"Hope we like it" ...........Wow that's fantastic Stuart. We more than like it. It's a great piece of work and you should be very proud. 

What a skill you have there. Congratulations.   

Ken

Very impressive, I like it very much 

Quote from: Stuart Badger on March 21, 2010, 03:23:35 AM....fitted the Cat Heads....

That hadn't occured to me before... those are known as the catheads, aren't they, maybe that's why they put 'cat heads' on them (I'd thought they were lions - big cats!)

She's absolutely gorgeous, Stuart! If I can do half as well, I'll be a happy camper. Speaking of which, a progress report on my own Connaught build is overdue ... by about a year, I think. After extensive modeling and remodeling on the computer there's finally some tangible evidence. Since many card modelers prefer waterline kits, I've divided the hull at the waterline. The pictures show the lower hull being framed and plated. After the plating (carding?) is complete, I apply an automotive body filler, sand smooth, fill gaps, sand smooth, prime, sand smooth, prime again... you get the picture. Next is the upper hull. I've loosely assembled the formers here and placed them on the lower hull for perspective.

Cheers,

Oliver

beautiful Oliver - just beautiful!

All the best

Stuart

Hi PDs!
Thanks for all the comments - this is REALLY good for my ego! and I really don't mind if you point out mistakes etc - it'll make for a better result in the end!

Today I completed the boat covers for the ship's boats and rigged the boats in place. The covers are simply cut out of thin card and 'ruffled' on the edges to make them look more realistic. I had a minor disaster with one of the miniature pulley blocks which decided to disintigrate! I didn't have a spare so I have had to do a bodge repair - I think a little paint and glue will hide the problem.
The only thing remaining to be done on the boat front is to rig the davits with their support cables and fit the ropes for the covers and lifeboat restraints. I have tried to imitate the rope loops on the davit cleats by coiling the rigging cord and using thin super glue to hold the cord in a natural coil shape.
Some photos as usual - and more later!

All the best

stuart

And the quiz question is "Spot the damaged rigging block"..... Only kidding! But I'm blowed if I can tell...

The lifeboats certainly make a dramatic change to the look of the stern of the boat, another job well done sir!

So Mr Badger, your quickly running out of reasons/excuses for not putting it on the water for a powered test! 

Regards
Eddy

The moment for the wet stuff does seem to be getting closer - Gulp!!
All the best

Stuart

In the interests of historical accuracy, and your well deserved reputation as a perfectionist, I trust that the Lady and Gentleman seated in the stern are reading suitably dated publications.

I agree with Eddy, the boats make a huge difference to the appearance.

Regards

Andy

Another view of Stuart's Connaught in a perfect setting, Lachie Stewart on the tranny.

http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/gallery/3/1550-230310225707.jpeg

mod 23:00 23/3/2000 added a bit more foam

Another great photo Andy, but someone else on the tranny? Unforgivable!! Unless it was me of course!

Eddy

Beautiful build Stuart, i have been watching your builds here on PD's and you are doing a great job! very nice to watch! keep it up

// Victor

Talking of 'driving her', where does the helmsman steer the boat from ?

Ken

Hi Kenny
and thanks for the comments all.
The helmsman's position is on the rear of the flying bridge deck - I have to make the ship's wheels next! (how he saw past the funnels I have no idea)

All the best

stuart

More like "They" - before these ships got steam-assisted steering, it took up to eight men to get the rudder over, turning the wheel and standing on the spokes...

Stuart, did you get my email from last night?

Cheers,

Oliver