My first scratch built project. Using Broadside as a base, I tried to create an aircraft carrier based on the original form of the IJN Akagi, notable for her three decks. Theres a lot of text and context for my choices below.


Originally, I had planned to simply repaint Broadside in a different colorscheme as an alternate version of the USS CV-65 Enterprise. However I had a bunch of styrene left over from a recently abandoned submarine project. So, I decided to make a psuedo-futuristic version of the IJN Akagi.


Due to the completely incorrect shape of Broadside. I knew that I would not be able to use the standard deck. This was fine with me, as I always hated how Broadside was practically just a plank, never having much a hull underneath. So, I decided to use the base figure as just the hull, in a move that minics the construction of the original Akagi. Fun Fact: a lot of original Aircraft Carriers were actually converted from pre-existing ships. Akagi was originally constructed to be an Battlecrusier, but was converted to a CV mid-construction. You can see the original hull in the picture above, simply built on top of.


So, with a plan that seemed almost destined to be, I set out to work using a junker Reflector for parts. Initially creating the monstrosity above that you might have seen me post elsewhere on the boards. As I was sitting down and working out the engineering on paper however, I had a miraculous idea to change the design of the figure to something I thought was much more interesting.




You see, when Akagi was completed as a CV she and her half-sister Kaga had three decks. The only two aircraft carriers every designed so. After working out the engineering on paper(again), I realized that it would be very easy to scrap the traditional flattop design for the much more visually interesting Triple-deck incarnation.


So here are the original pieces of polystyrene cut out into her decks before any segmentation or attachment. I had to adjust her proportions due to Broadside’s own, but was initially very happy with the quick mock-up.




I couldn’t stop myself there though. I wanted to add more detail to her to make her truly unique, so, in proper kit bashing fashion, I used a spare WWII era CV and DD model kit to give her a hull that spans her sides, her signature side-mounted smokestack, and some robots bits. A lot of physical work still needs to be done however. I plan on trying to fill out the gaps in her hull with a type of modeling putty. Additional details are to be added to her decks, and the underside of her decks. I plan on making an aft hanger that can turn into a shield that mimics a runway, and I want to make her hull as complete as possible.






I’ll update when I have more progress.

 

Links to pics don't work. Look forward to seeing your pics though.

 

Trust me they're amazing.

 

Sorry had to do some editing. They are back up now.

 

This looks incredible! I can't wait to see the final result.

 

Wow, this already looks way cooler than the original figure

 

Wow. Looking good!

 

This is a really interesting project and I’m looking forward to more progress. Not only that, but we even got a bit of a history lesson as well. It never ceases to amaze me where my fellow radicons pull inspiration from. Can’t wait to see this completed, good luck!!

 

Genius!

 

Oh wow, this looks badass :O it's fun reading your thought process and seeing it develop  

 

ISS CV-65 Enterprise of the terran empire?

 

Now this is awesome. Look forward to seeing you progress.

 

Hes looking really cool! I have a spare Broadside and I didnt have any idea what to do with him untill now; look to seeing more progress!

 

I see what you did there...

Does that mean he needs to give the character a goatee?

 

Y E S

 

that's just badass nice work an awesome concept

 

I don’t know what you are referring to, so no. She was to be white, black, with gold accents. Since Broadside is based on an American Carrier, and that design rings so uniquely American to me, I’ll probably make it when I can pick up another Broadside for cheap and just add more of a hull to it. Akagi first though.

 

Oh, I am loving her so far. Can't wait to see her finished up! She gonna be thicc in the scaling charts.

 

dang

 

Not your pics WEEGEE,
although I am curious...