IJN Fuso 1944 by wieslaw_ - Halinski - 1/200 - CARD - with 3D print

wieslaw_

wieslaw_

Joined
Aug 19, 2020
Messages
21
Points
78

I decided to copy the whole build thread from another forum, so sorry for dropping so many posts one after another. From now on, I’ll be updating this thread more regularly. Moving on...
I would like to present you with a slightly shortened version of the progress report from the construction of my paper (and 3D printed) model of the IJN Fuso battleship in 1/200 scale.
I will make a short introduction to bring you up to date. I started this model around January 2010, which was a long, long time ago. Unfortunately, every time I tried to return to this model, I always had some personal issues in my life.
The hull was based on a cardboard model from Military Model No. 1-2/2007.
Below are some photos of how I started and where I was at the beginning of 2022.

Hull frames:

001.jpg

After a lot of work, I finally got a base shape:

070.JPG

076.JPG

Wooden deck:

081.jpg

Hull ready for painting:

088.jpg

089.jpg

092.jpg

090.jpg

Hull painted:

094.jpg

095.jpg

098.jpg

099.jpg

097.jpg

096.jpg
 
Below are my first Sonic Mini 8K prints:

103.jpg

On the Olfa Cutting-mat with a centimeter scale:

104.jpg

I started making the funnel superstructure and the details on the deck:

108.jpg

109.jpg

110.jpg

112.jpg

113.jpg

Some photos of the funnel and 3D printed parts before being placed on the deck:

105.jpg

106.jpg

107.jpg
 
I'm still in the process of making the funnel superstructure. I did come across a small problem with a template that was too short, but I've managed to solve it. To make the "vents" I used Mr Halinski's phenomenal set of photo-etched parts dedicated to this model.

117.jpg

115.jpg

116.jpg

Funnel steam and smoke pipes. I made them in 3D based on Fuso's monograph from the Anatomy of the Ship by Mr Janusz Skulski. The pipes themselves could've been made from some wire but I didn't have any at that time.

121.jpg

122.jpg

123.jpg

Next, I managed to make the platforms for the searchlights, and I tested the railing templates I had printed. I think that they passed the test. To make it more detailed, I added overlay covers with rivets on them. Let's say it's just a small experiment of mine that should give results when it comes to the wash at the end. I still have to do two more small platforms on the sides of the funnel and two radar antennas.

All the elements of the front platform:

125.jpg

Assembled platform:

126.jpg

Railing template:

127.jpg

All the parts in place without glueing:

128.jpg

129.jpg

Painted platforms:

130.jpg

131.jpg
 
The state of the model as of early 2025: I’ve almost finished all the tiny details, and to be honest, I’ve had enough of them, so I’m looking forward to taking a break from those. The goal for the coming months will be the guns, followed by the bow superstructure — the feature that makes this battleship so distinctive (some people love it, while others turn it into memes).

172.jpg

175.jpg

176.jpg

178.jpg

179.jpg

177.jpg

181.jpg
 
Hey,

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been working on the main artillery for IJN Fuso. Below is a brief summary of the past three months.
In the first photo, you can see the barrels from Haliński's accessory set (I’ll talk more about the barrels later), along with additional parts that I designed based on elements from the model but printed on a 3D printer.

182.jpg

The next two photos show all the elements of the turret frames, plus the axes—already removed from the supports—on which I’ll mount the barrels.

183.jpg

184.jpg

I sanded down the clamps on the barrels that held the training mechanism mounts because, they would have interfered with fitting the skirts, which I wanted to print in resin.

185.jpg

Here’s an issues with the barrels: one of them was 0.8mm shorter, so I had to extend it to match the length. The barrels also had slight differences in diameter, which made fitting the skirts quite a challenge.

186.jpg

187.jpg

Ballast in the turrets—here, I admit I borrowed the idea from polish forum.

188.jpg

The next few photos show the underlayer and the assembly of the main components.

189.jpg

190.jpg

191.jpg

193.jpg

I also started assembling the rangefinder covers. To help with this, I designed and printed a small template to achieve the correct profile of the covers (probably thermal covers?).

194.jpg

195.jpg

Since the entire model was going to be painted, I wanted to add more texture, so I also printed the sheet metal joints with rivets.

196.jpg

197.jpg

AA gun platforms.

198.jpg

200.jpg

In these pictures, you can see a screenshot from a fabric simulation program (Marvelous Designer). If anyone’s interested, I can write more about it later. The advantage of this approach is the realistic-looking skirts; the downside is that the barrels can’t be elevated. You can work around this somewhat by printing skirts in different raised positions, but they’ll still be fixed in place. However, I find this solution interesting and worth considering.

201.jpg

202.jpg

203.jpg

Once I had added so many details to the turrets that handling them without breaking something became impossible (I think I broke the ladder railings about ten times), I finally decided to print a stand for the guns, which allowed me to continue working on them.

204.jpg

The guns assembled and painted.

205.jpg

207.jpg

208.jpg

After weathering.

209.jpg
 
Jimsky said:
This is excellent modeling skills and as a result an awesome model. It seems most parts are 3D printed, I am curious what parts are made from cardboard?
Click to expand...

Most of the small parts I designed and 3D printed based on the plans included in Skulski's monograph Anatomy of the Ship. Large structures like the superstructures, guns, and of course the hull itself—but also stairways or 25mm gun shields, 150mm guns, etc.—are made of paper.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top