Monday, 23 September 2024

Hedwig Von Wissmann - Version 2


Hedwig Von Wissmann - note the extensive awnings present

My original model for Hedwig Von Wissmann was lacking a certain something. In common with many ships when operating in tropical climates, Hedwig Von Wissmann was often photographed with awnings in place as protection from the sun.


Hedwig Von Wissmann - version 1 (bottom left)

My first attempt at building her dispensed with the awnings - these would probably be taken down when clearing for action - and I was not entirely satisfied with the height of her bridge superstructure.

The days wore on and so the satisfaction level diminished even further so inevitably, steps had to be taken - the result of which you can see below.


Version 2. I opted to leave the bridge awning in place and by placing a 1cm square piece of 3mm MDF painted black on the half inch square lower bridge. The awning itself - the ‘roof’ - is a half inch square of card.


The side profile. The smaller recessed black piece gives the perception of depth and raises the height of the structure to something more suitable.

I realise this is a but a small piece of work but the end result is something I am far happier with and it certainly looks better. It is also another modelling technique that could be readily used on similar vessels and so has been saved in the brain cell.

14 comments:

Donnie McGibbon said...

As you say a small piece of work but it makes a difference and works really well.

Peter Douglas said...

Looks great DC. Love the slight of hand use of the black block.

Steve J. said...

Simple but very effective!

David Crook said...

Hi Donnie, there is always a nervous moment when one starts chopping about a model that needs a little fix but happily this all went well! A small but welcome change for the better.

All the best,

DC

David Crook said...

Hi Peter, Cheers old chap! I was pleased with how this worked out and for sure it is a technique I will be using again.

All the best,

DC

David Crook said...

Thanks Steve J, Modelling sleight of hand eh? Who would have thought it…..

All the best,

DC

Archduke Piccolo said...

The addition to the bridge superstructure make a big difference aesthetically. I think I like your small craft even more than your more substantial units. But that armed merchantman is a very fine vessel indeed. It i9s tempting to add such a unit to my own MS fleet.
Cheers,
Ion

Robert (Bob) Cordery said...

David,

I think that the little addition makes a huge difference and really make the model look even better.

All the best,

Bob

Aly Morrison said...

Nicely done David…
The black infill works really well…

All the best. Aly

David Crook said...

Thank you Archduke! I really enjoyed making these models and have plans to add to the smaller end of the naval spectrum so to speak. The Graf Von Goetzen was a challenge to build but only because a lot of the pieces that I would have pre cut thus far do not exist and so improvisation was the order of the day! I am thinking about a Mowe and a Seeadler as well…. :-)

All the best,

DC

David Crook said...

Cheers Bob! The small black painted infill really makes it ‘pop’ on the tabletop and I am really pleased that I did it.

All the best,

DC

David Crook said...

Hi Aly, It was an experiment but by jingo it paid off handsomely!

All the best,

DC

Jim Jackaman said...

Works a treat!

David Crook said...

Cheers Jim! I was surprised by just how well it worked to be honest and it is a technique I shall employ again for sure!

All the best,

DC