Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[polobeer]

Has anyone ever modified an existing boat kit to change its look (making it non-prototypical)? Particularly small and subtle changes making a plain boat into something more eye catching and attractive? Obviously painting a model into a non prototypical colour is one option, but I am more interested in physical changes to the superstructure/funnels/hull, etc (bar things like adding bow thrusters and different drives). I would be very interested to hear of anyones experiences (good or bad) with some photos if possible.

Cheers
Simon  ::)

[Colin Bishop]

I think very few people actually build a kit "out of the box". Various reasons include personal preferences, the desire to improve the kit and remedying shortcomings in what the manufacturers have provided.

[polobeer]

Hello Colin!

Thanks for your response. Yes I agree with you here, but what I am really interested in are modifications that were never found on the prototype (again not including additional drive systems, etc). Anything above waterline.

All the best
Simon 

[tigertiger]

I cannot remember the exact thread, but some of the MTB/Vosper or similar boats have different configurations of 1or 2 rudders and motors.
But I am sure somebody can remember.

And here is another one on a soviet river boat
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9051.0
This shows lots of room for variation.

[tobyker]

A kit is only a starting point. Some people like to build them to represent the prototype within the limits of the kit as supplied; many people add more details to "superdetail" them - others like to incorporate their own ideas. My Perkasa will end up something like an Osa class FAC, because it's my personal opinion that there are quite enough box standard Perkasas out there. See the video of the waterjet lifeboat as an example of someone doing their own thing. Its your boat - go for it. And tell us all about it when you've done it.

[tigertiger]

See the video of the waterjet lifeboat as an example of someone doing their own thing.

Do you have a  link for this please Toby?

[bigford]

my happy hunter is being built as the smit hunter
there alot of diffrent changes in the two ships

[Martin (Admin)]

Not quite in the same league but have a look at all the different Seaport tugs h=that have sprung up
over the last year. All these start of as completed models! - http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10945.0

[Dave Buckingham]

Hi Simon
As others have said very few boats/ships are built exactly as per kit it would be very boring if they were all the same except if you are building a model of a certain ship.

If you make changes do it in paper cardboard etc first roughly to see if it satisfies your eye if it looks good to YOU go ahead and make a proper job of it.

The reason for the rough bit is that sometimes changes can look alll wrong so do it quick before you do it good.

Most of us change materials and fittings to taste.
Dave

[polobeer]

Many thanks to you all (above) for your postings and links! Some food for thought here.

All the best
Simon