Because 1/700 is cool! I started model ships with Aurora's 1/208 U-Boat, which was ok, but once I discovered 1/700 Water Line Series (way back in the 1970s) I was hooked!

After you finish your IJN auxiliaries try any of the new Flyhawk kits... you will fall in love with 1/700 all over again.

Thanks guys. Have to admit I really do like these three little kits. I think they'll look nice in a harbour diorama with a larger ship or two.

Tim, I completely agree with you about Flyhawk. I have their HMS Aurora. It's a really nice kit. Might have to start it sometime soon.

A quick update on the Shell Welder.

Completed painting the wood deck pieces. They are a little shiny due to the clear coat I put on to protect the paint for masking.









Once masked I will be able to getting the superstructure finished. All of the deck pieces have been cleaned up and ready for installation. I think I can still get the ship ready by the end of month.

Until the next post.

Mark

That deck looks fantastic! Fingers crossed for getting her launched.

That deck is charmingly grubby - just like a little coaster oil tanker should look!

Rory, Tim,

Thank you. Had to leave it grungy to hide the poor molding.

Mark

Agreed - very nice job Mark!

Thomas,

Thank you.

Mark

Not sure if I will make the deadline, this kit is a real work of art, pun intended. Here are a few progress photos.

Bow shot showing all of puttying involve with cleaning up the main deck.



Getting the upper deck in place and eliminating the seam.



All of the ship ventilators were solid pieces so I did my best to hollow them out to add depth.



Here is a perfect example of the fit issues I am having with this kit. There is at least 1/8 inch gap between the struts and their mounting surface. More time wasted filling gaps.



Side shot of the superstructure.



The good news is I have all of the deck detail pieces all cleaned and ready to go. Just have to get the superstructure completed.

Mark

Go Mark!

This is one of those kits with a reputation of fighting you all the way, but you are steadily wrestling it into submission!

The harder the fight, the sweeter the victory

She is looking really good, despite the fight she is putting up!

Keep at it Mark!
It'll be well worth it.

I'm still working at my trio.
I'm contemplating just concentrating on one, so at least something will make the finish line.

Ok, so working flat out today.
I've got a coat of paint on all three, a light dry brush, waterline, glossed, decalled and some detail painting.
Really glad I've converted to acrylics, as I don't think I could have done all this with the longer drying times of enamel.





Should be on track to get them all done by the weekend.

Nice.

You can do it!

my entry. late to the game but it's a very simple kit. It's a Russian torpedo boat of 135 ton from a set of 4 by Combrig. I should be able to get it done in the 4 days remaining.
https://imgur.com/kErwNce

cut from the wafer
https://imgur.com/3fGtFC0
boiling the bow out
https://imgur.com/ASgS0Fv

Think I might just be making it.

Was hoping to get the final finishing touches and photos yesterday, but we took advantage of the last day off before returning to work and had a day out.
So here they are, Tamiya's 1/700 IJN Auxiliaries. The Type-13 Sub-Chaser weighing in at 438 tons, Type-19 Minesweeper of 648 tons and the Hirashima-Class Minelayer at 720 tons.






Really enjoyed build these three little ships. Bit fiddly, but very enjoyable. I think the davits I added look really good, certainly better than just having boats lying on the deck. I haven't fitted them permanently to a base yet. While I was building them I thought they might look good sailing alongside something else like a cruiser or battleship.

Been a fun campaign and great to see so many different ships and boats. Thanks for hosting.

They look wonderful Stephen. Well done sir!

Thanks Rory. They're nice little kits.

Ditto!

Mark

I remembered to post two photos of my contribution (Heller 1/150 Corsair) to the campaign gallery.

https://gallery.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/cat/32110

It's been rewarding participating. I've been encouraged to start another ship kit - this time the vintage Airfix 1/72 Golden Hinde.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was motivated to start another ship model. I know it is too late for this campaign. I started it in June, and here is a quick pic of my Airfix 1/72 Golden Hinde. It is c. 1977 kit, re- released lately. It is old school Airfix. But it is big, 46 cm. approx bowsprit to stern. No rigging blocks included, instructions are poor.

There are very few reviews on-line for this kit. If anyone is interested send me a message and I'll give you my impressions. There are precious few plastic sailing ship kits out there, so it is an option. I may do a review/build for posting later. Overall I feel very positive about it - it will be quite impressive (size-wise and colourful) when finished.

Looks great Richard. Will be really nice when she's finished and rigged.

A couple of years ago I picked up the Airfix Cutty Sark from a charity shop for a bargain price. Way out of my comfort zone, but I thought what the heck and the money went to a good cause.
The instructions aren't the best, especially the rigging and using the included jig to make the ladders. One day I'll pluck up the courage to build it.

Yep at 1/130 scale it'll be a challenge to do all the rigging. At that scale leave off the sails and just do the minimum to get your feet wet ( ) If you're interested start with something a little easier, and of bigger scale to get the hang of rigging. I use elastic thread sometimes (EZ Line)