Updating Ironclads

Aside from the C.S.S. Selma (on the right) the other six models are the originally built ‘generic’ types. The four in the centre - the two with single gunports forward and the two octagonal casemate types - are the ones up for an upgrade with the rear octagonal ship now the C.S.S. Virginia II.

Enthused by the ease of the minor refurbishment of the Virginia II, I have taken a further four models in hand to bring them up to the current build standard. I should point out that the inspiration for this mini project came from John Wallis, author of Ironclad and Iron Protected Vessels of the Confederate States Navy 1861 to 1865, who kindly took a look at some of my ‘generic’ vessels and identified the most likely historical ships they could represent.

C.S.S. Georgia (left) with the larger than desirable gunports. The generic ironclad on the right has the smaller size of gunport that is now standard (5mm square).

Of the four models the C.S.S. Georgia is the only one designed from the outset to be what she represents. The only change I am planning for her is to replace the gunports with the smaller size I now use. Other than that she will be good to go.

These two models were among the very first I built and they have already been refurbished previously - now they are having what I hope will be final ‘tweak’!

The plan for the above is quite simple. The model on the left will be losing a couple of gunports and gaining an additional pilot house whilst that on the right will have a new set of gunports in the same place as the current ones.

The model on the left has been repurposed into the C.S.S. Virginia II whilst that on the right is merely having a couple of gunports moved.

These are all quite small changes to be sure but I will be far happier once they have been brought up to the current standard. Once finished I can then get back to building new models and yes, you have guessed it, there are just a few….