Protected Cruiser 'Varyag'

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

This is going to be my next ship project, the Protected Cruiser ‘Varyag’. One thing that pushed me towards building this kit was the Gold Medal Models PE set I had purchased for my ‘Borodino’ build, it included the ‘Varyag’ PE as a double detail package. After all the fun I had with the ‘Borodino’ it seemed like a no-brainer to pick up the ‘Varyag’.

Since I was going to be going to the edge with detail I had to pick up some turned brass barrels and a wooden deck for the kit then I ran across a brass set of masts that seemed like a really good idea as the ones on the ‘Borodino’ were pretty flimsy and wanted to bend with just the smallest amount of rigging tension. Snooping around the ship sections of various model shops I found searchlight kits from North Star that promised to improve the kit pieces so what’s another $8 at this point. Now I figured I should do my due diligence and look at the Eduard PE sets just to make certain I was doing the best I could with the detail and what do you know? I liked some of that set better than the GMM set. Had to warm up the credit card and pick that set up. Oh, I’m going to need some crew figures as well, I’m thinking at least two sets of the North Star Imperial Russian Navy sets at $25 each. When I started this seemed like a pretty reasonably priced kit.

2

Looking forward to your build. I have the same kit and extras in my stash waiting for room on the building way.

3

I have it too. I built that Borodino, and it was difficult and poorly fitting. You did a nice job. It’s not originally Zvezda, it was Eastern Express.

I think you will find the Varyag a much nicer kit.

4

Well I still have to finish the Borodino before I can do anything serious on the next build. Have to exercise some level of self control.

5

I’ll be watching your build with great interest as I too have that kit in my stash along with the WEM PE, Master masts and barrels, and Scaledecks wood decks.

Mike

6

Hi, I just started my Varyag. I got the Edward PE and the wooden deck. But I was looking for a way to replace the mast, you are right a little too flimsy. Where did you find the replacement mast? I also have the Borodino but have only purchased the wooden deck at this time. I thought I would start with this kit 1st. It is my 1st kit using these wooden deck addons.

7

Master Models sells mast kit for the Varyag.

8

Yeah, I picked up my mast set off evil-bay and it is the Master set.

Using the wood deck is quite easy. Be sure to take your time, have the base surface clean and make sure you are lined up. I did break mine at a very delicate point but had no issues piecing things back together. I think it actually may have made application a little easier. Definitely get the brass barrels for the Borodino, they’re a big improvement.

I used the Artwox deck on the Borodino and will use the Hunter deck on the Varyag just to see if there is any difference.

9

Thanks for the info. One more question about the simulated wood decks. Did you sand off the raised before putting down the wood deck?

10

Sorry…but one more question…did you just apply the wood deck with the adhesive backing or did you apply any other glue to hold it down. Thanks

11

I did not sand anything before starting with the Artwox deck. Just made sure it was all clean and I was lined up correctly. The laser cutting is nearly 100% on the mark so fitting around the plastic deck moldings was not problem. I simply relied on the backing that already existed. I had read where some people complained of the decking lifting but so far I have not had an issue. I actually applied the Borodino deck in January and so far so good. I did burnish some edge areas with a toothpick just to ensure a good bond but be careful, that deck can be delicate. I really think having a good clean surface to work with is key here.

12

I hope you will post photos as you move along. I would love to see your work. Thanks

13

Oh there will be photos, lots of photos.

14

Now I have to ask a question of you guys, I look at images of the Varyag and some models have green hull and some have red hull with black oil strip. Actual historical images mostly seem to be black and white. From some it might be a green hull while in others it might be a black oil strip. The kit indicates green. Anybody have anything concrete on this topic?

15

Okay, here it is. The first in-progress image. Replacing those little rungs around the exterior of the hull, man are there ever a lot of them!

Also shaved off the gilded emblem around the bow. Still need to sand that a wee bit then will replace it with a PE part later on.

16

Swanny,

I can’t believe how small those brass rungs are that you used to replace the molded on ones! I just looked at the hull in the box of my Varyag and I can tell you right now that when I build mine I’m NOT replacing the molded in rungs. I don’t have the talent or the patience.

Here, nine posts down on this page, is some information you might find helpful with regard to the hull and other colors on this ship: http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=83814&start=20

Mike

17

I would vote for red. Some amount of discussion on Model Warships, but it’s a safer call.

18

Thanks to both of you for the replies. Mike, I think that link really addressed the issue. Bottom line it seems that if painted white then we have a green hull and if painted grey we have a red hull. Now I have to decide which color scheme I want. I have been leaning towards the white and doing a green hull would add some variance to my display as all are red now except the Esmeralda and the Surcouf. I’ll think on it while gluing little tiny PE rungs to the hull.

19

I’ve decided to do this in white with the green hull. After prepping the forward deck surface I started to work with the Hunter decking material this morning and it has not been good. The Hunter deck is thinner than the Artwox but the adhesive will not come up with the deck, it all stays on the backing sheet 100%. Now I’m off to the art supply store to find a good spray on adhesive to fix this with.