I’ve been watching that eBay listing, wow. I want that kit to build someday but dang…
One of the prettier features of Alabama were her very raked masts. I don’t think Revell got that right.
Well, I am happy to say that the rigging is finished. I am now painting and installing the figures. I hadn’t looked at the bag they came in until yesterday. Big surprise. What I think are the Captain and 2nd in command are OK. They have the long coats with 2 rows of bottons down the front. There are 3 or 4 that look to be climbing the rigging that have turtle necks on so they would be OK. The rest of the crew, 8 to be exact, seem to be wearing modern shirts with pockets on both sides in the front. Wondering if going to all the work of fixing the shirts would be worthwhile. If they are painted dark colors, they wouldn’t be too noticeable unless someone is going right up to within a few inches with a magnifying glass. I don’t think she is going to come under that kind of scrutiny. The lights in the library are not that bright either. I was told Friday that she will be on the mantle during the Spring and Summer.
Something funny I noticed about the sailors in the rigging. Three of them are barefoot and 3 have shoes on. I’m not a naval historian sooooooooooo did they wear shoes to climb the rigging or not? Enquiring minds want to know.
Will post some pics later this week.
Jim [cptn]
Ok! Got the phone and took some pics. Hope that they come out OK.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ukRH9ECijXu3sKXr9
Didn’t use all of the figures. I guess that because of their size when molded, some had no hands and others had no feet. I think there are enough onboard to provide details.
Jim [cptn]
Very Nice work, Jim,
Thanks for posting those shots they look great.
Impressive work! My father built the Alabama which it was reissued during the late 90’s he wanted to get the Kearsarge as well but we didn’t have the room for two rather large ships.
Very nice! Great photography too.
I had once started converting the Revell CSS Alabama into a more accurate model but my autistic grandson broke it. I have since repaired most of the damage but there is still more to do. I improved the deck layout, provided more accurate fittings, replaced the kit’s cannons with accurate ones, changed the gunports to their correct locations, and will eventually rake the masts. But, I digress.
The Revell USS Kearsarge does represent her final appearance before her loss. In order to convert her to her original appearance really isn’t that difficult, but you would need to find plans and some after-market products like the correct cannons and the Alabama kit’s hull halves. I’m not sure but you would also have to remove the raised forecastle and raised poop deck.
There were two wood kits of the ship depicting her general appearance at the time of the Alabama battle, one by Scientific and a larger 1/96 kit by Sterling. I have both. Also, Bluejacket has the best models of these ships ever released as kits. Their Kearsarge depicts her as originally built. I will have to invest in that one.
Thanks for all the kind words guys. I really appreciate them.
Grey Snake - That’s why I was really happy when asked to finish her and she would be placed in the library of the central building of our retirement community. Already have 2 in the living room and my wife loves them but says any more would be tooooooooo much. Plus, when I go to the “Great Workbench in the sky”, I know she’ll have a permanent home.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/crdrQPmbg8nr6nCE9
Don - I noticed that when looking at the pics and you increase the size, the pics blurr. I’ll remember next time to use my tripod instead of my shaky hands.[;)]
Warshipguy - Thanks for all that info that you have been feeding me. I am definately going to file it all for future reference.
Jim [cptn]