Private Robertson V.C. : 3D-Printing Project for a Hero

Private Robertson V.C., lead ship in the “Hero Class”, in 1:72

Latest completed model. Private Robertson V.C. is the first of nine ships in the Canadian Coast Guard’s “Hero Class”, based on the Damen Stan 4207 design.

This project was completed almost entirely with 3D printed components. Basic CAD layout and part design was done by myself, based on hundreds of photos and a small amount on intel found on the web… the owners of the drawings were not willing to share! More info on the build can be found on the Model Warships site: http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=151938

Regarding the feasibility of 3D Printing for models: Yes it can work! But the cost in design time and materials probably excludes it from consideration from the average modeler’s budget. The technology did allow me to create parts that would have been extremely difficult to manage with traditional methods, such as the complex mast assembly. This was actually printed as a single component.

Mast assembly

A Police unit is embedded with the ship.

Foredeck details

Overall, aft quarter view

Controlled-pitch props drive the boat

Pilot house detail

Display case

CAD design and freshly printed cabin parts.

Pat’s Stud Link Anchor Chain Used in John R. Haynes’ Latest Build

I’m proud to say that master builder John R. Haynes used my 9.5 LPI (link per inch) chain is his latest build, a 1:128 scale USS San Francisco. Detail images of the model can be seen at Steel Navy: http://www.steelnavy.net/SanFrancisco128JohnHaynes.html , and I’ve linked a couple images below.

The chain is available from The Floating Drydock.

John R. Haynes’ 1:128 USS San Francisco, as seen at Steel Navy

 

Anchor chain on the USS San Francisco

 

 

Pat’s 3D Printed Stud Link Anchor Chain

I’ve been doing a lot of work recently with 3D Printing… and I really need to blog more about that! But here’s one example that could be useful to you: Real stud link anchor chain, in sizes smaller than any currently available in metal.

Three sizes of chain: 7.5, 9.5, and 11.5 Links per Inch (LPI)

The chain is fully flexible. 7.5 LPI shown here.

The chain is offered through The Floating Drydock in 12 inch lengths.

A few notes about the chain:

• It is an acrylic photopolymer- plastic! As such, it’s not suitable for operating anchors on R/C models.
• The plastic needs some clean-up, as the 3D Printing process leaves waxes and oils on the parts. Hot soapy water or mineral spirits will do, with some gentle brushing. This may result in a white chalky residue, which in turn can be carefully brushed off, or if stubborn, just left in place.
• The plastic responds well to acrylic paints. Hobby enamels (including primer) may react with the plastic and not cure completely.
• The largest size, 7.5 LPI (0.9mm wire diameter) is suitable for 1:96 battleships.
• The smaller sizes, 9.5 LPI (0.75mm wire) and 11.5 LPI (0.6mm wire) may be suitable for many smaller models; your research will tell.
• 11.5 LPI is the smallest manufacturable. I wish we could go smaller… 15 LPI would be good for the new 1:200 BB’s, and a 1:96 DD needs about the same.

Here are links to a couple happy users:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=929997&page=11#post25603442

http://www.wmunderway.8m.com/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1366840224/26#26

If you find a place to use this chain, I’d love to hear from you!

DeAgostini’s Sovereign

A reminder, I have another blog, “A Yankee Builds DeAgostini’s Soverign of the Seas“, where I have a running “in box” review of this huge parts work kit. 135 installments, and we are up to Installment #51.

DeAgostini’s SotS parts work kit

New Title in MMM Bookstore- “Model Building with Brass”

Model Building with Brass

This book knocked my socks off! I’ve always been afraid of real model building with metal… I can drill a hole, turn a diameter on my lathe… but to craft an engine, or entire model from brass? No way! Ken Foran shows how it’s done… or more importantly, that it CAN be done. The book is finely printed with gorgeous color photos. Even if you never plan to lift a jeweler’s saw in earnest, you should have this book for inspiration!

And yes it’s completely applicable to ship modeling… I’ve seen some great models with exposed engines, working cranes, fire monitors… all subjects that benefit from brass construction.

Newly listed in the Matthews Model Marine bookstore:

http://astore.amazon.com/modelmarine-20/detail/0764340042

Sovereign of the Seas Update 02 April 2013

Another set of parts from DeAgostini! About 20% of the way into the installments, with enough planking now to finish the first layer:

http://yankeesots.wordpress.com/

Sovereign of the Seas Update

Slow going on the DeAgostini SotS, but the latest can be found on its dedicated blog:

http://yankeesots.wordpress.com/

Amati’s 1:20 Grand Banks 46

Amati’s Grand Banks 46

I picked up an Amati Grand Banks 46 while visiting Germany a couple years ago, when I stopped by the headquarters of Krick, a bit south of Frankfurt. I had been lusting after the kit for some time… it had been imported to the USA by Model Slipways, but that arrangement ended. No matter, I got a better deal by hauling it back home from Europe myself.

I just recently started the kit in earnest… follow along with my build thread at RC Groups: Amati Grand Banks 46 Trawler Yacht

Another Road / Display Case!

Here is another combo road case/display case… one box to travel with, one box to display the model and keep the dust off, all lumped together. Hardware is from Reliable Hardware, and includes all the aluminum extrusions, corners, latches, and handles. Panels are 1/8″ dry-erase marker board… basically, pressboard with a shiny white coating on one side, which makes for a bright interior. The outer sides are covered in mahogany veneer, complementing the model. 0.080″ clear acrylic on both sides makes for a nice see-through effect.

The model’s table-top cradle has a home on the case’s floor, while the case’s own cradles are screwed to the case. Padding is 1/4″ mouse pad. This material can be easily cut, the rubber is easily glued to the wood cradle, and the fabric covering is a friendly surface for the boat’s delicate bottom. Padded elastic straps are secured with Velcro.

DeAgostini “Sovereign of the Seas” Progress

Up to Installment 11 of the build

I’ve posted build progress through Installment 11 at the build blog, “A Yankee Builds DeAgostini’s “Sovereign of the Seas“.

 

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