RF Masséna Golden Bear Models 1:250

[Michael Mash]

Hello Modelers,

I am happy to begin work on one of Golden Bear’s French battleships: RF Masséna , 1898, scale 1:250.

I think that if Jules Verne had ever written a story about a renegade battleship, it would have looked a lot like Masséna. With so many unique characteristics, this ship is a delight for modelers like myself. With the large single turrets, unusual bow configuration and extreme (even by French standards) tumblehome, this project presents plenty of challenges.

She was built 369 feet (112.47 meters) in length with a beam of 66 feet (20.11 meters). The ship carried major fore and aft armament of 12-inch (305mm) guns and side major armament of 10-inch (274mm) guns. Each large single turret was accompanied by two 5-inch (138.6mm) guns/turrets. Golden Bear lists her crew number at 667. She was built by Chantiers de Loire.

Here are the first images showing the start of the laminating, cutting and assembling of the hull frames. I have used screws to secure the hull plates to particle board. I like particle board because it remains straight and provides a heavy secure base.

Cheers,
Mike

[SJPONeill]

I'm learning already from your fist post, Michael - I've use a heavy base board for hulls before but never thought ( but can see the benefits) of securing the parts to the base board with screws...

Simon

[rmks2000]

Great to see another Michael Mash build thread!

[Joe711]

Hello Mike!
A new interesting vessel, the construction is very precise!
I look forward to the sequel!

Best regards, Joe

[Paperwarrior]

This should be a real treat. I'm looking forward to seeing another great link up between a Goldenbear model and the craftsmanship of Mike.

This is an interesting model. The French certainly had a unique answer to the question of the pre-dreadnaught.

Jeff

[Don Boose]

This made my day!

I second Jeff's comments. It is exciting to have another Mike Mash Golden Bear Build Thread beginning. I look forward to learning a lot about French naval architecture and advanced ship model building techniques, plus the visual pleasure of the images of the historic ship and of the model.

Don

[Michael Mash]

Thanks Simon, RMKS, Joe, Jeff and Don for the warm reception.
It certainly is an interesting ship, so it should be a lot of fun.
Mike

[RAFleischman]

I'm sure another masterpiece is on the way!

Are the hulls formers printed in black? If so, why?

russ...

[Michael Mash]

Originally Posted by RAFleischman

I'm sure another masterpiece is on the way!

Are the hulls formers printed in black? If so, why?

russ...

Thank you Russ. Regarding the black upper hull pieces . . . . yes, Golden Bear designed them all in black. The upper hull above the tumblehome has many rows of rectangular hatches. When Carl built his prototype, he opened them all. So that way the interior appears quite dark with all that black. Note: he may have had some other reasons as well, but that is the one I am aware of.
Mike

[Royaloakmin]

That is the reason.