Recent content by hamchuck

I would have gone that route if I'd needed to, but I'm happy to say the new printhead did the trick. I'll coat the numbers tonight and let them dry until tomorrow. Probably the left one on the bow, right one on the fantail. I'm bashing the 5" guns together from the 3D print and the kit parts...

I was thinking dark gray, but it's no problem to try it a couple different ways. I've got a new printhead on order which should fix the magenta problem.

The weekend report: I decided to try painting the flight deck lines. It took a bit of minor masking work (sarcasm, it took a good chunk of Saturday) but it worked out pretty well. I goofed a little by continuing the centerline stripe all the way to the fantail, where the aft "3" is supposed to...

Aaaaand now I've gone cross-eyed. But that triggers a vague memory of this technique, probably from when I got Finescale Modeller in the 80s. I think they airbrushed their decals in that one. Future is no longer available, but another acrylic floor wax should do the trick.

Ah, top tip about the ink jet, since that's what I have. Thanks.

I did consider this for a while, but I wanted a scheme she saw combat in, even if it was for only two weeks. I'll probably do a dazzle scheme on another ship at some point, though. I've been considering doing two versions of the Enterprise, Midway and later in the war, and she did carry the...

It's Vallejo, and yes I've always found it treacherous stuff to mask over. I'm equally reluctant about trying to mask it or using the decals. I'd have to stencil the #3s also. I suppose Tamiya has a reason for how they did it, but I'm not finding any reference to back them up. Well, I've got a...

Thanks! I'm pretty sure I'll have to go with the kit decals. I have a vague idea of how I could paint them, but payoff vs practicality isn't promising. But those long, thin decals are sure going to be a challenge.

Portholes are painted, 5"/38 guns and directors are fitted and the first dark wash is on. I also lightened up the flight deck color a little. But now I'm mildly puzzled. My reference photos show big number 3s bow and stern and white guidelines on the flight deck. The supplied decal sheet has...

I think Bremerton, my friend 😉. While I'm sure Bremerhaven would have done fine work, they might have been a tad unwilling.😂

The wash sounds like a great start. I'll keep the weathering fairly light. When she wore this scheme and radar suite she wasn't on station barely two weeks before a kamikaze knocked her out of the war.

I'm finally back into working on the ship. Major assemblies are, um, assembled and the initial paint is on. I poked around online for some help with the colors. I used this site to research the proper color scheme for WWII US Navy ships https://www.shipcamouflage.com/warship_camouflage.htm To...

Thanks! I know what you mean about overdoing it with the turbulence, but in this case it's to depict Sara moving at what I'm guessing is flank speed. I may touch up the bow wave later, but now I'm getting back to the ship itself. The kit is pretty easy, but I've got photoetch rails, radars...

I had a minor brainwave this morning. I recently started playing around with UV resin. Because it sets up so quick, it's easier to make into shapes. I used a wedge of silicon I made as a sort of spatula to substitute for the hull. As a bonus it tends to make random splash shapes which are kind...

I'm ok with this for a first attempt. Tomorrow I'll texture the rest of the surface. When I've completed the hull and seat it in there permanently I'll build up the bow wave and wake more.