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12-12-2007, 01:38 PM
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CSS Alabama kit in 196th Scale??
Gents,
I would like to build a 1/96th scale model of the CSS Alabama. 1/96th because I want to include figures and that is the smallest scale in which I can imagine working on them. At the risk of seeming blasphemous by mentioning plastic (shhh!), may I ask if anyone has ever built an accurate model of the Alabama using the Revell kit? I already have the kit and have scads of experience converting styreme kits. But, I know there are major accuracy problems with the kit. On the other hand, I have yet to really get into a wooden ship model and when I do, I would like it to be something a lot more simple, such as one of Mr. Hahn's schooners. Plus, I am not in a financial position at this point to purchase a new wooden kit. If anyone knows of any articles or websites that have a step by step breakdown on making a more accurate model of the ship using the old revell kit, I would appreciate it is they wold let me know where to find them. Many thanks, and we won't mention the word plastic again!! Michael |
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12-13-2007, 02:15 AM
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Re: CSS Alabama kit in 196th Scale??
Mike:
"Google" Finescale modeler; this is a web site devoted mostly to plastic. It has a "ton" of info. and "how to" for the plastic modeler. Hope this helps.
------------Members' Signature------------
"Tactum illegitimi non carborundum
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12-13-2007, 06:14 AM
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Re: CSS Alabama kit in 196th Scale??
hello again , you might want to get a copy of
Ghost Ship The Confederate Raider Alabama by: Norman C. Delaney cheers
------------Members' Signature------------
"may there be no moaning at the bar
when I put out to sea"
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12-14-2007, 10:15 AM
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Re: CSS Alabama kit in 196th Scale??
Michael,
Many a model shipwright cut his teeth on the Revell (et al) styrene ship model kits and there are many modelers who still build them today. As a young teen, I built both the CSS Alabama and the USS Kearsarge, both Revell plastic kits. Plastic kits can be modified with the addition of wood, brass, britannia metal and styrene parts. I fellow modeler and friend took a kit of the Kearsarge and did an unbelievably amazing job of kit bashing it. Using the basic hull structure he replaced the deck with scribed wood over styrene beams to strengthen the deck and allow for wooden masts. Masts, spars, blocks, pin rails, belaying pins, etc., and everything else that could be replaced with wood was replaced. I don't know how much was historically accurate and how much was guessed at, but it sure as hell was a good job! As far a plastic kit builders are concerned, never consider yourselves inferior or second rate to those who work in wood. Plastic and wood are simply two different medias, each requiring its own set of skills and techniques. A good build is a good build and a fine model regardless of the material used. Good luck and Happy Holidays, Al 
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12-15-2007, 10:14 AM
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Re: CSS Alabama kit in 196th Scale??
The Alabama may be a great project for a first foray into scratch building. You can obtain the plans I believe from the Smithsonian. A combination of wood and styrene would work well here.
Steve Fletcher |
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07-02-2012, 11:19 AM
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Re: CSS Alabama kit in 196th Scale??
The Revell CSS Alabama does not really represent that ship at all. The kit is based on the Kearsarge, which is more accurate. If you were to hold one side of the Kearsarge hull against the opposite side of the Alabama hull, they match, although the real Alabama was longer than the Kearsarge.
Other problems include the cannon (wrong types), the cannon positions (Again, wrong), the hull shape is incorrect, the open ports at the stern (not a feature of Alabama), and no rake to the masts (Alabama had very raked masts). In other words, almost everything about the Revell Alabama is wrong for that ship. On the plus side, Bluejacket is releasing plank-on-bulkhead models of both ships next year in 1/96 scale to commemorate the battle between them off Cherbourg. I have already started saving! On another note, the Revell Kearsarge is largely correct for her appearance at the end of her life but not for the battle. It is easy to find detailed drawings and photos of both ships by simply using your search engine. |
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