Currell's 1/1200 RMT Olympic 1918 Dazzle Pattern

Small update:
I was working on the compass platform, but did not like the support frame that was supplied.
It did not look anything like the real one.

This is what was supplied ( Part 42 ).

Compass2_zps6e31a260.jpg


This is what the real support frame for the compass platform looked like. This photo is just after the war,
during the war the compass platform was painted grey and the support frames were black.

Compass_tower__2__zps1d610aad.jpg

I tried using some wire but it just did not look good, the scale was way off and it would not cooperate.
Decided to use black thread. Glued two pieces of thread crossways along the bottom of the compass box.
Then stiffened the thread with glue and cut to length and installed in position. Though not perfect,
I feel it looks much more realistic.

Compass1_zpsb5b84c95.jpg

Especially when you compare it to other images I have of Olympic.

c0f9bb4983_84499837_o2_zps7807ac0e.jpg

I'm always open for comments and questions.

Jim
 
Jim,
Excellent and fascinating build, especially since I am a ship builder myself (plastic and wood). What size paper are you using on this build?
Ron W.
 
Hi Ron:
This is all done on 110lb (180gsm) paper card, with some pieces laminated once or twice where extra strength or thickness is desired.
 
I saw that you had previously given that info ;D. This is a very build. Have you tried different weights of stock with previous models or have you always used 110?
Ron
 
Today I get to break-in my new micro lathe, turning toothpicks into ship's masts.
The toothpicks are 1/8" in dia. they are too thick to look anywhere near scale. They need to be reduced to
1/16" to be closer to scale and not be too fragile for when I start to rig her.
Marked off the toothpick to the required length, and selected the right collate to hold the toothpick. Inserted the toothpick so only 3/16" exposed, to reduce flexing, moving it out another 3/16" as working down the shaft.
I tried using the supplied gouge, but found it to be inappropriate for this job. Instead I found that using the flat
carving blade from the xacto set worked perfectly. "I think I need to invest in some micro turning tools."
I thought for sure I was going to snap one of these on the lathe, but I didn't.

This is the first mast that was completed, compared to the original toothpick. Checked with my calipers and it was even straight across. I haven't turned anything in 10 years.
Masts1_zps244178ff.jpg

This is the second mast on the lathe.
Masts3_zpsec32f70d.jpg

And finally the 2 completed masts compared to the original toothpick.
Masts5_zps155af8ef.jpg

I was very happy with the performance of the little lathe. I just need better tools for it. Definitely needed
to use my magnifier with this job.
Now to colour and mount these two.

Any questions or comments please ask away.

Jim
 
Hi Ron:
When I first started working in card I use to use 65lb as my standard weight but found it not stiff enough on some components and found the 110lb card to be more reliable. Not that I do not use other weights depending
on what piece I am constructing. Example; if you are rolling a 1/8" or 1/16" tube 24lb paper works best, as you
roll multiple layers to get strength. I hope this helps.

Jim
 
Hi Guys:
Today I have been working on the deck guns for this ship, 4, 6" and 2, 2" guns. There was some mighty small
pieces to cut up and assemble with these bad guys.
On a historical note, Olympic was the only merchantman in the 1st world war credited with sinking a U-boat.
They noticed the sub surface before she could get off a shot and opened fire on it with their deck guns. This forced the sub to dive. It tried to launch torpedoes from the aft tubes but had a vapor lock and could not flood the tubes. The sub was trying to come around for another run but crossed the bow of the Olympic and she rammed the sub shearing the conning tower and almost cutting her in two. The crew of the sub was able to abandon ship and they were picked up by a British escort.

This view shows the 4, 6" guns assembled and ready for placement.
Guns1_zps41545d03.jpg
Here we have forward view with the 2, 6" guns mid deck and 2, 2" guns on the bow.
Guns2_zps20b480dc.jpg
These are the 2, 6" guns aft.
Guns3_zps843e76e7.jpg
Next we have a general side view. The masts are not glued yet, they have to be painted first.
Guns4_zps3528d229.jpg
A deck view.
Guns5_zpsd169ce46.jpg

Time I started tackling those dreaded life boats.
Please Comment or Question.

Jim
 
Hello
It's been a few days, I think it is time for another update.
Well, Ive been working on those lifeboats. It is a bit of a knack to fold those things, and so many of them. I'm
not done yet. Something that was missing from this kit was the Captain's gig, but was able to scratch one from
one of the lifeboats. It is a little rough but at this scale it will do, unless one is looking at everything with a magnifying glass.
The masts were painted today and after the crows nests are installed, need to be permanently installed back on deck.

This is the overall view of the ship as she stands tonight.
Feb141_zpsa500b47e.jpg
This is an aft view. You may be able to make out the Captain's gig.
Feb142_zps5430d451.jpg
Midships view.
Feb143_zpsff9b7e5a.jpg
Bow.
Feb144_zps42fb4a75.jpg
Full on bow view.
Feb145_zps98673126.jpg
Actual bow view of the Olympic.
Olympic-War_zpseb404876.jpg
An overall top down view.
Feb146_zpsf8ae2a1f.jpg

There is light starting to shine at the end of this long tunnel. I'm very happy with the results so far. I know there are things that I could do better, but that is always the way. Still having fun and that is the important thing.
As always I'm open for questions and comments.

Jim
 
Short update.
The masts are now glued in place and am at present working on constructing the antenna rigging.
the first attempt was all wrong and just ended up gluing everything to the building board and the antenna was just too wide.
Designed another template in CAD and using wax paper on the template have just mounted the thread. A new spreader has been constructed of card and am waiting for it to dry.

The ship as is stands today.
Feb182013_zpsc1d5b874.jpg

This was the first attempt. Just a mess went trying to separate it from the template.
AntRigging1stattempt_zps8eabdd96.jpg

2nd attempt lets hope this one works out.
AntRigging2ndattempt_zpsc2d25bd7.jpg

Will have to let the glue dry after assembly. Will not know the result till later tonight or tomorrow.
Any comments or questions welcome.

Jim
 
Thank you Quaralane.
Just to let you know the antenna worked this time and am in the process of rigging.

Jim
 
Hello.
Finished the rigging tonight. It was very fidgety and took more time than I expected. I'm fairly satisfied with the result and will do better next time.
The biggest issue was being able to hold the lines taught while the glue set, and made for several misfires. The rigging drawing that I had was a great help, as the instructions in the kit were way off.

Here the spreaders were installed and glued in place for the antenna array.
AntRigging3_zps6495ad6b.jpg

When dry the spreaders were coloured and the array trimmed.
AntRigging4_zps632532ac.jpg

Here the antenna down leads were installed.
AntRigging5_zps24ba5f1b.jpg

The antenna array was then installed and when dry so was the fore and aft rigging to keep the antenna taught.
Rigging1_zps67a1a534.jpg

Side view, the antenna down leads installed to the deck and the rest of the rigging complete.
Rigging2_zpsea0cc22a.jpg

Bow view looking down the rigging.
Rigging3_zps1b624a57.jpg

Now to finish the rest of the life boats.

Any comments or questions please ask.

Jim
 
Well, it is time for the final update.
My little ship is finished. The last of the lifeboats have been installed, and added the stern mast, as well as some bunting (flags).
The display card was mounted to a mat. Then the ship was cut from the keel board and mounted to the card.

So here is the final result.

Final1_zps917bed73.jpg

Final2_zps29d2e803.jpg

Final3_zpsb30bd0d8.jpg

Final4_zpsc81f07da.jpg

Final5_zps39ec2cb3.jpg

Final6_zps6aa62d6b.jpg

Final7_zps0d075ba3.jpg

For my first build in a long time since returning to the hobby, I'm satisfied with the results. It has been a fun build and I have learned a lot. Also this was my first ship and have found that I like the floaty things.
I hope this has been enjoyable for those following this build as well.

Now I have to decide what I am going to built for the contest, there are a few things swirling in my head. We will see.

As always I am open for comments and questions.

Jim
 
Jim, outstanding work! :eek:

This is the first time I have seen this media used; and the final result is very impressive. I apologize for not looking back into your thread sooner; I have been a bit side tracked. I like the base that you made for the ship as well! The work done on rolling the paper still just gets me; this is such small work and it looks very good. Well done sir! :)
 

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