Members Harbour
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USS Fletcer, 1942
1/48 scale destroyer, lead ship in a class of 175 built.
ToraDog
2 years ago
12 Attributes
4 Photos
10 Likes
USS Eastwind 1/48th scale
USS Eastwind, a US Coast Guard operated icebreaker, circa 1944. !/48th scale plank on frame with F/G covering. Lots of lights, three motors, 1 bow, 2 stern.
ToraDog
4 years ago
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2 Photos
5 Likes
V4-MA-1 Tug
My V4-MA-1 US maritime Commission tugboat. 45+ built in WW2. Based upon the the Dutch(at the time the HMS) Zwarte Zee. Plank on frame construction cover in F/G. Lights, sounds and fire monitors.
ToraDog
4 years ago
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5 Photos
7 Likes
USS Jimmy Carter
USS Jimmy Carter, based upon a 1/48th scale F/G Seawolf hull. Lengthened and modified. High pressure( Scuba tank) air ballast system.
ToraDog
4 years ago
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7 Likes
USS Diver
A WW@ US Navy salvage/rescue ship. Built from a F/G hull and scratch, except for fittings, from there on. Working fire monitor, lights, radar, and anchor.
ToraDog
4 years ago
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1 Photo
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USS Halford
My 1/48th Fletcher class destroyer. One of three converted to carry a catapult mount amphibian. Controllable gun director, guns, torpedo mount, catapult and airplane motor start up, sound system and smoke system. Her camouflage scheme is not accurate, but it was a learning experience to try to do.
ToraDog
4 years ago
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Members Blogs
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A new build
I will, most likely, have to rename this Blog, at some point.
In the mean time...please do not expect much for a while as she is in her very early stages.
First a disclosure: This hull was built for me by another gentleman. It was delivered in a not quite completed state. Therefore I have spent the last two month working on it to get to it's present state.
So.. what is it? She is one of four ships in a class that was later enlarged to around eight maybe ten members of the class. Her main armament was eight 5"/38 caliber twin turrets. She and her class namesake sister were both lost during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. This ship is most noted due to the loss of an entire generation of one family, five brothers.
This should be enough for identification.
She is being built in my preferred scale, 1/48th or 1/4"=1'.
This ship was used for numerous camouflage scheme experiments and, sadly, there is little definitive documentation to pinpoint her second to last and last schemes carried. That said, my plan, subject to change without notice or reason, is to present her as she appeared following her New York Navy Yard overhaul, or perhaps as she may have appeared after repainting in Placentia Bay NewFoundland, 1942.
She measures out to 11' 3" and her power plant is to be two 24 volt Buehler motors.
Pictures of her and the build to follow.
Wish me luck please, she will not fit in my van....
ToraDog
6 months ago
12 Posts
10 Followers
74 Likes
USS Fletcher DD-445
Well, while I have been laying low since finishing the USCGC Eastwind, I have not been idle. I actually started this build about a year and a half ago. Like the Eastwind and the majority of my fleet, she is in 1/48th scale so she is a little over seven feet.
Quite a few years back I bought a second hand 1/48th Fletcher hull which I built into the USS Halford, DD-480, one of three Fletchers which mounted catapults and OS2U Kingfisher float planes. She came out pretty well. Later I was offered 3 1/48 USN destroyer hulls, another Fletcher, a Sumner, and a Gearing. I gave the Sumner and the Gearing to friends and kept the Fletcher. I had decided that I wanted to try to build the name ship of the class, as she was commissioned. I need to point out that, as commissioned, lasted only until she had completed her shakedown trials, after which she entered the New York Navy Yard and her appearance began to change. As such, she is modeled to represent a period of about a month of her life, which ran from 1942 to 1972 when she was sold and broken up for scrap. I will not go into her history, except to say that she was in the thick of the Southwest Pacific campaign from Guadalcanal right thru to Vietnam. She was the first of 175 ships in her class. The fastest recorded build of one of her class was 90 days, from keel laying to commissioning, built by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. Her functions, to date, are independent motors, rudder, smoke from both stacks, independent search lights, independent control of turrets and gun director with the ability to mix as needed, torpedo tubes, and some sound systems as well as radar and sonar.
To date she has passed her trials and is awaiting the placement of stanchions and wire ropes, which I hope to finish this year.
Her radio system uses telemetry so I can read her running voltage and amperage. I know her lat/long( like I need that!), and her speed in knots. She does not quite make the true 39+ knots that she did on trials, rather about 36, which is quite fast in her scale as it is. When I compared trial photos of the original to my model, they had almost the exact same bow waves and wake patterns. I was happy.
Here is the Fletcher on trials. This is the image that I am aiming to achieve. I will start the build blog in a day or so. Enjoy and I will entertain all queries.
ToraDog
3 years ago
16 Posts
7 Followers
86 Likes
USS Eastwind 1/48th scale icebreaker
This may ramble a bit as I am not that straight forward. I have always loved icebreakers and thought that they were a very under represented class of vessels in the modeling world. I remember building a plastic kit when I was around 15. It may have been a "Wind" or the Glacier. Either way, at around 14" it was way too small. Around 5 years ago, I stumbled upon an advertisement for a 1/48th laser cut keel and rib set for a Wind class icebreaker. It was a one off the gent was not going to produce it again. I grabbed it up. The "kit" consisted of the keel and a full set of ribs cut from a decent grade of aircraft plywood around 1/4" thick.
The first thing I did was start my research. Which ship, what configurization, date, paint pattern, weapons, ect.
There were seven ships built for the US Navy and Coast Guard combined, and one built for the Canadian Coast Guard. There were many variations, but two ships stood out. The USS Southwind and her sister the Eastwind. I chose the latter. Furthermore I chose to build her pretty much as built and commissioned. This led to her carrying an impressive weapons suite and an aircraft, which just happened to be available in a 1/48th kit form.
There were many challenges to build this model, not the least of which was to get accurate plans and photographs. The US Coast Guard Museum in Seattle, Washington was an immense help in that regard. Next was that research indicated that all equipment on Polar rated ships had to be of larger, stronger sizes than standard CG or Naval standards called for. Ie, lot's of masters and castings to be made in the future. Lastly was the weapons suite, which calle dfor large and unique fittings. Shapeways came to the rescue there. More of all of this as I go along.
These first pictures are of the kit set up, just to get a feel for it, on a build board. Followed by some planks pictures. The shaft logs are unique. They taper for there entire length and the shaft runs through them, but NOT centered. The shaft centered on the outboard end, but off center on the inboard end. I had a local shop turn these for me. WAY above my pay grade.
ToraDog
4 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ WWII Minesweeper HMT Sir Kay
8 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Tim,
This work by Alan Raven may be of help. In the USN, rafts(Carley Floats) were generally painted Haze Grey. There was significant discretion on the part of the ship's Captain though. It may apply to the RN somewhat as well.
https://www/shipcamouflage.com/3_1.htm |
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๐ Question of the Day?
10 days ago by
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Besides, it would look pretty silly having a RADAR antenna sticking out of the bottom of a hull, twirling in the water.๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
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๐ Shapeways return...
10 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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I would add the following:
Parts were often broken in packaging and or shipping.
Getting replacement parts or credit was near impossible.
Many of the designers were left with money owed to them. I feel sure that they are reluctant to return. many have found alternative manufacturers for their products.
Too bad because it was a great concept that feel to greed.
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๐ Question of the Day?
11 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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OK! If Sounders are NOT, or do not use sound waves, ie, SONAR, then what do they use to measure depth?
Just for conversation sake.....๐
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๐ WWII Minesweeper HMT Sir Kay
12 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Tim,
I was thinking more the colors than the pattern. It would not have been USN MS 16, but rather a Western Approaches pattern. That said, the colors were quite similar, except for the use of greens in some WA patterns.
Hope that helps.
Jonathan
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๐ WWII Minesweeper HMT Sir Kay
12 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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The camouflage is quite faint, and the angle of the sun does not help. My guess, and it is only that, is a Western Approaches scheme similar to US Navy Measure 16, which used Thayer blue, a very light blue, and white. You can see it here, scroll to down to Measure 16.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_ship_camouflage_measures_of_the_Unite |
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๐ Paint type recommendation
2 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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No one has mentioned this yet, so I will through it out.
Some plastic hulls have a mold release adhering to them that cause acrylic paints to NOT want to stick or flatten out. Try washing the hull and using a scrubbby pad, like on sponges, to help clean the hull. I would use a mild detergent as well.
I have been using store ( Home Depot) bought acrylics to paint my hulls ( F/G) as well as my superstructures, (plastic and 3D printed). I use a commercially available thinning agent to increases the flow of the paint as well. All have been brush painted and I have been satisfied with the results.
BTY, Home Depot now uses one of the best color sample machines, for reading and matching existing paint colors/samples, that I have found.
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๐ Heat Sinks
3 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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First off, I would not expect to run motors very long when bench testing. Besides, they would not be under load. They should not get very hot.
A simple coil for a water jacket with a pick up aft of the prop should provide more than enough cooling.
Then the is the question of whether or not you may be overloading the the motor with too much pitch and or diameter of prop. Not knowing the application, I can not answer that.
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๐ Question of the Day?
3 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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And what happens with a double ended ferry?โน๏ธ
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๐ Question of the Day?
3 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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I simple put down"the other side"....๐
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๐ Component shop/ Action electronics
5 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Micheal,
I have used many YT videos to help me program, both Open TX and Ethos equipped radios as well as Horus systems. I agree with you.
Perhaps the lack of videos for Action products speaks more to the simplicity of the installation, and the quality if the directions, not to mention the product itself.
Cheers
๐๐
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๐ Component shop/ Action electronics
5 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Michael,
While I have not seen any You Tube videos, or the like, of Action products, I have not found that I needed anything more than the instructions included with the units. I find them to be very easy to follow and thorough. if I have had a question, an e-mail to Action has answered my query very promptly.
I really like their products.
Jonathan
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๐ Fairey humtsman 47 anchor
5 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Doug,
You have made my week! Thank you for the laugh. I needed that!๐
Jonathan
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๐ Glue
5 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Peter,
Yours is one of those questions that is liable to get many, some contradictory, answers. There are lots of choices, as Wez pointed out Gorilla Glue will work. So will epoxy, as well as polyester resin that has been thickened.. some of the answer is what you are comfortable working with. I would stay away from Super Glue, no matter the type or brand.
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๐ Fairey humtsman 47 anchor
5 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Wez,
You would not be the first to put the wrong end in thee wrong place...ask me how I know๐ ๐๐
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๐ Fairey humtsman 47 anchor
5 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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The thick end of the tapered stock goes attaches as the pivot point to the anchor. The thin end takes a shackle to the chain or rode.
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๐ USS Juneau
6 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Sometimes, I feel like I have fallen off the Earth, but, alas, I'm not that lucky. So, instead, I continue the build.
I have spent the last two months + doing electrical and electronic installations. Mostly it has involved lighting and sound systems. I am going to put a plug in here for a company that I have used to great success, The Component Shop in the UK. Specifically their electronic switches, sound amplifiers and sound and lighting systems. First Rate!!
OK, while I still have a few items to install, notably search lite and a sound module, I am almost complete with the entire motive/electronics/electrical installation.
Rather than describe it all I am posting a link to a video on YouTube .
It is hard to see some effects, notably the radars moving, but the lighting stands out. I have a stern light working, but it does not show very well in the video. While I should include mast lights, I am not sure that I will.
Anyhow, when the other components are wired in and working she will be ready fro trials, if my contractor will have enough of his project done to allow Juneau out of the house. ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
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๐ Question of the Day?
7 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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"Another one with distorted facts, unless you regard Port Morseby as an aircraft carrier. The Australian bombers that were involved came from land bases. Midway is regarded as the first real naval battle fought by aircraft carriers.๐ค "
Actually, the same applies to Midway. Many attacks against the Japanese flew from there...that is why the Japanese wanted it so badly.๐
The correct answer should be: None, they all involoved land based aircraft.
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๐ Simulating Modern Diesel Smoke
7 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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LewZ,
Yes it is. That said, one could Y harness the switch with the ESC for the SG. Because of different trip points, I would probably use a servo expander OR look for an electronic switch with an adjustable trip point. That way you could turn on the switch as you engage the ESC for the SG.
The easiest option I have found is to use a computer radio and play with mix options.
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๐ Simulating Modern Diesel Smoke
7 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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LewZ,
In response to your question, YES. I usually hook up my SG thru an ESC which allows me to vary the smoke output. I also put the ESC thru an electronic switch so that I can turn the unit on/off, why? because I have found that with the ESCs I use that dead center(off) is hard to find. I have also put the fan on a switch. I mix the fan switch with the ESC switch, but I can run the fan alone if I so choose.
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๐ Question of the Day?
7 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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"Submarines are NOT ships."
"There are two kinds of ships, submarines and targets"๐
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๐ HELP FOR IDENTIFICATION OF A WARSHIP.
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Wolle,
I think that you have the correct class of ship. The model in question looks quite a bit smaller and sounds like it was built as a static model.I found a n image of a very similar ship listed as a Type 143 missle boat( new construction) in Jane's Fighting Ships '71-'72.
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๐ฌ Re: Little more progress
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Two books that may help you a bit, Warships in Profile, Vol 1, and German Naval Camouflage Vol 1,1939-1941. The latter has extensive color plates of her various schemes.๐
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๐ USS Juneau
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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AlessandroSPQR,
Thank you for your kind words. Please ignore my rumbles, I just turned 70 and with not much else to do, I build models. My body is not always in agreement with my intentions...nothing new.๐ I do wish I was 20 years younger...sometimes, but then reality strikes and reminds me that I am better off where I am.
So...back to the build๐
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๐ฌ Re: Making progress
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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My approach to building requires that, except for shaft tubes, everything else in the build should be accessible and removable, if at all possible. I try to make my gun turrets removable so as to create more access to th e hull internals.
A fully removable deck beckons a couple of issues. Water leakage in a sea being the worst case scenario. If at all possible, a deck fitting into a hull edge is a preferred method. It is more work, but makes a more stable connection and a potentially more watertight seal. With you very limited access thru the deck, I would aim to make the deck, or the vast majority of it, removable.
Hopefully some more ideas along this line will pop up.
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๐ USS Juneau
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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My eyes are blurry, my hand(s) are shaking, my knees and back are killing me from standing. That said, the first coat of superstructure paint is in place. Lot's to fix, touch up and make better, but it gives me a starting point.
Next up will be to remove the superstructure and paint the main deck. The superstructure decks will be last, after the touch up coats.
Unfortunately the sun is washing out the colors somewhat. But the idea is there.
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๐ USS Juneau
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Chum,
I am soo worried that I might have to have another Screech and tonic!๐คฃ
I am not too concerned. Every design was unique and if there are no pictures, well then, who is going to prove me wrong. The only rivet counter I am concerned with is the one I see in the mirror(when my eyes open)๐
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๐ USS Juneau
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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I have decided to take the plunge and begin the camouflage on the superstructure. I am a bit more than 4 hours into it and you can see that it will be a bit more. My eyes go crossed after an hour and my back and knees begin to sag. A labor of love, or just plain stubborn. (yes Dear)
While I really like MS 12 Modified as a scheme, the only documentation available is a few photographs. Most unfortunately they are all of the starboard side. Therefore, my portside will be entirely made up...๐ญ One can also see why details, deck and bulkhead, have not been added, yet.
That is all for now until my body recovers.๐
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๐ Gun directors
8 months ago by
๐บ๐ธ ToraDog (
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Doug,
The wing turrets only rotate outboard. I spared the Capt and crew from self destruction. The rotate about 115 degrees, I have not measured it exactly. if turrets 4-6 rotate across the stern, and the wing turrets are linked to follow them, then the one wing will stop at 180 degrees while other opposing turret rotates outboard. Does that make sense? I'll shoot another video to illustrate it.
Meanwhile, suffice it to say that the wing turrets can not rotate inboard of 18o degrees relative to the keel.
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๐ Gun Directors
8 months ago by
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Thank you Allesandro. You are being too kind.
Here is a link to a video of the turrets and gun directors functioning under local as well as director control. Sorry by the aft superstructure is off at the moment.
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