Saturday, March 8, 2014

The Refit Continues

Thank you to all who commented on the boats and made suggestions. Upon reflection I decided that the new little steam launch was starting to look too big especially in comparison with the larger boats.

I figured that one way to make the Reuse look like a larger vessel was to make her look taller. To do this I added a bulwark around the bow gun and a railing  around the boat deck. Its a little low and only 1 rail instead of 2 but I think it helps. The bulwark should really be wood with gunports but there's not much room and it would be tricky to match the curve of the bow so its going to look more like steel plate.



After reading a bit about early paddle gunboats and looking  at pictures I decided I need to build a sliding pivot gun mount for the 32 pounder bow gun.  Still working on that part.

To make the launch look smaller I  started by cutting down the bow a little and adding a small focsle. Then I moved the funnel  from ahead of the boiler to on top of it to make it look smaller and to make more room. Then I added a bench in the stern with a tiller. Looking at the picture, I think I'll extend the gunwale to the stern.



Next week I'll  cast some of the zinnbrigade seated aryillerymen and convert one to a coxswain and maybe a couple to marines.

I think I could probably use maybe one more steam launch and two boats to be towed or rowed. These latter will have a bow and stern like the steam launch but with low gunwales and no boiler.

12 comments:

  1. As I think I've said before: it is often the little touches that sets off a model. That cordon on the upper deck of HMGB Reuse, along with the heavy gun in the bows completes the vessel, as I think your planned low freeboard gunwales on the little steam launch. They do look the part, for sure.

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    1. I usually jusk plunk the bow gun on choosing either gun, mortar or rocket but it does look better when it looks less improvised.

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  2. Nice job on the toys, Ross. As usual, you explain your decision making. There's nothing wrong with the way the bow set up but you could try "tying on" some sand bags to accent that the gun is being shielded. Good work!
    Jerry

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    1. A good thought Jerry, I'm thinking about adding sandbags to my armoured train. The gunboat is more 1840 and a bit early for armour but might be interesting to do some clip on ones for her old age.

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  3. Ross, these boats are becoming the tools that they were intended to be, representative and visually appealing.

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    1. I'm pretty pleased so far. The big test will be on the table.

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  4. The improvements look great! (I'm collecting images for possible future "borrowing"/inspiration, a steamship/launch or two cab be useful Colonial game additions)

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  5. Nice work, Ross. I particularly like what you've done with the Reuse.

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    1. Thanks Steve, she has an Iron shell gun mounted now and is looking more the thing than when first laid down.

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