Figures for Chicago

There are 64 1/350 scale figures on this, and they are working some even have mops swabbing! The Camera cannot focus on these and I will have to use a magnifying glass to work with them. Insane!

Fletcher Progress

 Rigging being added

 Covers for the searchlights and other optical equipment will be covered, applied tissue paper, then will paint the covers.

 Anchor chains and chain securing mechanisms applied

Overall view of the Model

Fletcher nearing completion (in items left to complete not necessarily in time)

 The man overboard life lines are now stored in the racks around the boat. Made from Black thread white glue blobs painted white to simulate the floats.

 No particular detail here, but manning the ship with scale figures needs to start. I have made some molds and need to start casting figures. I plan on also trying to build them from scratch. I will need at least 15 to 20 figures I think to bring the ship to life.

 Bow crash is complete, I need to order additional anchor chain and make all the anchor chain securing details add the jack staff and the bow of the model will be complete.

 Depth Charge racks and railings being installed.

After much anguish and frustration I completed adding all of the photo etch parts to the 20 MM Oerlikon antiaircraft cannons and mounted them on the ship.

Adding the Chicago Ship Seal

When I was on the Chicago we wore name tags that had a miniature ship seal. Mine had fallen off but was still in my dresser drawer with all my old navy uniform pieces. I have attached it to the diorama base. The kit came with a brass label plate for the kit supplied display stand. I will paint the back ground black and install this with a brass label of teh date the scene depicts 10 May 1997. My last time at sea before retirement.

SSN-721 water effects progress

 I am working in the cotton to get the foaming action into the seascape diorama. The bow dome is going to take MANY applications of the Mod Podge to get the affect I am seeking. The foam affect is coming along well though.

The whales are close to being finished, details such as the minor foam around them and at least one exhaling are all that remain.

U-73 final odds and ends

 I have considered this model 99% complete, the only items missing were crewmen on the bridge and a label plate designating what the model is.

 I found several  Linberg line models have 1/125 scale figures. I purchased the Mine Sweeper kit and modified two figures from it to get my crew. 

The label, I am not sure if putting the date the vessel was sunk is appropriate and probably will not do that in the future.