iggie's modelling table

[iggie]

Thanks David!

The hull got a coat of gloss varnish and I've decided to add as many decals as possible before the PE bits get added.
So far I've done the worst bits which are the long lines running the whole length of the flight deck

[Michael modeller 48]

From my framer's eye that is one straight line. it looks spectacular!

[iggie]

Thank you Michael; it was 'interesting' to say the least applying such a long line; the red and white lining came in two parts on the sheet, and I then cut those in half to make four....who knew that when it hit the water it would then turn itself into multiple smaller lengths all on it's own! In the end it is now made up of about twenty parts! The wider yellow line was somewhat easier and although still in two parts on the sheet, it stayed together and went down a lot easier

Some further progress:
Decals pretty much done, and some weathering applied to the deck. It doesn't show up well in the photo but is more obvious in the flesh...a solitary AV8B is in residence, although missing decals and canopy as yet!

Three of the many helos which will be on-board: the CH-53 Sea Stallion was not a permanent resident but was often seen visiting this type of ship for replenishment and transport duties. The one with it's rotors spread will (if I get around to it....) be posed in flight just about to lift a crate of stores from the deck; the lifting slings will be made of thin wire to support the helicopter

[PTB11]

Beautiful work.

[ShaunW]

That is mightily impressive stuff, Iggie!

[Clashcityrocker]

Lovely looking carrier. I like your idea for the lifting helicopter.

Nigel

[iggie]

Thanks folks! I'm rather glad that I am nearing the end of this build tbh, as it has eaten up a lot of evenings! I think it might be a while before I tackle something so big again

Last night involved a little window painting, using a 0.5mm drawing pen, and painting of rotors and wheels. I also built four little fork trucks which are yet to be painted. I would have done more but we had about 15 groups of kids 'trick or treating', all were 10 or younger, had made an effort to dress up, and all were accompanied by responsible adults and were very polite . This marks a major step change from previous years when 16-18 year olds seemed to be patrolling the streets demanding money or egging houses if nothing was given.... Much better this year

[Old_Tonto]

That is looking rather smart iggie.

[TobyC]

Bloody hell!! That's bigger than the real thing
Nice work

[iggie]

Cheers Gents

Bloody hell!! That's bigger than the real thing
Nice work

It feels that way sometimes!

I still have to build the shelf for it to go on in the office

[Ratch]

The Air Wing looks good

[skypirate]

Where are you going to store this model?
It deserves to be under glass, safe from Trick-or-treaters!

Cheers,

David

[Purplethistle]

Terrific work Iggie, just stunning!

[iggie]

Thanks guys!

Well, the finishing line is nearing....I am undecided yet as to how much of the supplied amphibious & land equipment will get built at present; there is a lot of it but unless I do a sea base, it'll be difficult to see it really.
The air wing on the other hand is largely done; again not all of the supplied aircraft have been built, but enough to give an idea of how busy the deck could/would be during flight operations. I still need to build a couple of aircraft tugs, but the forklift trucks are sweet!
The aircraft all got a gloss varnish, decals (low vis markings do not work well at 1/350th scale really....), a coat of Tamiya Smoke to bring out the panel lines and then a matt varnish to seal all in

[iggie]

And that's about it...... I'll do some better shots tomorrow but as far as this build is concerned I'm calling it done (apart from a couple of ships boats I've forgotten )