I had considered resin casting, but with most parts in quantities of 1 to 4 by the time I had set up to fabricate one it was almost as quick to build 2 or 4. There are 5 sizes of domes, most are one offs.
HMS Polyphemus (1881) More detailingI am gradually getting into a methodology with this detailing, as otherwise scratch building so many likkle bits would take forever if each were done one at a time. Make up a list, as if you had a nice ‘kit tray’ full of all the resin and die cast parts laid out and numbered. Work down the sequence in batches, planning ahead.
1st Stage: ‘How on earth do I make that?’. Think, research, design, source suitable materials.
2nd Stage: When you have the materials & method construct several different parts at the same time.
3rd Stage: Paint in batches, and when dry fit to ship. Leave railings and rigging to last to minimise handling damage.
So, I am researching batches of parts, and where necessary ordering materials. Whilst they are on order I have another batch of things I can get on with on the go. When that batch is completed I mount them onto boards for painting, finally fitting several sub-assemblies at a time.
Foredeck, so far
Anchors are from Deans HMS Inflexible.
The four cranes next, tricky shapes, then loads of tackle and chains.