presenting some of my models. Then I caught a cold.
Nevertheless the hull is closed! The junction between upper and lower hull was covered with black duct tape. the protecting rip is made of a thin polystyrol strip.

[eibwarrior]

Good start Hans. I know what you mean about distractions. It's funny how little things can take your attention away from a project.

Looks like you've managed to get back into her.

Keep the updates coming!

[docrox]

Finally, I managed to attach the upper deck, there are casemates to build in too.