The Battlestations insanity continues! We have decided to construct a 1:96 scale HMS Hood to use the big gun internals from the USS United States. At ~110 pounds and 107" long, it will present not only a challenge to build, but also a challenge to transport. I've undertaken the hull design task, which will include a split in the middle to help with transportation. Should my split design not work, we have a 10' trailer lined up for transportation. The basic design is done. A little more work and the file will be shipped off for laser cutting.
Wow. Very cool! I must admit that your USS Texas is mighty tempting. Big Balti in the rafters might get jealous though
I don't plan to make a 144 scale kit, since Strike Models already carries a fiberglass hull for the Hood. I'm more interested in working on ships that are not otherwise available.
That ship is going to be HUGE! Looking forward to seeing you build this. I might have to build a Battlestations boat sometime in the future, but nothing this big. Maybe one of those British monitors. Good luck on your build, Beaver
Mark, your nuts. if I waswn't so far from you get I would be building Bismarck and Prinz Hint hint!!! Battle-stations Denmark Starits Nikki
I personally thought that using the 4 dual 1/4" cannons in 4 monitors would be lots of fun. And less back-breaking. But the club visionaries thought that bigger was better. What's a frigate? Just kidding. Although I'm not personally interested in AOS (I have enough control issues when running with motors) I wouldn't mind helping out the format with a kit. I'm just not sure I have enough understanding of the AOS rules and how sails work to design one.
Yeah, four little Roberts all on the water at once would be neat looking. Have fun building this! Beaver
There will be two back-to-back 1/4" ribs in the center. I have three 1/4" pins to align the halves and 6 bolts to keep it together. The bolts will be sealed by nylon washers. There is a 1/2" tube, sealed by o-rings, at the bottom to pass water. There is a slot at the top, unsealed but above the stern deck level, to pass the CO2 lines, power wires and controls.
I am really looking forward to seeing (and helping) this project go forward. The old Hood is one of my favorite ships. I will be free to jump in on this one right after the Titans event. Mikey
I received the parts from the laser cutter today. The parts alone are weighing in 24 pounds. I even felt a little challenged about what object I should use as a scale reference, since my normal quarter would be lost. The rib in the center is one of middle ribs that will be joined together. It's exciting to finally have the parts, unfortunately I don't have time to work on it during the next week.
Still Laser cut parts are beautiful to look at don't you think? Much prettier then those fiber glass hulls. haha
Thinking about getting a Bismarck going? Im sure you would have lots of support. Great work Mark, I look forward to seeing that beautiful hull , very exciting stuff.
