BattleFleetModels.org

NEW Board Changes coming....

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:51:08 PST

This notice is to advise that new changes to the site will be coming just before the new year. BattleFleet has generally been a scale modeling site for military models, but members have expressed that they would like to add new Forums for other non military genres, which I believe is a good thing. Plenty to share and room for new members who like other areas to become involved and a chance to expand our horizons. With this, the new Auto Modeling Forums have been added. The most major change that will take effect soon, is that BattleFleet Models will become Modelers Realm! The current site address is BattleFleetModels.org, but in the next few weeks, the new address will be ModelersRealm.com. So over the course of the next month or so, you may notice some minor changes to reflect this. It is my hope that the name change and site adjustment will bring more traffic and modelers to the site, and good growth will occur. So if you have any friends who are taking up the hobby or have...

USS Gatling DD-671 by Martin Quinn

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:11:59 PST

USS Gatling DD-671

Built by Martin Quinn

USS Gatling (Trumpeter 1/350 The Sullivans)

I have always wanted to build a model of the Fletcher class destroyer my Uncle served on very late in World War II, the Gatling. I had attempted to do so with my earlier build of the YMW Johnston kit, but found out during construction that my Uncle's ship was in a different configuration than the YMW model depicted, which led me to finish that model as the USS Cowell. The YMW kit depicted a mid-war square bridged Fletcher, while the Gatling was a late war square bridge with the full anti-Kamikaze AA fit.

When he was assigned to her at Pearl Harbor in the...

USS Fletcher DD-445 by Martin Quinn

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:54:36 PST

USS Fletcher DD-445

Built by Martin Quinn

When I started this model, the plan was to paint her Ms12 modified (splotches). However, I was unhappy with the camo came out on the hull, so over-sprayed the whole hull with Navy Blue. Since the superstructure was already painted haze gray, I shelved the model for awhile, not wanting to repaint everything. Then I found that the Fletcher MAY have been painted into Ms. 18 (5N hull, 5H superstructure) in late 1942. Since I didn't want to repaint, "may have" was good enough for me, and I finished the model in this scheme, which I like better than Ms22.
The turrets, the twin 40mms and the Mk 37 director are all from L'Arsenal. Mast is brass rod, flag bags and signal lamps are...

DeBoers Reliant - WIP

feeds@yuku.com (NemVia) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:17:40 PST

While I've been working on the DeBoers Enterprise trio, I've also been working on a secondary project at the same time. The DeBoers Reliant is the same scale as the Enterprise and while there are many similarities in building this kit there are a few differences as well. There is not quite as much to scratchbuild for this model because there is no secondary hull. I've been working on this kit for several months. The Reliant is no longer in production and this is one of the last known ones to be worked on. Too bad because it is a fun kit to work on. Like the Enterprise, I will be sending updates for this project when I have them.

I know it's been about 9 months since I've added any updates for the Reliant, but for the most part many of the work that is being done on the Enterprise is very similar to the Reliant as far as some of the interiors go such as the officer's lounge and many...

Project: DKM Bismarck - Armament Part 1

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:07:09 PST

So the Revell Bismarck is under way and the first part of the build I started with is the armament. First let me say that the Revell kit is a step above all else out the in the 1:350 scale market. If you really want to do a detailed Bismarck, this is the place to start. Secondly, the LionRoar Super detail set for this kit is amazing in detail PE, turned brass barrels, and various resin detail parts. However, there is a draw back to this set and that would be the cryptic instructions and the total lack of instructions for all of the PE railing parts and no instructions what-so-ever for the brass barrels. That said, most who have worked with PE, brass or resin parts, can manage to piece in the details. Anyway, on to the build Part 1.

First job or task was to clean up each part needed for the high angle guns to prepare them for the PE and resin parts that will go on them for detailing. I started by replacing the plastic barrels with the brass ones, and thus far all is well and...

DeBoers Refit Enterprise With Drydock/WIP

feeds@yuku.com (NemVia) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:50:31 PST

Greatings everyone! I am currently in the middle of this project right now. I am building 3 Refit models at the same time including several of the interior rooms. To see the progress go to the photo album section of my site under DB Enterprise project. I will have regular monthly updates on the progress of this project. More information will follow.

Mark

http://www.NemVia.com

Major project to begin soon...

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 01:29:41 PST

Well I just received the new Revell of Germany's 1/350 DKM Bismarck along with the LionRoar Super PE detail to include resin parts and brass barrels. I have gne over the parts of the detail set and let me tell you, LionRoar left no stone unturned or detail omitted except on the instruction sheet concerning the use of the PE railing and locations and the correct way to install the brass barrels, but I am sure I can get over those hurdles when I get to them.

As far as the Revell kit, the detail and method of construction give much more control to the builder than the Tamiya kit by a long shot. It's not without it's issues, bit of flash here and there, but for the most part, it appears to have a lot more detail and room for really making a "Show Stopper" when completed. The deck leveling is broken down better and lets you add more details as you progress each sub-assembly. The one drawback I have noticed is the painting instructions are a bit cryptic and the patterns for early...

Whats on your Bench?

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 01:58:44 PST

So what ya working on? Me...a ton of stuff. Figure mods, 1/6 Kubelwagen and a Mayflower plank on frame...forgot the scale though.

Regards,
Ray

1/350 Bismarck with planked deck

feeds@yuku.com (martinjquinn) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:48:58 PST

Inspired by you lunatics who lay planks on your decks, I decided to try the same thing with my Tamiya 1/350 Bismarck. I made the decision to do this almost 3 years ago, with the following "guidelines"

1) I would use Dan's tutorial on the subject
2) I would only work on this at work, during my lunches

So, in May of 2007 I began. Progress was slow, as my duties as a Call Center Manager meant I wasn't always able to take a lunch. Then, I left that job in November 2007 and started a new one. Even though I had my own office at my new job, I didn't want to start working on a project like the Bismarck until I got the lay of the land. In early 2008 I brought the model into my office and started working on the deck again, albiet off and on.

It's been a long road to date, but I've started to make some really good progress. I've been meaning to post some update pictures here, but haven't...

Questin for the Cap'n

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:12:46 PST

It's been several months since i chatted with you about the 1/6 M2 Bradley. I haven't started on it yet but it's next to my bench. Hell, it's almost as big as my bench. Are you still up for making masters out of her? I can start to part her up and we can both start casting pieces if your up to it. Let me know and we can make a plan. Ray

Whats on my bench

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:05:26 PST

I' ve got alot of kits going and have gotten nowhere with any of them , sooooo. I have made a sorta pact with myself to focus on three builds. All are in 1/6 scale and all are gonna be loads of fun. The first is the 1/6 Dragon Kubelwagen. Second is the 1/6 Dragon Kettenkrad...and lastly is my 21st century Toys Willy's Jeep. The two Dragon kits are fun builds out of the box but as you might know I'm a scratch builder and these babies need alot of work. The Willy's Jeep is already built but is in desperate need of a serious over haul itself. These three projects are a preperation for a few complete scratchbuilds I have lined up but thats for another time. Tonights project is the torsion bars for the kubelwagen and the kettenkrad. Neither kit has workable suspension so it's something I'm gonna tackle first. I'm using metal instead of plastic so I'm treading cautiously. Here's a pic of the kubelwagen kit front suspension.

Just checkin in

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:57:57 PST

Howdy all,

I'ts been awhile since I've been on any modeling site so I thought I'd drop in and say "wassup". Ray

New Model...

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:22:27 PST

Well I was very curious about the Academy 1:350 USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7, so I got one and I was very pleasantly surprised with the kit. I will be adding it to the Product Review shortly and will do a Build-up Review also. I already started in on it, making it a flight IIIa modernized version in a water line build, so I will also be able to do a How To article on making large sacle water with step by step photos. I have been so busy in other venues in life that I have had little time for modeling, however, that has all changed and I can get back to the bench for all kinds of goodies that will all make it's way here onto the site. So how is it going for everyone else?

Paging Mr Jeremy

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:43:32 PST

Jeremy, I am starting on my Tamiya Bismarck and I am very interested to talk to you about the PE and accessories you used on your Bismarck. I know I will be planking with 1 x 3 basswood planks and probably using the WEM detail set, but where did you get the brass barrels for your build?

I decided to do it full hull and just finished making a solid Oak base for it (and will use brass finals to mount it on). I have to figure how and what I want to use to mark the base with her name and crest, but that will come later. I also plan to use WEM paints to do the finish, but looking for a US distributor, if any is available. I know Free Time Hobbies started carrying them, but they only have US Pre 1944 colors currently. Any help?

I will be doing a WIP thread in several parts as the project progresses, but I know this will be a very long process with all the detail going into it. I kind of need a long project that I can tinker with now and then, and this one proves to be...

M2 Bradley Interior Color...

feeds@yuku.com (Dan von Gartzen) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:37:58 PST

I need a little help here on my Bradley build, I know the interior color is a light green/white color, but I am not sure what the closest match would be in Model Master colors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

How about a Sci-Fi section????

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:42:00 PST

Howdy Cap'n,

I good friend of mine is a builder of many talents but he seems to float back to Sci-Fi alot. I know I could get him to post here if ya added one. Just an idea. Talk to ya later amigo. Ray

another project....

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:21:39 PST

I picked the testor's 1/48 OV-10A Bronco kit yesterday. I did a build for a guy a few years back with one of my local model club buddies. I worked on the sponsons and wheel wells while he concentrated on the cockpit and final painting. I gave him my part when it was finished and off he went. The f_*ker yanked out all my customizing and basically handed the guy a OOB Bronco. It looked like #%#@. It's been nagging me every since, so I ran across the kit yesterday for $15. Can't afford it but I got to get some closure from that ordeal. To be continued.................

I'm all over the place......

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:45:22 PST

I've been plugging away atmy T-34/85. Got part of the engine assembled only to realize I need the demensions for my 1/6 scratchbuild. So I broke out the Tiger I's I've got going. They are....1/16, 1/18/, 3 1/35's, 1/48, and a 1/72 to top it off. I have all the ref's and measurements for a 1/6 build of it so I can proceed with the building. One of the 35ers is the Dragon smart kit of the final version. It's a sweet kit. Doing full interiors on them all. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping my sanity outlasts just getting one of these suckers built. Hope your builds are going well. Ray

Photos from the 2008 IPMS/USA National Convention

feeds@yuku.com (MartinJQuinn) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:39:50 PST

Photos from the 2008 IPMS/USA National Convention can be found here.

Scandalously, I was remiss in taking a photo of Keith Bender's Best in Show Winner, USS Fitch. Probably because I had seen it a previous shows.

Enjoy!

Gettin busy again....

feeds@yuku.com (rbleathers) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:38:14 PST

Howdy Gents,

Been working on several projects. More collecting info then actually glueing but it's progress. The railroad job I got is on a six month hiatus. Been moping around for a few months, just got a job with a local tint shop. Been back in a groove since. Been three weeks now and I've got more done then I have in the last three years. I put my old projects on my bench and have been re-gearing up for the final push with them. Mainly my Graf Spee though. The Bama was scrapped. She got crushed some time back in one of my many moves. Thought I'd just say hey to you guys. Hope all is well. Talk to ya later. Ray