by Guest » August 30, 2017, 7:40 am
Your calculations for a 620 foot classic Great Lakes freighter look spot on. As far as modeling is concerned, the primary constraint is whether you want to build an accurate scale model or one that is representative of a particular vessel type. If accuracy is a secondary consideration or space is an issue than you can certainly build one that is shortened in scale to fit your particular needs. This could be simply done by retaining the bow and stern in accurate scale and reducing the length of the cargo hold. I have seen this done both ways for model railroad layouts and both give fantastic results. I believe that Kalmbach Publishing (which prints several modeling magazines) recently published a book about modeling ports with a section about ships that may be of help.
As far as static ship display models are concerned I believe that many are based off the 1/16 of an inch to 1 foot scale, but I may be wrong as I have mainly built plastic models over the years with the Thomas W. Lamont kit by Carr Hobby being my only Great Lakes subject I have ever built (this being back in the mid-1980s). In any case, you can really use any scale you wish for such models with a primary constraint being the availability of fittings for detailing unless you are skilled enough to create your own.
As a side note, one common mistake I have seen with many ship models is that few builders weather them with features such as rust streaks and paint chipping as would be present in a real working vessel. Regardless, if you are building a model for personal purposes just remember to have fun. Over the years I have built several models, both highly detailed and basic, and have found enjoyment and relaxation in both methods. As I have told many younger modelers at various shows..."don't ever let your hobby feel like a job."
Please keep us updated on your progress! Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of activity on this section.
Your calculations for a 620 foot classic Great Lakes freighter look spot on. As far as modeling is concerned, the primary constraint is whether you want to build an accurate scale model or one that is representative of a particular vessel type. If accuracy is a secondary consideration or space is an issue than you can certainly build one that is shortened in scale to fit your particular needs. This could be simply done by retaining the bow and stern in accurate scale and reducing the length of the cargo hold. I have seen this done both ways for model railroad layouts and both give fantastic results. I believe that Kalmbach Publishing (which prints several modeling magazines) recently published a book about modeling ports with a section about ships that may be of help.
As far as static ship display models are concerned I believe that many are based off the 1/16 of an inch to 1 foot scale, but I may be wrong as I have mainly built plastic models over the years with the Thomas W. Lamont kit by Carr Hobby being my only Great Lakes subject I have ever built (this being back in the mid-1980s). In any case, you can really use any scale you wish for such models with a primary constraint being the availability of fittings for detailing unless you are skilled enough to create your own.
As a side note, one common mistake I have seen with many ship models is that few builders weather them with features such as rust streaks and paint chipping as would be present in a real working vessel. Regardless, if you are building a model for personal purposes just remember to have fun. Over the years I have built several models, both highly detailed and basic, and have found enjoyment and relaxation in both methods. As I have told many younger modelers at various shows..."don't ever let your hobby feel like a job."
Please keep us updated on your progress! Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of activity on this section.