I had intended this USS Wasp to be a one of a kind scratchbuilt model … but a few people nave inquired about commissioning me to build one for them too. So I decided to make a mold of the bow section to ensure future models were as accurate as this one.
Bow prepped and ready for mold making process
Bow prepped and ready for mold making process
Started adding the windows to the superstructure tonight. These photos are very early progress photos, much fine tuning will be required.
The fiber optics are left long at this point. Once everything is done and painted the fiber optics will be snipped off flush with the walls and they will look like nice little green lights on the wall. Should be a very cool effect.
A size comparison between the 1/350th scale model that I’m using for reference and the 1/285th scale version I’m building from scratch. Interestingly the 1/350th scale model looks almost as tall as my 285th scale model, that’s because my 285th scale version is a waterline model and the 350th scale is a full hull.
These shots should give you an idea of what the inside will look like when it’s done. Lots of detailing left to do, but I think you’ll get the main idea here.
In the last photo you can see the upper hangar deck is installed. The hangar deck is easily removable to allow access to the vehicle bay below.
Apply Bondo and sand it down … and repeat … and repeat … and repeat …
The last 4 photos show the first heavy coat of primer just to see where I’m at with the shape and surface finish. Actually not looking too bad.
It’s looking like a bit of a disaster right now … but it’s all part of the process. First low density foam was applied and shaped down to the approximate shape desired and then sanded down a bit more so it would be slightly under final desired profile. Then a whole bunch of bondo is applied over the foam and it will be shaped down to the final shape.
The hull construction has begun and the superstructure detailing is just beginning. Also started the two elevators.
Originally when I started this project I thought I was going to modify the 1/350th scale model that I bought … but it seems I’m going the scratchbuild route and just using the kit for reference and scaling everything up and rebuilding everything from scratch.
The flight deck is coming along and the main superstructure has taken it’s basic shape. Now to add details to the superstructure.
Allens Micro Armor Blog 