Amerigo Vespucci 1:100 (Fly Model)

[milhistory]

I just noticed that a new category for model builds has been created. Any way to move this thread to that more appropriate category?

Brad

[Clashster]

Brad - what a beautiful build! Great way to start off this new site!

[cjwalas]

Now that is a nice size ship model! Much more in keeping with the traditional mantlepiece wooden model. Is it easier or more difficult to work on a model this size as opposed to a smaller one?
Chris

[milhistory]

Originally Posted by cjwalas

Now that is a nice size ship model! Much more in keeping with the traditional mantlepiece wooden model. Is it easier or more difficult to work on a model this size as opposed to a smaller one?
Chris

I find larger models are both harder and easier. For example, you don't have to fiddle with all those minuscule pieces found on a smaller-scale ship model, but dealing with the large pieces is also difficult because they can be very unwieldy. The masts must be reinforced to hold the weight brought to bear on them (the kit has paper masts but provides templates for wooden ones) and I had a very hard time trying to get the large side skins to fit properly.

[milhistory]

Originally Posted by Clashster

Is the figurehead paper? If so, is it possible to get another angle or two? Thanks!

Chris

The figurehead is paper. I am as close to a paper purist as one can get without being one. The figure head is merely a 2 dimensional cut-out laminated to 3mm.

[cjwalas]

Originally Posted by milhistory

I had a very hard time trying to get the large side skins to fit properly.

That was my concern specifically. I've been doing Stuka models in various scales and the same model seems to go together much easier in a smaller scale than a larger one. I haven't tried any ship models yet, but I have bought a couple that I'm looking forward to. Any hints on how to deal with the large sections?
Chris

[milhistory]

Originally Posted by cjwalas

Any hints on how to deal with the large sections?
Chris

Chris:

First, I dry fit pieces six or seven times before nervously committing to glue. Even then, I glued only a small section, waited until it set, and continued to dry fit the remaining section to make sure it still lined up, then I glued a little bit more. Some of the side skins are longer than 12 inches so it was a harrowing experience.

Brad

[cgutzmer]

MAYBE thats my problem with ships,I kinda hold it up then eyeball it - slap some glue on and hope! Works for models with smaller parts but not ship hulls for sure.....

Thanks for the tip - maybe one day I will try a ship again.
Chris

[Bluenoser]

On the other hand, ever look at the hull on a weather beaten ship? You can see the frames clearly between the hull plates where they have bowed in a little. So I can use that line to account for the fact that my hulls aren't that smooth....although I really am trying to get them smooth.

[Amazyah]

Wow, that is looking great Brad!
I love these old sailing ship models. They do make a striking display!
Your build is coming along great and the soda can helped a lot too, thanks!

I am looking forward to your updates!

Russell