Tweet
Nine long years ago I purchased a Manley Lafayette boomer in 1/96 scale from the Sub Swap.
Even though there is a slight length difference between the model and the correct length of the subject matter, I figured what the hell. I always told my brother-in-law I would eventually build a model of the Tecumseh, the boat he served as a machinist mate on during the early eighties.
I sourced some good personal photo collections that showed certain details of the Tecumseh the would need to be added (most notably, a towed array). And there was a debate between he and I..... he swears there were no "hinges" on the missile doors. But I found more than a few photos that showed some sort of very subtle hinge-like arrangement protruding from the deck along each door. Using very thin piano wire, I added those 'hinges' to the deck. I also added the counter-measure tubes, angled the correct way. Scribed some of the Tecumseh's unique deck lines, and if memory serves I also had to change the location of the fairwater planes vertically along the sail.
Then the boat got shelved. For nine long years it has sat, collecting dust. Today I salvaged her and she, or rather he, now sits a few feet away from me so that I can stare at it for long periods of time, plotting and planning my every move. After I return from Rochester, work will begin again in earnest. It's long past due that I do my brother-in-law proud.
e.
Even though there is a slight length difference between the model and the correct length of the subject matter, I figured what the hell. I always told my brother-in-law I would eventually build a model of the Tecumseh, the boat he served as a machinist mate on during the early eighties.
I sourced some good personal photo collections that showed certain details of the Tecumseh the would need to be added (most notably, a towed array). And there was a debate between he and I..... he swears there were no "hinges" on the missile doors. But I found more than a few photos that showed some sort of very subtle hinge-like arrangement protruding from the deck along each door. Using very thin piano wire, I added those 'hinges' to the deck. I also added the counter-measure tubes, angled the correct way. Scribed some of the Tecumseh's unique deck lines, and if memory serves I also had to change the location of the fairwater planes vertically along the sail.
Then the boat got shelved. For nine long years it has sat, collecting dust. Today I salvaged her and she, or rather he, now sits a few feet away from me so that I can stare at it for long periods of time, plotting and planning my every move. After I return from Rochester, work will begin again in earnest. It's long past due that I do my brother-in-law proud.
e.
Comment