SPA Modeler

Yesterday, I finally got enough stuff dragged upstairs to start on this. Still need better light, but, I’m making do (I hope not do do)! A lot of small parts, small assemblies with 3-4 parts, but I think that is common for Trumpeter.

The parts count seems to be roughly equal to an Eduard 1/48 109.

I have two PE frets as well. Mostly for the railings and ladders, but I think there will be plenty I can use. As you would expect, there are some PE pieces that require an electro microscope, and, wouldn’t you know it, mine is in the shop!

I got the hull parts primed, the deck pieces attached and starting to add the parts from the bow aftwards.

I’m sitting in Pam’s room watching her sleep.

No pics yer. I’ll try to take sone this evening. Really no much to see.

Well put, Bruce. I bought the PE sets I did because most of what I wanted doesn’t seem to need too much fiddling’ around with. I will give the things a try and see how it goes.

These kits, save the Tamiya M3 Lee, represent a big step away from what I’ve become too comfortable with. I hope it is not too big of a step. I’m looking at YouTube videos on building thing fine boat, watching for different techniques and methods. And I’m taking my time. It will look fine, okay enough, with little or no PE. Honestly, my bigger concern is weathering. Mr. O’Brien begs to be shown is a weathered state. Again, Yourube is my friend. I’m learning that where I would have stopped before is really just the beginning. So, this won’t be a weekend build.

It was a bit strange being downstairs at the bench yesterday. It has been 4,On-The-Go or more. It felt as though I’d never been there…a foreign place. Not sure how I feel about that. It may make me rethink a lot of what I was doing, clean up the room, get rid of the detritus and have a proper workspace. That remains to be seen.

I would advise against too much weathering particularly if you’re showing an active service version!

Great pictures.

Not talking “Tammy Faye Baker” weathering. But, you are correct

Well you could beat it up too. Plodding across the North Atlantic or Pacific could get pretty rough during the stormy seasons.

My problem is I have no good idea what I’m doing. That served me pretty well in flying and my working days. Watching some the videos I’ve watched, I don’t keep after a spot until there is just enough of a hint to suggest rust, fading or what have you. I’m determine.d this will be fun, a way to unwind after being up at the hospital.

caption: "W.O. #2193, Neg. #1615. 1 June 1945. 1. View showing port side of Freighter N.O. #420. Archibald Mansfield. 2. Photograph taken at Army Wharf, Berth #5, N.O.P.E., New Orleans, La., for Port history. Arrived: 5/29/45. Left: 6/8/45--for Manila. Photographer Pvt. Roy Chelgren.

LyleW wrote: ↑Sat Mar 07, 2026 4:34 pm

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Sat Mar 07, 2026 3:46 pm Well you could beat it up too. Plodding across the North Atlantic or Pacific could get pretty rough during the stormy seasons.

My problem is I have no good idea what I’m doing. That served me pretty well in flying and my working days. Watching some the videos I’ve watched, I don’t keep after a spot until there is just enough of a hint to suggest rust, fading or what have you. I’m determine.d this will be fun, a way to unwind after being up at the hospital.

Crush red pastels to add a bit of color but not too much. This in my opinion is too much but the streak on the far left looks good.




Use thinned glossy paint to create a wet looking surface streak!

Okay, here are a few pics. Please, hold your applause until the end.

The box top



My auxiliary work space. It is wife approved…for now.





progress so far…



What I’m working on now



There are ten of these to be made. I shall be quite mad by then.there are 4 parts to each.