As well the Merit kit, there is an Infini upgrade set and deck set.
And a small addition tyo the kit provided air wing
cheers
Michael
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Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 02, 2018 - 10:29 AM UTC
This is my entry for the Flattops Campaign.
As well the Merit kit, there is an Infini upgrade set and deck set.
And a small addition tyo the kit provided air wing
cheers
Michael
As well the Merit kit, there is an Infini upgrade set and deck set.
And a small addition tyo the kit provided air wing
cheers
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Saturday, June 02, 2018 - 10:48 AM UTC
So with great modelling weather here in Auckland action began on the Big E.
No surprise, this kit is based on Merit's Yorktown.
So this is not the first "Yorktown" carrier in this campaign.
The hull is in one piece.
I like that and wish more manufacturers would do that but it does come with some drawbacks.
There is seam line to deal with along the length of the hull and where they have an insert for the screws and rudder.
The stern is also too sharp so I have softened that off as well.
The process is fairly painless with a sharp knife and some sandpaper we could get onto assembly.
One of the prominent features of the hull is the planking.
I thought, briefly, about toning it down. I have read build reviews of this kit where some have done that and others left. It would be nice if it were subtler but I decided to leave it as is. I also doubted whether I could reduce the effect evenly across the hull
The hangar deck and fore deck come as three pieces. The fit is pretty good.
The hull just needs to be pulled in a fraction, hence the tape.
The foredeck is meant to be fitted at this stage but I left it off as it requires substantial modification from the Infini set as it would be easier to work on.
Filled the gaps after setting the hangar deck
And cleaned it up.
And that was a great way too spend Saturday.
cheers
Michael
No surprise, this kit is based on Merit's Yorktown.
So this is not the first "Yorktown" carrier in this campaign.
The hull is in one piece.
I like that and wish more manufacturers would do that but it does come with some drawbacks.
There is seam line to deal with along the length of the hull and where they have an insert for the screws and rudder.
The stern is also too sharp so I have softened that off as well.
The process is fairly painless with a sharp knife and some sandpaper we could get onto assembly.
One of the prominent features of the hull is the planking.
I thought, briefly, about toning it down. I have read build reviews of this kit where some have done that and others left. It would be nice if it were subtler but I decided to leave it as is. I also doubted whether I could reduce the effect evenly across the hull
The hangar deck and fore deck come as three pieces. The fit is pretty good.
The hull just needs to be pulled in a fraction, hence the tape.
The foredeck is meant to be fitted at this stage but I left it off as it requires substantial modification from the Infini set as it would be easier to work on.
Filled the gaps after setting the hangar deck
And cleaned it up.
And that was a great way too spend Saturday.
cheers
Michael
RussellE
#306
Joined: June 27, 2010
KitMaker: 3,959 posts
Model Shipwrights: 2,777 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 03, 2018 - 09:57 AM UTC
Hi Michael!
Great choice of topic for the flat top campaign!
Merit have certainly been making 'waves' the last few years with their releases, often choosing subjects modellers have been crying out for, but largely ignored by the mainstream manufactures.
It looks like they did a fairly decent job on the shape of the hull, but like you say, the planking looks a bit heavy handed.
Looking forward to see you bring this one to life. I've been sorely tempted by their rendition of Ark Royal and Infini's aftermarket, but each time I look in the wallet there doesn't seem to be enough to sponsor that decision
Great choice of topic for the flat top campaign!
Merit have certainly been making 'waves' the last few years with their releases, often choosing subjects modellers have been crying out for, but largely ignored by the mainstream manufactures.
It looks like they did a fairly decent job on the shape of the hull, but like you say, the planking looks a bit heavy handed.
Looking forward to see you bring this one to life. I've been sorely tempted by their rendition of Ark Royal and Infini's aftermarket, but each time I look in the wallet there doesn't seem to be enough to sponsor that decision
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 03, 2018 - 07:29 PM UTC
Thanks Russ.
I am also tempted to add Ark Royal to the stash. I didn't know Infini did a set for it which makes it more tempting. Their stuff is very nice to work though the instructions leave a bit to be desired.
cheers
Michael
I am also tempted to add Ark Royal to the stash. I didn't know Infini did a set for it which makes it more tempting. Their stuff is very nice to work though the instructions leave a bit to be desired.
cheers
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 03, 2018 - 07:35 PM UTC
Second day of great weather. Heavy rain and some thunderstorms.
Add propulsion and steering.
The screws I will add after I have painted it.
First step of many in the photoetch. It was nice to see one of our own help with the set.
Completed one side of the degaussing cable.
Lost a small piece so made a replacement. I see a bit of detachment which has also been rectified.
cheers
Michael
Add propulsion and steering.
The screws I will add after I have painted it.
First step of many in the photoetch. It was nice to see one of our own help with the set.
Completed one side of the degaussing cable.
Lost a small piece so made a replacement. I see a bit of detachment which has also been rectified.
cheers
Michael
Cadeus
Joined: September 01, 2015
KitMaker: 144 posts
Model Shipwrights: 139 posts
Posted: Monday, June 04, 2018 - 02:39 AM UTC
This is a kit I’ve wanted since it was announced, I’m following along with interest. Looks good.
d6mst0
#453
Joined: August 28, 2016
KitMaker: 1,925 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,298 posts
Posted: Monday, June 04, 2018 - 10:53 AM UTC
Michael,
Off to a fine start. Those degaussing PE sets do make you have to take your time attaching them but they are worth the effort.
Mark
Off to a fine start. Those degaussing PE sets do make you have to take your time attaching them but they are worth the effort.
Mark
RedDuster
Joined: March 01, 2010
KitMaker: 7,078 posts
Model Shipwrights: 6,649 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 07:33 AM UTC
Nice progress Michael,
The etched degaussing cable looks great.
Cheers
Si
The etched degaussing cable looks great.
Cheers
Si
RussellE
#306
Joined: June 27, 2010
KitMaker: 3,959 posts
Model Shipwrights: 2,777 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 09:34 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Thanks Russ.
I am also tempted to add Ark Royal to the stash. I didn't know Infini did a set for it which makes it more tempting. Their stuff is very nice to work though the instructions leave a bit to be desired.
cheers
Michael
Sorry, that should be Tetra Model Works, Michael, not Infini-getting my AM producers mixed up. I think Very Fire do a set for the Ark too!
Looking good BTW
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 09:31 PM UTC
Quoted Text
This is a kit I’ve wanted since it was announced, I’m following along with interest. Looks good.
Thanks Norman. Glad to have you along and I hope the kit doesn't disappoint.
cheers
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 09:32 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Michael,
Off to a fine start. Those degaussing PE sets do make you have to take your time attaching them but they are worth the effort.
Mark
Hi Mark, you're right about the reward for the effort. It should look good under some paint and weathering.
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 09:34 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Nice progress Michael,
The etched degaussing cable looks great.
Cheers
Si
Cheers Si. The first of many,many bits of etch. This is the first time I used Infini and it is very nice to work with. Easy to get out of the gates and quite soft to bend.
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 09:36 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextThanks Russ.
I am also tempted to add Ark Royal to the stash. I didn't know Infini did a set for it which makes it more tempting. Their stuff is very nice to work though the instructions leave a bit to be desired.
cheers
Michael
Sorry, that should be Tetra Model Works, Michael, not Infini-getting my AM producers mixed up. I think Very Fire do a set for the Ark too!
Looking good BTW
No problems Russ. I wonder if my supplier, Dave, does Tetra. He got me the sets for Enterprise.
cheers
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 09:45 PM UTC
Now I have finished my bit on the side, the Hastings, the serious business can begin.
I managed to clean up the foredeck ahead on the first layers of brass going on.
cheers
Michael
I managed to clean up the foredeck ahead on the first layers of brass going on.
cheers
Michael
RussellE
#306
Joined: June 27, 2010
KitMaker: 3,959 posts
Model Shipwrights: 2,777 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 10:09 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextThanks Russ.
I am also tempted to add Ark Royal to the stash. I didn't know Infini did a set for it which makes it more tempting. Their stuff is very nice to work though the instructions leave a bit to be desired.
cheers
Michael
Sorry, that should be Tetra Model Works, Michael, not Infini-getting my AM producers mixed up. I think Very Fire do a set for the Ark too!
Looking good BTW
No problems Russ. I wonder if my supplier, Dave, does Tetra. He got me the sets for Enterprise.
cheers
Michael
If not, you could try BNA models
TimReynaga
Associate EditorJoined: May 03, 2006
KitMaker: 2,500 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,830 posts
Posted: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 - 01:44 AM UTC
Quoted Text
... It would be nice if it were subtler but I decided to leave it as is...
Michael
Hi Michael,
I too was surprised by the heaviness of the kit plating, so I will be interested to see how your Big E looks with the full effect under paint. So far you are making the most of this awesome kit!
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Monday, June 11, 2018 - 09:51 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text... It would be nice if it were subtler but I decided to leave it as is...
Michael
Hi Michael,
I too was surprised by the heaviness of the kit plating, so I will be interested to see how your Big E looks with the full effect under paint. So far you are making the most of this awesome kit!
Thanks Tim. I think some paint and some distracting rust may do the job
cheers
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Monday, June 11, 2018 - 09:58 PM UTC
The weekend saw a few distractions but finished the other side of the degaussing cable.
Started on the forecastle deck.
The gun is a quad 1.1" piece.
The anchor cable gear was all replaced.
There are chains that come with the set but I will leave those until later.
This is just the start. There is lot more etch to go on here including all the structural support for the flight deck and gangways etc.
cheers
Michael
Started on the forecastle deck.
The gun is a quad 1.1" piece.
The anchor cable gear was all replaced.
There are chains that come with the set but I will leave those until later.
This is just the start. There is lot more etch to go on here including all the structural support for the flight deck and gangways etc.
cheers
Michael
RedDuster
Joined: March 01, 2010
KitMaker: 7,078 posts
Model Shipwrights: 6,649 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 - 06:37 AM UTC
Nice work Michael,
The quad 1.1" looks very nice, as does the brass work on the ground tackle.
Looking really good.
Cheers
Si
The quad 1.1" looks very nice, as does the brass work on the ground tackle.
Looking really good.
Cheers
Si
RussellE
#306
Joined: June 27, 2010
KitMaker: 3,959 posts
Model Shipwrights: 2,777 posts
Posted: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 - 09:25 AM UTC
What Si said
that's some really nice brass work Michael!
Those Infini sets sure do pack in a lot of value
that's some really nice brass work Michael!
Those Infini sets sure do pack in a lot of value
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Sunday, August 26, 2018 - 10:09 PM UTC
Hmmm, 10 weeks seem to have slipped by since I last posted. I got sidetracked into doing some renovations on the house, nothing interesting, just a laundry. If you know that old song "There's a hole in my bucket", well that summed up how that job came about.
I did come back to Enterprise and the next piece of work was painting the hull. I got to the room, sat down, looked at it and thought, no not today. After a couple of weeks of no progress, I decided I had better do something, anything otherwise this was never going to get done.
So about 6 weeks a go I started folding some brass, which is actually a good way to get your mojo back. Little achievements can add up to a lot. A few platforms
and then I was into it, the forward and rear directors
searchlight platform
the front mast and platform with CXAM radar
there are some delicate touches, including the ship's bell
and windspeed thingy
and then it all came together
I managed to knock off one of the stairway supports while photographing but since repaired
I liked the telescopes
so that's the island. I still haven't made any of the Oerlikon 20mm AA guns or searchlights that go on the platforms.
And tonight I realised I still have to paint it
cheers
Michael
I did come back to Enterprise and the next piece of work was painting the hull. I got to the room, sat down, looked at it and thought, no not today. After a couple of weeks of no progress, I decided I had better do something, anything otherwise this was never going to get done.
So about 6 weeks a go I started folding some brass, which is actually a good way to get your mojo back. Little achievements can add up to a lot. A few platforms
and then I was into it, the forward and rear directors
searchlight platform
the front mast and platform with CXAM radar
there are some delicate touches, including the ship's bell
and windspeed thingy
and then it all came together
I managed to knock off one of the stairway supports while photographing but since repaired
I liked the telescopes
so that's the island. I still haven't made any of the Oerlikon 20mm AA guns or searchlights that go on the platforms.
And tonight I realised I still have to paint it
cheers
Michael
ghauser
Joined: March 07, 2011
KitMaker: 158 posts
Model Shipwrights: 123 posts
Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 01:46 AM UTC
Hi Michael,
I have been watching your build as I have this kit in my stash too. It is looking great! The PE you did on the island looks as good or better that the press photos from Infini themselves. It looks so clean and flawless. Great job!!!
I have been watching your build as I have this kit in my stash too. It is looking great! The PE you did on the island looks as good or better that the press photos from Infini themselves. It looks so clean and flawless. Great job!!!
d6mst0
#453
Joined: August 28, 2016
KitMaker: 1,925 posts
Model Shipwrights: 1,298 posts
Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 02:28 PM UTC
Michael,
Man that is a lot PE. I hate to see you covering it with paint as that bronze color looks sweet. Amazing work it looks so clean of CA.
Mark
Man that is a lot PE. I hate to see you covering it with paint as that bronze color looks sweet. Amazing work it looks so clean of CA.
Mark
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 07:38 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Michael,
I have been watching your build as I have this kit in my stash too. It is looking great! The PE you did on the island looks as good or better that the press photos from Infini themselves. It looks so clean and flawless. Great job!!!
Thanks, I really appreciate that. It has been a trial of sorts and I thought it had turned out well. The Infini is pretty good to work with but the instructions can be vague at times.
cheers
Michael
Cosimodo
#335
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Model Shipwrights: 871 posts
Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 07:40 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Michael,
Man that is a lot PE. I hate to see you covering it with paint as that bronze color looks sweet. Amazing work it looks so clean of CA.
Mark
Mark, thanks for the kind comments. You are right, there was a lot of brass that went into the island. Still plenty of sheets to go for the rest of it.
cheers
Michael
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