[mike45]

One of those things that start off small and grew overnight, the original concept was a simple deck section and flat painted facades that could be changed and stored easy.Whilst researching i started to get interested in the Swift boats ,as there narrow i thought i,d give the aft section a go its about 31 inches wide.So i decided to add a section that would be level with the Pilot house and fit it out with parts that would be correct and some artistic license of course. There is still a bucket load to do, like the 50 cal and mortar twin mount, also going to make a third section to extend the back cabin by 8" just to give it some depth for photos. The idea to make it in sections allows me to transport it and store it and i can add to it or use sections to build up other backgrounds. I live near the beach and a creek so the idea is to take shots with the sea or creek on a table set up in the shallows. Here,s some pics i set up this arvo' , enjoy.

 

[pukingdog]

That's some impressive construction, and now we know where that medical cabinet went. I'm gathering that the "artistic license" is the height of the aft superstructure?

 

[Pontiacivan]

This is just.....Wow! I am gabberflasted!

 

[mike45]

That's some impressive construction, and now we know where that medical cabinet went. I'm gathering that the "artistic license" is the height of the aft superstructure?

Yes correct. To be honest the whole thing has been built around the humble cabinet at the LH/side. That was going to be a part of a figure i,m working on, so the Swift boat idea came after the back section was built. It may not be actual, but certainly believable as modifications where made to standard Naval craft to suit the needs of operation in Vietnam, some boats were fitted out with big loudspeakers for Pysch-Ops others with heli pads & mini hospitals. The good thing about this is i can change or add as i need or want.Thanks PD, now time to shed it an work on the fire hose.Cheers

 

[mike45]

Thanks Pontiacvan, Found some bits for the fire hose, should work out thought i,d take a workshop pic as the bench kinda looked 1:6 at the time, ha ha i,m nuts!

 

[mike45]

Decided to change the structure a little, looks a little more believable. Gotta work on the armament and details.

I,ll post more when it,s completed thanks.

 

[plastique]

That is a beautiful diorama... and the fire hose is a very clever idea... what is the hose itself, looks like a thick shoe lace?

Love the uniform too... reminds me of the old Action Man 1st issue Sailor, only better.

 

[mike45]

That is a beautiful diorama... and the fire hose is a very clever idea... what is the hose itself, looks like a thick shoe lace?

Love the uniform too... reminds me of the old Action Man 1st issue Sailor, only better.

Hello Plastique, Thanks for the comments and taking the time. I,ts funny because i tried shoelaces but a bit thin for this fire service, so i found some Kero' Lamp wicks just need to sew them together the nozzle is made up from a bleed valve from a commercial gas cooker and the end of a coax antenna connection, coupling is off a gas hose. My first GI Joe in the sixties was a Sailor so the Navy thing has stuck , the uniform is Dragon but with modifications to the fly and pocket flaps removed i also took the sides of the shirt in a little and the same to the Pants and dyed them navy blue then faded them with some sand paper. Not much you can do with a sailor, unless he has a boat or something to fire. Again thanks for the interest.:thumb

 

[plastique]

Wonderful stuff... Might nick that hose technique for a Blitz fireman. Brilliant!

 

[mike45]

Wonderful stuff... Might nick that hose technique for a Blitz fireman. Brilliant!

Nick away me mate! Look forward to seeing it.

 

[mike45]

Completed? Another oversight! The Radar mast. I was going to go with some tube and a old indoor TV antenna but got inquisitive as to the actual Radar. Decca D202 Radar, i found these pics as a reference. But no dimensions so i will have to guess the sizes.

So off to find some parts, this is what i have so far. Have to wait to Monday for some angle to make the scanner.

. Back to the shipyard! Cheers:thanks

 

[dadrab]

Excellent construction.

I love that you use regular household items in the build. That's the true sign of a scratch builder, to me.

 

[pukingdog]

Really nice fabrication on the radar motor and mount. The wires coming out of the peckerhead are a great touch, tho it seems like you might need more conductors. Will the antenna rotate, or be motorized?
The improvements and workshop scenes are all crazy good.

This is the first time I have ever gotten to use the term "peckerhead" in a legit post.

 

[mike45]

Excellent construction.

I love that you use regular household items in the build. That's the true sign of a scratch builder, to me.

Thank,s dadrab it,s nice to hear you like the use of every day stuff that we normally take for granted, i have bags of plastic bits that resemble something 1/6 always comes in to use at some stage, fabrication/scratchbuilt as long as it,s within a bee,s pecker, i,m happy. Cheers mate:thumb

 

[mike45]

Really nice fabrication on the radar motor and mount. The wires coming out of the peckerhead are a great touch, tho it seems like you might need more conductors. Will the antenna rotate, or be motorized?
The improvements and workshop scenes are all crazy good .

This is the first time I have ever gotten to use the term "peckerhead" in a legit post.

Thanks PD, Nice use of term. I did play around with motors earlier, but not sure yet but it will rotate.The workshop scenes are actually part of my work bench, kind of a staging area and a place to put things out of harms way. off to get some supplies for the scanner now. Thanks again:thumb

 

[Spitfire]

Fantastic dio!!! The idea of modular sections is great and the build itself is really believable.

 

[mike45]

Thanks Spitfire, Much easier to store in sections and carry about.Cheers:thumb

Fantastic dio!!! The idea of modular sections is great and the build itself is really believable.

 

[mike45]

Scanners done, had a little trouble centering the middle section but it worked out in the end a few touch ups and shes good to go. Next will be the monster, a 81mm mortar with a 50 cal on top on a Navy Mark2 Mod 0 mount.

 

[zebraten]

This is all very impressive. I admire your skill!

 

[pukingdog]

Well that radar is just beautiful.

I remember when I built a model patrol boat many years ago, and put that 1/35 scale gun together, I thought a real wild man must of come up with the design.