Jump to content

US Riverine Command Boat in 1/72, from scratch


Recommended Posts

My current project is not an aircraft, but a boat. Some may know this small "brown water navy"-unit, seen here in the background:

640px-US_Navy_110818-N-YO394-075_Sailors_from_Riverine_Squadron_1_perform_a_live_boat_demonstration.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/US_Navy_110818-N-YO394-075_Sailors_from_Riverine_Squadron_1_perform_a_live_boat_demonstration.jpg/640px-US_Navy_110818-N-YO394-075_Sailors_from_Riverine_Squadron_1_perform_a_live_boat_demonstration.jpg

Here once again, I love the massive amount of small arms and machineguns!

640px-US_Riverine_Command_Boat_with_RFA_Cardigan_Bay_MOD_45154444.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/US_Riverine_Command_Boat_with_RFA_Cardigan_Bay_MOD_45154444.jpg/640px-US_Riverine_Command_Boat_with_RFA_Cardigan_Bay_MOD_45154444.jpg

An interesting design and a fancy camo add to the attractivity of this thing, which is the reason why I´m building it.

Unfortunately there is no kit available in 1/72, except for a paper kit, designed and sold by a guy from Sweden, Gunnar Sillén: http://www.bildrum.se/stridsbt90.htm

So, my plan is to convert this paper kit into a plastic kit! Basic idea: Just use plastic card instead of paper!

At first I built the paper version, to get an idea about the general design and possible changes and adaption I´ll need to do when using plastic instead of paper.

This is how it looks when coming out of the printer:

IMG_5992_zpsr8e2rs9f.jpg

After a couple of hours it looked like this:

IMG_5994_zpsjdqztlqv.jpg

I have to say that I´m not very proficient in doing paper-models, and also propably got the wrong paper. It´s too thin, but since it´s only a test, it will suffice.

I hope that my plastic boat won´t look as queer as this one does!

IMG_5999_zpsu0y4ylfo.jpg

Overall I have to say that even this paper model is very well detailed! With some knowledge and elbow grease you could do a really nice model with interiour details!

IMG_5997_zpshpltowmy.jpg

I cut the whole process of the test-model short, here are some impressions:

IMG_6015_zpsywsjcd1k.jpg

Nice teeth! ;)

IMG_6018_zpswo8ihs21.jpg

IMG_6020_zpsltfc36xt.jpg

And the final result of the paper model:

IMG_6023_zpsdbzkpwrz.jpg

I stopped here, since the details that would now come won´t change much on the general design. And I want to start with the "real" model.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v152/lippke/Riverine%20Command%20Boat/IMG_6021_zpsbzfpyrjf.jpg[/img]

 

 

HAJO

Edited by Hajo L.
Link to post
Share on other sites

And this week I started the plastic model. I simply used the paper-parts as stencils. Glued them on the plastic-card with paper-glue (that allows to removethe paper from the plastic without any trouble - you even can use the stencil again) and cut out the parts:

IMG_6040_zpsjrgfbzxy.jpg

I´m using 0,75mm plastic card, which means that on some steps I need to calculate the thickness of the material into my process - it´s not paper-thin!

IMG_6041_zpswd1nwmya.jpg

Test-shot and current model:

IMG_6043_zpszuogbjuo.jpg

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

Some progress. I started the cabin, because I want to finish it before I have to close the hull with the sideparts. This way I can adjust he parts for the "cellar" of the cabin more easily.

For the cabin I used styrene with 0,5mm thickness, I had to be careful to make sure that the parts were straight and didn´t bend:

IMG_6045_zpsaygayciy.jpg

This is how it´s supposed to look when attached to the hull. I will need some minor adjustments to make it fit properly, but I won´t start doing that before the whole "drivers-compartment" is finished:

IMG_6046_zps6uwp6qpj.jpg

I also made two of the three front windows, using clear styrene of a Revell-brush-set packaging. Worked quite well, I´d say!

IMG_6047_zpsvodhtado.jpg

Now, if anyone would come up with some pictures of the interiour, I could do some "realistic" details of the cabin. If not, I´ll have to use some artistic licence...

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

As announced, the drivers compartment has been on the list during the last two days. I just added various things like boards and doorways by using plastic-sheet and paper.

IMG_6050_zpsa0pxxo0n.jpg

The white colour of the material makes it less than optimal for taking pictures of it... Will paint it grey soon.

IMG_6051_zpszidne8nm.jpg

Haven´t installed the right seat yet, since I have to coordinate steering the positions of the steering wheel, driver and the seat so that they all align together perfectly.

IMG_6053_zpsnuggutnv.jpg

IMG_6054_zpsnd6zlpy8.jpg

And with the cabin:

IMG_6055_zpszunehjv0.jpg

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

A small update. I painted the cockpit grey:

IMG_6059_zpsi7eyjbgh.jpg

And then I started the pretty complicated process of glueing one of the hull-sides on. First I cut it out, then I had to do some minor corrections to make it fit to the upper deck.

IMG_6056_zpsjhrzrto6.jpg

I glued only the aft section and hopefully will beb able to get the "curve right" this evening:

IMG_6058_zpsrl2fx2nk.jpg

I´m happy that I used the thicker plastic (0,75mm vs. 0,5mm) for the hull, even on this I can see the ribs of the boat, because they very slightly protrude.

IMG_6057_zpss5nuxdml.jpg

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

I´m quite satisfied with the first result.

IMG_6060_zpsw3kfonhv.jpg

IMG_6061_zpspn7or1qi.jpg

But the nose section is "off" to one side:

IMG_6065_zpsgcq4p301.jpg

Port side is about 1mm higher than the starport side!

IMG_6063_zpszsaqpgco.jpg

My solution: Cut a long line into the port side bow and widen the gap with sandpaper.

IMG_6069_zpsmro8mkzv.jpg

IMG_6066_zpspyfjcpja.jpg

Brute force always works:

IMG_6072_zpsw86r4nxd.jpg

IMG_6073_zpspuicntor.jpg

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

Except for the small ramp in the bow the hull is finished!

After having applied brute force the bow looked like this:

IMG_6074_zpsrivbzwmv.jpg

Better - not perfect, but better (good enough for me).

IMG_6075_zps9ldf3fuf.jpg

IMG_6076_zpsw5lbgjb4.jpg

Then I added the "V"-part of the hull. Would have been easier if I´d used thinner plastic.

IMG_6078_zpsms8oktd9.jpg

But since I do a Waterline-version, I could cut away the part that spread open.

IMG_6079_zpsmutteqru.jpg

Looking good!

IMG_6080_zpso1szhppb.jpg

IMG_6081_zpsyxqilmgl.jpg

IMG_6082_zpsy7k8zpii.jpg

IMG_6083_zpsgmdkifsf.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

Some colour to see if I missed anything during sanding - no, smooth as silk!

IMG_6084_zpsooennxbm.jpg

IMG_6085_zpsc5w6xcxm.jpg

This ends the most complicated part of my build (at least I hope so), but the upcoming steps won´t be easy!

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

Love the boat, because it floats!

IMG_6086_zpsguhh09gk.jpg

IMG_6088_zps71xpqpwk.jpg

Since my model aircraft never flew, I´m officially thrilled to see my model in his natural environment looking so good!

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

In a word... OUT-freaking-STANDING!!! You have no equal when it comes to building this S.E.A.L. craft! I'm amazed and will follow this thread with GREAT interest!

MattP

Link to post
Share on other sites

I finally overcame my fears and started the railing!

IMG_6095_zpsil2uaryw.jpg

I was a bit reluctant because any miscalculation or measuring error will lead to some strange looking construction that screws the whole look of the boat.

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

The status of the railing from yesterday evening:

IMG_6097_zpstttnbzpa.jpg

I´m pretty satisfied, and I only broke half of the railing when my hand slipped during construction.... ARGH!!

IMG_6098_zpsbaxklzc5.jpg

I hope it won´t happen much more during the build.

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

...and how it looks right now:

IMG_6102_zps61xtmeiq.jpg

Picture without flash:

IMG_6100_zpsz4xl6fzb.jpg

Next will be differents masts, gun mounts and antennas.

Just noticed that my 1/700 carrier looks good as background object! The boat is escorting it out of the harbor... ;)/>

HAJO

Edited by Hajo L.
Link to post
Share on other sites

Looking fantastic. I built a 1:72 WWII gunboat from scratch & know how difficult some of the build can be.

BTW, it's a good thing that carrier is in a display case, so the water doesn't run out. :lol:

Link to post
Share on other sites

As you can see, I modified the silhouette of the boat by adding a radar-mast. It seems to me that this item can be mounted or left away, depending on the mission, since I have several pictures showing boats with and without the mast.

IMG_6104_zpsegbzisar.jpg

Some smaller stuff added to the forship:

IMG_6107_zpstpjsjsub.jpg

The crew has taken its place in the cockpit, along with various equipment like monitors, maps, an Uzi (you´ll never know), stuff...:

IMG_6111_zpskrocsyml.jpg

IMG_6112_zpslschtcme.jpg

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

Since the Uzi wasn´t properly visible on the previous pictures...:

IMG_6122_zpsiphflrd8.jpg

I scratched the two forward weapon stations:

IMG_6121_zps0o9iwu6x.jpg

I have the feeling that the plastic rods I´m using are of a different material than the other plastic - they don´t react well on plastic cement. Maybe I bought the wrong ones?

HAJO

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...