Hi guys, I’m finally getting around to my first build post. I’m working on a 1/72 scale IJN Type D Escort as my first ship. Since it’s a smaller ship I think it’s going to be a great test bed for a lot of the things that I’d like to try. First off, I’ve done a lot of mold making but I’ve only worked with fiberglass a few times on other applications, so that’s one of the things I’m going to be working towards experimenting on with this build. Secondly I’m trying a clay that’s new to me for the surface of the plug I’m going to be using for the fiberglass mold. I’ve been piecing the plans together for the Type D from various internet sources because I haven’t been able to find a single source for this specific ship. All the measurements seem to check out so far though so I’m going forward with what I have. I’m also building it to the Pacific Model Warship Club rules. So far in the construction I created all the profiles using inexpensive poplar wood, then filled in the gaps between the ribs with pink insulation foam. I then sanded the foam smooth. The piece at this stage was slightly smaller than the final piece to accommodate the clay I used for the surface. I’m using Chavant Y2Klay, an auto styling clay used in the automotive industry to make models of concept cars. It’s very hard so I heated it in a standard Presto crock pot until soft but not liquid. I could then grab handfuls of it to apply a thin layer to the surface of the foam (about 1/16”-1/8” thick). Then once the clay cooled again it was hard enough to shape using metal tools and scrapers to refine the finish. I’m still working on smoothing and burnishing the clay to get a super smooth surface. After I finish that I’ll start to prepare the clay plug to get molded. So I’ll update on how that process goes when I get there. When I get tired of smoothing I’ve been working on some small detail parts. It’s a little early in the build process to start doing the details but I love scratch building and it’s been a nice break from monotony of surface work. The pictures are of my work in process, Type 96 Cal 25mm, single, double, and triple mount antiaircraft guns.
