Saturday, 5 March 2011

107 Days, 36 ships and around £35 later....


The USS Tuscumbia (left) and the USS Chillicothe (right) on patrol.

Pictured above are the last two models of the first phase of my ACW naval scratch building project - the USS Tuscumbia and the USS Chillicothe. Historically they were hastily built and suffered badly from 'hogging' so in order to strengthen the hull the large awning type features were added and several large beams and chains helped to alleviate the problem. The latter of the two models - the Chillicothe - should probably be a little longer but she fits in nicely with her near sister, the Tuscumbia.



The Union Ram Fleet heading for Memphis.


The Union gunboats moving up in support of the Ellet Rams.


I am now at the stage where I can plan the painting of this lot and the collection breaks quite nicely into four batches, each of nine ships. This will be the last time the models will be seen in their 'just built' condition and as mentioned previously, I do not intend posting any pictures until they are all painted, so as not to lose the mass effect.

I have enjoyed this project enormously and would like to thank everybody for their ideas and support during the building phase - as ever this encouragement has given me the impetus to cross the finishing line when I might have easily given up!
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6 comments:

  1. Robert (Bob) Cordery5 March 2011 at 23:13

    David,

    Well done! It is a great project that will give you lots of fun and enjoyment for years to come.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  2. David Crook6 March 2011 at 16:49

    Hi Bob,

    I certainly hope so! The second tranche of the models will probably not be quite so large - I am thinking about 24 models in all - but half of these will require masts and spars so I will need to experiment in building these in due course. First up though will be the painting!

    All the best,

    DC

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  3. SteelonSand6 March 2011 at 19:14

    An amazing achievement, and at a very reasonable price too! Imagine if you'd been buying in the models, at say, 1/600th scale or some such....

    The experience you've gained is also invaluable - can't wait to see you applying it to some mast and spar ships that are no doubt to come.

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  4. David Crook6 March 2011 at 19:30

    Hi SoS,

    Many thanks SoS - it has been such good fun and the plans that have come to mind for building projects are HUGE!!! I did a tally up of how much it would have cost me had I opted to buy the models and the costs came in varying from the sublime to the outrageous!! The thing is I have not spent a huge amount of time making these - the problem has been that I have not had much time due to where I was working having insane hours. My plan is to tackle some 'masts and spars' simply because if it works out then there are lot of other periods I can tackle. I already have some thoughts about the 16th century....;-)

    All the best,

    DC

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  5. Paul O'G6 March 2011 at 20:08

    Well done mate - well done indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  6. David Crook7 March 2011 at 05:38

    Hi Man Cave,

    Many thanks indeed sir! Of course the VSF possibilities are considerable....;-)

    All the best,

    DC

    ReplyDelete