Jimsky suggested I start a build log for this kit model. I have been looking for an open frame model kit, basically of the "Dockyard" or "Navy Board" style. I picked Woody Joe's model after reading Jimsky's build log and reaching the conclusion that it would be feasible to "kit-bash" the model to produce an open frame model.
The book Navy Board Ship Models by Ball and Stephens lists a number of period ships in the London National Maritime Museum, and includes details of open frame models of two royal yachts, named Katherine II and Charles launched in 1674 and 1675 respectively, of similar but not identical appearance to Woody Joe's model. I'm not clear which model the kit is based on but the decorations and other details are very representative of the period and the castings are of excellent quality. The only significant modifications I have made are the removal of much of the material of the solid frames and of the longitudinal web where these would otherwise be visible in the exposed open frame body of the ship.
I chose to make the frames from 4mm limewood sheet (referred to as basswood in the USA I believe) to match the model's solid frames that are 4mm plywood. I marked the position of the open frames on the body plan elevation, leaving 4mm gaps between the frames. The result was quite successful, because the kit's frame spacing matched the open frame positions almost perfectly, meaning that I could use the upper part of the kit's frames in the correct positions, most of which allowed my new open frames to overlap and butt up to the kit's frames.
I confess to having lost the ability to perform accurate miniature work after having lost the sight in one eye after a stupid accident on my motor launch, so please excuse me if some of the finished work is slightly awry.
More to follow.
The book Navy Board Ship Models by Ball and Stephens lists a number of period ships in the London National Maritime Museum, and includes details of open frame models of two royal yachts, named Katherine II and Charles launched in 1674 and 1675 respectively, of similar but not identical appearance to Woody Joe's model. I'm not clear which model the kit is based on but the decorations and other details are very representative of the period and the castings are of excellent quality. The only significant modifications I have made are the removal of much of the material of the solid frames and of the longitudinal web where these would otherwise be visible in the exposed open frame body of the ship.
I chose to make the frames from 4mm limewood sheet (referred to as basswood in the USA I believe) to match the model's solid frames that are 4mm plywood. I marked the position of the open frames on the body plan elevation, leaving 4mm gaps between the frames. The result was quite successful, because the kit's frame spacing matched the open frame positions almost perfectly, meaning that I could use the upper part of the kit's frames in the correct positions, most of which allowed my new open frames to overlap and butt up to the kit's frames.
I confess to having lost the ability to perform accurate miniature work after having lost the sight in one eye after a stupid accident on my motor launch, so please excuse me if some of the finished work is slightly awry.
More to follow.