ATHENA - Steampunk Airship

Definitely looks good. Kind of reminds me of what I did on my Helicarrier, but chunkier
 
Thanks :)

I used this kind of rotors before on the CHARON


and by being rotatable they are just perfect for the navigation engines
127590_sm-.jpg

I'm glad you guys like it :)
Cheers
Klaus
 
Thanks guys!

While I do like the general apearance of the duct fans, I realized I need some more decorations or steampunk elements to make them work with the overall style of the ATHENA.
So I reworked the initial duct fan, built a slightly larger rotor, added a driveshaft, and a rear ornament.
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The front also got an ornament - in hindsight I realize it looks a bit Batman stylish....
520093_sm-.jpg

Pleased with the apearance of the test rotor I build the remaining 3 rotors (they are now larger than the actual opening) and positioned the spacers.
520094_sm-.jpg

While these cured I used my famous rivet scale and marked the rivet positions for the first fan.
520095_sm-.jpg

I really like the look on the ATHENA.
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While only the lower left one is complete, the other 3 ducted fans got their ornaments in place and now "only" need the outside cover and rivets.
520098_sm-.jpg

Yeah!
Another item off my list.

Cheers

Klaus
 
Wow, this is just a creative and a great build I really can't wait to see this ship painted, but keep going..

All of the rivets you have made did you cut these just from like evergreen styrene? When I cut rod I never get that perfect cut as you seem to be getting and consistency.

Nice job!

Mike
 
Great tip for using the hole punch. Just tweeted that. https://twitter.com/scalemodeladdic
 
Thanks guys!
;D

While the list of to-do's IS shrinking, there are still many items to do :)
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The first thing was to complete the covers around the duct fans. And even though they were not 100% finished I couldn't resist to take some nice shoots with the 4 duct fans in position...
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Also it was time to do another weight check.
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I'm really proud of my little Queen, she hardly gained weight. Despite all the nice curves and add-ons she's only 2,42 Kg ( 4.8 pounds) - including two block batteries!
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Well, on to the rear....
This is the "balcony" I had originally build and painted for this rear area, with an observation periscope and another plotting table.
520800_sm-.jpg

But since I now need a good position for the two NEMESIS CIWS, I decided to rather build a new structure.
520802_sm-.jpg

Rounded and "steampunked"
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it will give the two CIWS a nice field of fire.
But to really fit the ATHENA it needs some ornaments.
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I can tell you it was some tough cutting !
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But I think it was worth the effort :)
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What do you guys think?
Cheers

Klaus
 
Quick questiuon:
Last night I had the absolutely crazy idea to add wooden planking to the ATHENA deck.
Like this:
520851_sm-.jpg
520852_sm-.jpg
Do you think this could work?
520853_sm-.jpg

Thanks
Klaus
 
Can wooden decking work? Absolutely, looks great!

I think of actual Victorian technology, as the starting point, and think of the early metal battleships, and even the Dreadnaught and her descendants. Even with steel armor for decking, they were covered with wooden planks. I think it would look natural on the Athena.
 
I won't differ from the others in case of this question: give a definite YES to the wooden decking, bro - this beauty deserves that for sure! ;)
 
Hi all you patient followers and readers,
thanks for your feedback!

I think today is one of the last build posts for the ATHENA!
I'm sure that she's now 95% complete and all that is left are some gaps and then millions of rivets :)

But I still owe you some work in progress updates.
Last I asked what some of you would think if I added wooden planks to the rear deck, and if the carved plastic card I had made was good enough for this purpose.
Well, the response was in unison in favour of the idea :)
So I cut some .7mm wide PC strips as framework on the deck - it also serves to keep the bridge section in position (remember it is removable)
Some gap filling with green putty, and then I started with the wood PC.
I can tell you, carving the wood pattern is kind of meditation :)
I did it while watching the Formula One race in Hungary.
522202_sm-.jpg

The wood sections on deck and also for the actual landing platform/elevator piece.
With the deck sections it looks just great :)
522203_sm-.jpg

As Eyescream on WIP suggested I definitely need some railings to keep my drunken sailors on board :D
This build was a bit fiddly, as I couldn't glue it in place (it has to be removable for painting), but once the top railing was glued onto the wooden posts it got very sturdy.
The upper railing with the corner was a challenge - I cursed a LOT
522204_sm-.jpg

But now that it's complete I am absolutely proud of it!
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As said, the sections are removable :)
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Then I had to add "a few" rivets :p
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Top view
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Side shot
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The next to last item on the to-do-list was this access ramp on the underside of the body
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And the final item was the support frame for the lower gondola
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It now keeps everything aligned and in position.
Well, that's it!
Oh, I have a "little" video of her again:

ATHENA final

And now its
RIVETS, RIVETS, RIVETS
and a bit of gap filling and
RIVETS, RIVETS, RIVETS
and then some
RIVETS
:)
I hope you like it.

I'm all with Atreides that its a funny moment, realizing that this project is coming to an end.
Its with one crying eye that I look at her.
But hey, I'll have plenty of hours painting her ahead of me :)
Cheers
Klaus
 

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