USS Helena/Phoenix - Page 8

**eibwarrior** · #71 09-23-2009, 01:02 PM

Lookin' good Padre. Glad you're back on the Phoenix and feeling better.

I just love looking at your progress because it's like a heads-up for me on constructability issues on this model, and seeing how you handle them.

I notice you're using natural light to photograph. That's really a good idea. I've noticed that the camera flash exaggerates a lot of details and colors on my Helena build. I think I'm going to make an effort to take more pictures like yours with natural lighting. I makes a big difference and looks a lot better.

Bravo on a good job Padre.

**B-Manic** · #72 09-23-2009, 01:19 PM

She's looking real good, your radars are excellent, I particularly like the fire control radar.

**Padre** · #73 10-02-2009, 11:42 AM

I have added the lifeboats to the turrets and the masts. I now have to be REALLY careful when turning the ship or moving my hands around

. I usually break something and have to re-glue it

. The metal gun barrels are proving to be heavy so that the ability to move up and down is being degraded slowly and I will probably have to glue them in place before I am finished with building.

**jagolden01** · #74 10-02-2009, 12:38 PM

Coming along very nicely, Padres. Life rafts look really good. Every bit just makes it better and better.

**eibwarrior** · #75 10-04-2009, 01:24 PM

Wonderful job Padre. You're detailing Phoenix out well. Man, there's just so much detail in this kit.

You said you were going to skip a few small details, but I haven't seen it yet. Great work.

**gtb -red** · #76 10-04-2009, 11:08 PM

as warrior said. Great work!

**Padre** · #77 10-09-2009, 12:49 PM

Have finished the 5" open gun mounts, 3 on each side amidships and one on each side on O2 level. The Phoenix did not have enclosed duel 5" mounts. Not having them means that it did not have hoists to bring up the shells, they had to be hand carried to the mounts exposing the handlers to danger as they were not protected. I had to change the blast shield to regular railings if you look back at previous pictures. I find that sometimes I have to change things (poor planning and rushing). I will attribute any differences to updates during different dry-docks. I will not glue them in place yet as they overhang the hull and I would probably damage them as I turn the ship during building.

**Padre** · #78 10-12-2009, 10:07 AM

Finished the cranes for the ships boats. They are not in the exact place as on the Phoenix, placed them where on the Helena the twin 5' mounts go. Doing modification as I go to change the Helena to the Phoenix. Also took a quick break and made a Skull for Halloween.