Great work there as always Julian.

Looking forward to seeing this one progress

HI Daniel, happy new year I'm thinking a bout getting some more AV-8's for the Wasp, see if anything turns up at the local modelshops.
Cheers,
Julian

Hi Daniel, happy new year to you down there in South America. Happy building to you too in 2012
Cheers,
Julian

Hi Russel, thanks for popping in again Happy new year to you all in Oz,
cheers,
Julian

Come come now Mr Sallows. Enough idle chit-chat and more building...

Makes perfect sense to me! I am working on a 1/350 Nimitz class ship. I am taking liberties with the squadrons embarked because I like the insignia more than actual truth to what has deployed with the ship.

Keep up the great work!

And that makes sense to me Thomas, The low viz markings used nowadays by the US are rather dull to say the least. If you get hold of more sexy markings use them I would say
Cheers,
Julian

@ Julian: Great Illustrious build log:

http://modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15274&highlight=hms+invincible

Thanks Scott, now that is a real class build ! Shows what can be done with the Airfix model as a base
cheers,
Julian

Happy New Year Julian and to everyone on MSW!

May 2012 be a great year for Modeling!

January 8th update:
Made my first decals today. I wanted some big signs to "busy up" the hangar bay.
The designing with M$ Word went okay, printing on Testor's decal sheets went fine too Then things went pear shaped. The ink washed off when I soaked the decals. I decided to spray the decal sheet with matt varnish to put a protective layer on the decal sheet. This worked okay, BUT, the acrylic varnish seems to go sticky when I soak the decal, ( a bit like a sheet of gelatine). Is there some form of protective coating I can order on-line somewhere? Any tips are welcome.
I did get a decal on the hangar bay though:






I am still working on the hangar bay. I also fitted two of the work decks on the starboard quarter of the Wasp containing the rigid inflatable and in the other some lockers, (what is this space? smoking deck?):








All for now,
Cheers,
Julian

You need water-proof ink, Sir.

I think it must be all that walking around upside down Warren, makes the blood rush to your head
Problem is more or less solved but thanks for the suggestion
Cheers,
Julian

How is the PE to work with?

I am really impressed Warren, about the best I have worked with so far.
The securing tabs are very small so the pieces can be removed very easily and with little clean up needed. The parts have been measured very carefully too so no problems fitting them either. Still early days though and a long way to go mate !
Cheers,
Julian

I was just wondering as I need to get a set for my Wasp as well. I was also looking at getting a MK1 Models (same as KA) set for my Arizona, with the wooden deck included. Expensive but I think the wooden deck will be even better in 1/200 than 1/350.

In 1/200 the "step-down" with a wooden deck around the molded fairleads and bitts would probably be more pronounced than in 1/350th. That is the one thing that puts me off wooden decks. Jim was going to send a review example of the wooden deck for the Tamiya Yamato but it seems to have evaporated in the mail
Julian

Hi Julian,

So how did you solve the decal problem?

I'm about to make some of my own, but will be using a laser printer rather than an ink jet...

Thanks!

Scott

I was thinking there was less as of a step-down in the larger scale as the deck is much thinner in 1/200 than it is against 1/350. You know what I am trying to say? eg, 0.5mm in 1/200 is much thinner than 0.5mm in 1/350...

Julian,

I'm finally caught up with this long build log, and your Wasp is looking great so far. As you know, I'm working on the Iwo Jima with the MK1 Wasp set, and I have a question for you. Does the MK1 set come with railings for the lower deck? THank you.

Terry

WOW!!!!!!

Coming on great Julian, The hanger is looking busy, will add some real depth to the finished model.

Si

Julian, looking good. One comment on your Osprey, the two bands on the propeller blades should be more to the center (I believe they mark the center of gravity for load handling equipment to lift the individual blades). See the photo at the link here: http://www.clker.com/cliparts/c/c/9/9/1257579401687242020ayqnls.png

Regarding the decals, I used a Xerox Phaser that uses some sort of waxlike material that worked great and had no run issues. I also used an HP inkjet. I sprayed the decal sheet with a clear gloss lacquer after priniting to fix the ink. With careful handling, that works, too.

I am looking forward to seeing continued progress, the ship looks great!

Julian, though not my cup of tea, I really dig your work as always. You're an inspiration! Nice work on the home made decals as well!
Cheers!
Stefan

Hi Scott,
I sprayed a light coat of Vallejo matt varnish over the decals. This protects the ink but went gelatinous when put in water. I have since found that liquid decal film is available to protect the ink so that will be going order soon. Was fun making the decals and working out how to get things up and running.
cheers,
Julian