Thanks Dave and Luciano.
I will keep an eye out for the "enemy"

The cockpit is coming together. Taking longer than I expected will all those fiddly Eduard bits.


Next stop, give it that used look.

cheers

Michael

Hi Michael

Great detail work on the cockpit.

Looking forward to seeing more.

Cheers

Si

Michael,

As Si said, great work on the cockpit. Interested to see what you do to "give it the lived in" look.

I know my USS North Carolina will be grateful for the air cover. That is if I could ever get the Carolina into the dockyard for build.

Dave

Hi,

wahoo Michael what a good detailed work on this cockpit !

nico

Thanks Si, Dave and Nico.

I am not sure about air cover for your North Carolina though Dave. I am flying under the rising sun!

cheers

Michael

Michael,

Good point, I dont want your air cover..LOL

I may be changing my subject for the build though. Due to time running out before my move across the world so I may have to go with the IJN Submarine I19 which is the submarine that put a torpedo into the side of the North Carolina during the Gudalacanal Campaign.

We will see.

Dave

Michael that pit is coming on nice, great detail and worth the effort.

Dave, I19 will now give me two targets although how useful a P-400 would be at attacking a Sub is another matter as its only got the 20mm in the nose.

Luciano,

It might be difficult with just a 2020mm. While I want to build the North Carolina it might have to wait. I don't want to not finish the campaign and I don't want to rush the build so if it's ok I'm gonna change my submission to the I19. Once I get settled in my new location I'll begin the North Carolina build and still back date it to "42"

It'll be my second build for the campaign.

Dave

Dave not an issue, which ever you build or both. I'll have either a target or will provide air cover.

Just found a site with dive photos of some of the wrecks, that has given me a bit of inspiration to finish the builds on the bench and start the Astoria for Si's Cruiser campaign. For ref one of the photos taken this year shows the stern of Astoria and you can still clearly see her name.
Here

Luciano,

That is an incredible story and an awesome project. Hope they publish more photos and information.

Dave

Hi all,

after working on more urgent things, i finally took back my fig for this campaign.
So the legs and shoes are almost done. The back of the top legs and bottom (is that the good word or too familiar ?) are not finished but i wait to see if the combat jacket will hide them.
I also have to do the gaiters.
So, after some evenings at work :





cheers
nico

Nico,

Wow, your skill at sculpting a figure is incredible. Can't wait to see more as your figure develops. Simply amazing work.

Dave

Thanks a lot for your kind words Dave

nico

Nico, Très bon.

I'm amazed when I see the work you guys can do, I can't wait to see your next update.

Thanks a lot Luciano

Nice work on the figure Nico.

The Laffey sprayed sea blue.



and the decals down for the non skid strips.



Mpre soon.

Si

On with some small stuff.

The practice loader, 3 small parts make a nice mount.



Woking on the other seven liferafts. removing the bottom sections to replace with etched netting. three done, one waiting clean up, one chain drilled and the unmodified kit part.



All seven with their etched netting fitted.



quick overview of the progress to date. (You can just make out the practice loader painted and mounted on the main deck, under the walkway just ahead of X gundeck.



More soon.

Si

Got a bit further today.

The depth charges, four ready use, and one in the thrower (x6)



The after superstructure in place, along with "X" and "Y" guns, I have also painted the canvas blast bags a dirty tan colour. The davits for the DC throwers can also be seen in place.



Although a little complex, and maybe a touch over-engineered in places, the level of detail is excellent and am really enjoying this build.

Cheers,

Si.

A bit more progress.

The bridge deck small platforms added.



Telegraph, steering pedestal and compass repeater for the after control position painted.



and fitted, also base coated the floater nets.



equipment fitted to the bridge deck and monkey island. The binocular mounts on the rear of the monkey were abit interesting, two small brass parts, and no clear views in the instructions, but I think I got them about right.



And the bridge fitted in place.



A few more sub assemblies under way.



More soon.

Si

Looking good there Si!! Some fine detailing on those rafts! Looks like she's all coming together nicely now!

Thanks Todd,

It really is a nice kit, and the GM etch is excellent.

As I am working from home for the next couple of weeks, might get her done for Scalemodelword in Telford 7/8 Nov

Cheers.

Si

Si,

I have to echo what Todd said, she is coming along nicely. The detail included in the kit is great. Which makes me happy since I have the USS Laffey in my stash.

Looking forward to seeing more.

Dave

Thanks guys,

She is a great kit, no issues so far with fit or design, and the gold medal set adds the icing to the cake.

Cheers.

Si

A bit more progress on sub assemblies.

The boats assembled and fitted with GM rudders and props.



The Chicago piano ready for some paint.



The foremast assembled.



The 20mm started. barrels fitted to the pedestals anf GM shields on.



Cheers.

Si

Looking great Simon!

But what is a "chicago piano"? I haven't heard that before.

cheers

Michael