Finally did some more work to the Big E. Finished up most of the flight deck bits and attached to them.
Apart from a few last bits (boat, arrestor cables, side antenna thingies and the Sea Sparrow and Phalanx) the hull is completed. I can now move onto the island which will hopefully not take me that long to complete.
The hydraulics on the closest Blast deflector look a bit crooked. I have already fixed that
I had high hopes of copying Tims method of doing cable reels (can be seen on his 1/200 Hatsuzuki) but then I realized I would have to do close to 40 of the things so that went out the window. As manky as they are, I used the kit parts to save my sanity.
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I had high hopes of copying Tims method of doing cable reels (can be seen on his 1/200 Hatsuzuki) but then I realized I would have to do close to 40 of the things so that went out the window. As manky as they are, I used the kit parts to save my sanity.
Hi Rory, things are looking good! As for your reels, if you want to put some quick cable (or is it hose?) in them you can wrap them with thread or light fishing line… but for what its worth, I think they look just fine as they are! 
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The big E is steaming along Rory… Looking very nice mate.
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Progress report. Work has started on the island. The basic kit is an easy slab of plastic. When you throw on the PE it has become quite finicky.
I wanted to put in windows but with how it went together and how I would have to spray it, I just couldnt figure it out. So sans windows it shall be. 
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Rory, nice PE work, really does spruce the up superstructure a lot.
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Great looking bridge, Rory 
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Very impressive start on the Island. Certainly will be a big focal point on the finished gem ! 
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The main island is completed. It was a bit fiddly and the instructions were not the best but it went together without too much hassle.
Now to do the various masts, antenna’s and other sundry gubbins.
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Nice and clear PE work there
Great PE work… Gives it the wow factor
Not a huge amount done today. Finally built up the weapons systems. These Veteran models kits are amazingly detailed though the Sea Sparrow Launchers were super fiddly to build. Almost had to break out the optivisor for them.
Then I started on the ships boats. No PE for these in my set but I decided to spruce up the Launch with some scrap PE to make it a little more visually interesting. No idea how accurate it is but since it will be barely visible in its alcove I am not too fussed.
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Your “Big E” is fantastic Rory, I hope your saving up for a nice Mahogany glass case, although I’m not suggesting this for your build, I’ve always imagined a carrier model with an F4 just leaving the deck (suspended on a stiff monofilament) with another Phantom mid-way down the launch rail. Yours is just grand with all the PE work you’ve tirelessly put into it. Nice!
Cajun 
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Awesome work Rory. Truly, awesome.
I want to lodge a complaint against whoever designed this set or more specifically Step R.
Note how there is no indication of where the start or end of the railing is which is pretty important given how small this is.
Of course the railing broke at its bend points almost immediately. I ended up bodging something together, cutting individual sections and adding in seperatly.
If you squint and stand back a ways it almost looks good. I am glad that it will be partially hidden by the mast and the various antenna’s
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Hats off for that epic task Rory … I would say you nailed it … those were some serious curves to get done … neat work
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That is insane!!
All credit to your ingenuity!
I’m a late comer to this party and i have this kit in my stash that i got cheap on ebay for 65 GBP but all that PE scares the poop out of me as i have never been able bend it as effectively a you have managed to so salute you sir and your endeavours.
Perhaps you could tell us the secret of your magical PE folding powers.
Just patience and the right tools. Get a proper folding tool, its saved me so much trouble since I got it. Also plan out your bends because the proper order of bends will also save you a ton of swearing
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The end is in sight. Mast and radar have gone on top the Island. Very fiddly and frustrating build.
Painted and added the CIWS etc.
Screws and rudders attached. These are almost always the last few items attached to my builds.
But most importantly, I decided to try something new. I added some windows using Krystal Klear. Never used it before. Took some practice to get my technique right but in the end I think it looks great!
A few more gubbins, decals and rigging and the ship herself will be complete
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