Hi George,

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the blog and enjoy your build. With the finsih options possible I can see why you might want to build two

Cheers

Al

Great piece of work Al

I am now really looking forward to having room on my workbench for mine.

Si

Thanks Simon and thanks also for your input.

Alan

Hi Folks,

Thoughts on the MAS Boat continue. I've done a little work on the hull which I wasn't happy with and I've been thinking about the crew. I though I'd add a couple of divers and another of the Model Victoria sailors. The Italeri crew I used are more full uniform than the additional figuers I added so the plan is to finish off the hull and add some alternative figuers in the stern of the boat.

This is one I worked on to day, the Modle Victoria Italian SLC Operator who, I'll use just as a frogman.







The other two are on order



I think this will make the crew more in keeping with the others and add an additional bit of interest. I'd like one more crewman either in shorts or overalls but I haven't sourced him yet.

There still remains the life raft to fix up. Has a PE set been issued for the boat out of interest.

Cheers

Al

Some work on the hull, I lessened the black smoke and added some wear marks. For the raft I used some Sherman Gun supports to replace the broken legs, added some depth and straps to the raft cage.

Whilst overall I was reasonable happy with the boat, the finish, for me anyway, always takes a bit of reflection. Having the bits you need helps, but then that's not always possible.

The plan is to put a couple of divers and a crewman on the stern, plus a few tools. As the boat is clearly not moving then some additional items would seem appropriate. Of course getting hold of stuff you want isn't alwasy easy even in the 21st centurary.







Cheers

Al

Hello Alan, I know exactly what you mean. I've added something to a 'finished' model many, many, many times. A new figure, or new information, or some accessory will become available. Or, a chance to add a new detail will present itself. I will look at a completed model and think, "It still needs something here, or there.". When I was working on the Elco, one of my friends said every time he saw it there was something new added. I had left one of the forward hatches open and added some detail below, so you wouldn't be looking into an empty hole. Then I ended up putting a crewman climbing out of that hatch, completely hiding every thing inside! It is sort of like modelling "feng shui", everything in its proper order, or place, to create harmony. I have several models that have been 'completed' for years that still look to me like they are missing something. Al

Hi Al,

That's it in a nutshell. The crews didn't blend together and whilst there is a lot of additional detail inside there was no sense of what was going on up top. Hopefully by removing the gun crew and adding some work activity and additional equipment the overall scene will blend together better. I've already added some more rope, the raft is completed and the first of the divers done.

A stationary boat would probably have more life clutter around so it's working that out to be appropriate and proportinate that takes the time. There are very few of my builds, if any, I don't go back and add to in some way. It might just be a change of a figure or some kit or a major re-work. It's alwasy good to leave them for a while and look again with fresh eyes. This one was a marathon built time wise, and I'm still trying to source some bits to finish it off.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

Well the first of the U Models Life Jackets arrived, probably need about 4 more scattered around.

I added some additional rope and the dive crew will replace the gunners on the stern but I'm still waiting on a couple of figures.











PS: Would a case of wine be out of place?

Al

"a case of wine out of place" ?
Not on an Italian ship, you could probably decorate the antenna's with some salami's hanging out to dry too

Julian

Hi Julian,




My thoughts too. I was thinking some Fruit and Veg and some wine/bread stores by the forward hatch.

Cheers

Al

Hello Alan, I like the life jackets strewn about, except for the one on the aft deck, by the gun mount. I don't think that would be tolerated even by the most forgiving petty officer. Al

Hi Al,

Thanks, I was going to add some helmets and another couple to that area as under the mast is sort of out of the way. I'll see how things develop but thanks for the thoughts you may well have a good point.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

Well the final two figures I'd been waiting on arrived yesterday with the Vosper order.

Hopefully by Christmas I'll have all the altered elements in place.

These are the Model Victoria figures - obviously a WIP along with some fruit and veg form the Black Dog Set.







Al

Hi folks,

These are the divers and sailor for the stern of the boat. A couple of large wrenches might be in order. I have some additional life jackets to add to the boat, and with the stores that should just leave some wine!



Al

Wonderful work Alan.

Thanks Kenny,

Hopefully the change of crew will give it a more complete look.

Al

Hi folks,

Things are moving along fine at the moment. Does anyone know what type of fenders these boats carried, assuming of course they carried them?

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

I sometimes wonder if I'll ever finish anything . Some pics of the divers in place, some stores added and life jackets in place.

My feeling is that I'm short about two crew, another assisting the divers and one by the pile of food stores. However, this crew effot seems more in keeping than the original layout.

I've also done a little more weathering, lessened the black smoke and added a few fuel/general wear stains.

Life jackets







Divers











Stores







Weathering

Hello Alan, I like the divers and the overall appearance of the boat. It all comes together very nicely. Have you thought about giving the divers a reason for being there? Perhaps a bent or fouled propeller? Al

Hi Al,

Thanks - yes, I was going to wrap some net or rope around one of the propellers/prop hence the light diving gear which I though would be appropraite.

Cheers

Al

Alan,
What about a rope ladder or similar draped over the side.
How are the poor divers going to get out of the water?
Tom

Hi Tom,

There's just no pleasing some people . Just kidding, a fair point - sitting off to the port side is an imaginary boat, that will pick them up and row them back to the dock, for some wine and cheese for a job well done. The boat mind you is a bit like the imaginary water and surrounding harbour, somewhere in my mind

I did a rope ladder for one of the LCM3's so it's not out of the question.

Thanks for the thoughts Tom.

Al

Mmm...My wife echoes what you just posted (the no pleasing some people bit anyway).
Tom

- They are strange creatures. Mine has been complaining a lot recently about the number of kits I have yet gave me the money to buy the Vosper for Christmas, loveable, but strange

Al

The one thing you have to understand about wives is that just when you think you've figured out what sort of game they're playing, they'll go and change the rules on you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! Al