First Blood -- the USS Ward attacks an IJN midget-sub *DONE*

[JohnRatzenberger]

I've been a bit delinquent in posting ... Here we are to date, not as much progress as I'd hoped.

Having made an error in my paint scheme, I backed up and selected Measure 11, Sea Blue scheme. I use White Ensign paints but I cut their 5-S Sea Blue with some 5-L Light Grey to reflect effects of the Pacific sun ...

I have found numerous errors in the kit, not just the configuration, but also measurements for some of the 'build-it-yourself' parts like the masts. I have been making adjustments as I go, not for absolute fidelity but just eye-ball close ...

Here's the bow so far, where all I've done is put on the anchors, chain, and davit. The anchors aren't exactly right but they'll do. I can see that I'll need a bit more dry-brush to bring out this detail.



Here's the mid-ships and stern, with the torpedo tubes, depth charge racks, and propellor guards.



And lastly, here's the two masts and the searchlight tower being worked on ....



I hope things proceed a bit quicker from now on ... I do need to get on making some decent 4in/50's ...

[Dirkpitt289]

Very cool.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Work happens in fits and spurts ....

Here we have some railings, poorly done. Yes I know there is no relationship to the way they run and where stanchions may be, but it's all I have.

I've added a couple ladders, the searchlight platform, both masts, and 3 sets of boat skids and davits. I'll get the davits straightenend up.





I need to get cracking. I have a few bits & pieces to add then I need to get down to a couple sets of railings and building the 3in/50's. Oh yeah, probably need to get on some rigging for those masts ...

[splash]

I agree with Brews you are being harsh on yourself. I think it looks brilliant.

[jssel]

Agree wil all, John. Great work.

[Dirkpitt289]

Great work John, have you made any more progress?

[JohnRatzenberger]

Great work John, have you made any more progress?

Moving along nicely, in final stages. Progress pix later today ...

[Dirkpitt289]

Very cool, I look forward to it.

[JohnRatzenberger]

As promised ....

Ward has gotten a coat of paint, hiding previous flaws. However, I've added new items -- the railings along the deck are in, life rafts have been added, the boats (not shown) are painted, and I have made new 4in/50's (which are a bit too big) to replace the kit ones (which were way too small). Once I tack the boats on and give it another coat of paint, it is basically done.

Well, except a few things. Forgot I need to decal it. I also have a small 700 scale crew in the clothing shop to finish and put them around the #1 and #3 guns at a minimum. And I want to take a stab at some rigging and antenna wires. It will be representational at best.



I'll never be an artist, some claim never a modeler either, so here's about the best I can do on converting the Squadron book cover into a diorama background. I decided not to use the kit submarine, but may change my mind and just use the conning tower. I may also take a shot at a 3-D wake.

So, no foreseeable issues making 6 Dec cut-off -- Ward will be on patrol, doing her duty ....

When I started this, I really wanted to use the 1/400 Mirage Hobby kit, but could not find one anywhere. In the last two weeks I found several and am now amassing a small flotilla of 4-stackers for various purposes. I can do Ward as built in 1919, at PH, and then as an APD. I can do Roper for an Atlantic escort vessel, and I can do a lend-lease or two ... all this to go with my Campbeltown I've already done. (Sure, at my build rate? )

[Dirkpitt289]

Very very impressive.Not that the model isn't top notch cause it is but the background makes it pop and come to life. BRAVO!!!!

[JohnRatzenberger]

I have done everything but put on rigging and antennas. I have some line hanging to take to curl out of it and will maybe start tomorrow (Sunday), if not then Monday. What you see different here is touched up paint, hull number, and a couple small gaggles around the #1 and #3 guns and the depth charges. I cut the conning tower off the kit mini-sub, then trimmed it down further just to have a 3-D target ....









Anyway, I'm calling it finished at this point, just in case I really screw up the rigging.

[splash]

That looks fantastic, well done with the build and the display, it’s hard to believe that is such a small scale kit.

Your work is inspirational I might even attempt a small scale boat, now you have shown us how to do it.

Thanks for sharing.

Regards
Splash

[Dirkpitt289]

First rate job John, and if my bleary morning eyes don't deceive me there is even a crew on the decks manning the guns. WOW!

[jssel]

Excellent, John. Dang if that don't look tasty.

[Jagewa]

John, you are an artist, I really like that, the colours in the sky, lovely and atmospheric. Bravo Sir.

Cheers
Jim