Good value ship close in scale to 10mm

[Sunray]

 I have a decent N Gauge harbour for a 1960s era Latin American game.   I needed a decent sized cargo boat, but discovered that N gauge ships are very expensive, as indeed the N gauge railway forums consistently whinge about.

Then I saw a Revell 1/142 kit (fit the box) of a North Sea trawler priced at £13 - it was an easy build, and I reduced it to waterline without too much hassle.  Too modern for VBCW but ideal for the 1960s/70s dock scene.  The two plastic figures that come with the kit would pass for 10mm.  The ship needs a little work to convert from a trawler to a decent sized cargo ship.  I simply enlarged the cargo hold covers with plastic card.

Recommended if you are looking for a cheap 12" long ship that fits well with 10mm figures.

[toxicpixie]

A quick google for it shows me piccies of it boxed in previous releases as "Russian Spy Trawler", so perfect for cramming the hold full of Spetznatz and Naval Infantry for a coup de main on some NATO port when the big one kicks off

[Sunray]

Yes, its the same kit minus a few parts like antenna.  It never fails to amuse me how Revell never scrap a good mould, they just recycle it under a new name.
Wouldn't surprise me with Russian spy trawlers active again, Revell re-launch the kit in its former guise.

My wish list is now a few WW2 and post war British or American MTBs in 1/144.    Henk of Holland do obscure Soviet MTBs and Fairy Kikatu do a Japanese  motor boat.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hello Sunray

I'm in the middle of working on my Aliexpress ship to make a generic cargo ship (and commerce raider) from a steam tug:-



http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Paddle-wheel-electric-assembling-model-electric-boat-remote-control-boat-educational-toys-birthday-gift/2025990828.html

I've decided to leave off the paddle wheels and go for a generic type of ship. The main problem is that the doors, windows and portholes are just decals so I've bought some brass portholes and jury rigged some doors and windows. It's also about £13 posted. Of course you have to be on your toes to deal with the Chinese sellers  .

Now does anybody know somewhere to buy 1/144 ships fittings (cannons) that doesn't require you to jump through hoops or print and mail order forms?  .

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

[Sunray]

Hi Vic

When you say cannons, what era are we talking about?  I always assumed you were early 20th Century, hence breech loading guns as opposed to muzzle loading cannon.

If it is muzzle you seek , Caldercraft  do 18/19 century cannons  and fittings in 1/150

If modern, the Grey Wolf Ship Yard do resin turrets at cheap prices. They are designed for the 1/144 fighting ship fraternity that fire ammo at each others ships.  

Smaller AAA, I use Pendraken

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hello Sunray

Yes, I meant gun  .

Just being lazy, I might have to go for a French 75 or similar with the land bits cut off (sorry for my technical jargon to all the readers  ) and a scratchbuild mount.

I'm look at leaving one of the cargo covers loose so I can swap it for a gun. The Oerlikons BR130 and the A22 .50cal AA MG are very handy for marine weaponry (or general AA support).

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan