-- Originally Posted 5/27/08 --

OK, for you all - and especially new arrival Rich Sweeney, as promised - here are pics of my latest progress.

And I must admit to having lied last time when I said custom parts were going "on" my Sydney build; what I should have said is that they're going "into the home stretch" now. To wit:


Click on Image to EnlargeHere, with purple paint stripped back off again, are the forward (left) and aft (right) funnel masters; getting final details per everything I can make out in our reference pics - e.g., the black-&-white inset in each image.

Even now, however, additional corrections are indicated by the pics of Rob Brown's build; based, if I understand correctly, on Raven & Roberts' drawings,. In additon, I also just now came across some very detailed plans from the Australian National Archives, which I am doctoring to be a little more readable; for posting here soon. So, everything is still "up for grabs"; subject to change, based on what all the new info shows.

Perhaps most prominent and characteristic of Sydney are the two doodads at the crest of each funnel - and I know my renderings of these do not have exactly correct proportions (but you've got to appreciate just how tiny they are; the short copper wire on the forward funnel, for example, is only about 0.01" thick). If I had to guess, I'd say these things comprised the exhaust pipes for the galley stoves, diesel auxilliary motors/generators and, on the aft funnel, steam sirens - but who knows.

The feature I seem to be doing best with is the one about whose identity I am still completely ignorant : the support bracing at the leading edge of the forward funnel. The only parts of which I figured would reproduce sufficiently well in resin are the lower triangular braces, as you can see I installed - along with a guide slot to anchor the upper portion; all of the remainder will have to be constructed by the builder (in stretched sprue and/or PE scraps).

The one feature for which I have no excuse is the funnel caps which are clearly oversized - greatly exaggerated - and will have to be shaved down considerably (on both funnels). Likewise, the skirt around the base of the forward funnel is overdone, and it appears the aft funnel should get one, as well.

And another feature still needing correction - but of which I am justly proud, nevertheless - is the vent bays around the base of the aft funnel:


Click on Image to EnlargeHere I've tried, yet again, to photograph it in focus (right); constructed per my (largely correct, it turns out) interpretation of the reference pic, at left. In fact there were three bays (each side) for these vents; another one forward still needed, plus a little reshaping of the overhangs. The PE vent louver textures are provided from "wood-grain" cabin doors on the Gold Medal Models 1/350 Liberty Ship fret. (You can't tell from these pics but the whole thing looks very nice! )

Like the 6" turrets, I'm increasingly encouraged that these depictions of the funnels are going to finish out just beautiful - and very acccurate, too!

Cheers,

-Matty