It's been a while but it is time to finish up this build. Finally got the casting down, now I can make foam super structures.
Started work on the blast shield, using very thin Lexan from McMaster-Carr. This will allow less overall weight and provide protection to the internals. Made the brackets out of fiberglass board, they are installed every other rib and will have a threaded rod through them and attach to the blast sheild with a small nut and washer.
Wow, that was a huge picture, I think I need to play with the settings a little bit, also try to figure out how to post multiple pictures... Anyways, here is a side by side comparison of a first generation Cleveland and the new one: Another shot:
Got the brackets installed, now starting the sheeting. Here's the updated look to the steering arrangement, I have removed the box and waterproofed the servo. Just missing the rudder and gear in the pic. Comparison shot on the bow, water channeling makes a difference.
This is a shot of the IJN Aoba with foam superstructure. Very lightweight and I can cast multiple copies so damage and weight is not an issue. I will be using this method on the Cleveland build. Here's a picture of another ship in the dockyard that needs to go on a "Diet", the mighty Mississippi. Now that she can have 3 guns, it's finally worth finishing her this year. And in the vein of supporting a vendor, a ship in the dockyard:
Lou is that a British ship I spot there. Don't tell me you are crossing the line to the light? Really it looks like an Iron Duke. Good luck with that build.
