Scratch Bear's Model Page

Forward Armament Installed and Hull Construction Reaches Midpoint

During this phase of construction, the model progresses from early structural work into a much more substantial and functional ship section. Initial stages focus on assembling the forward hull areas and installing key mechanical components, including the forward 15 cm casemate guns. These guns introduce the first moving and illuminated features of the model, with motors and LEDs integrated via a central switchboard, marking a major milestone in both complexity and realism.

As construction continues, attention shifts toward extending the hull itself. Large port-side sections are added, rapidly increasing the overall length and bringing the model close to half of its final size. This expansion phase significantly changes the physical presence of the ship and provides ample internal access while the starboard side remains open.

Further progress includes the addition of fine exterior details such as photo-etched railings, internal covers for hull openings, and the installation of navigation lighting. With the start of starboard hull assembly, working space inside the hull becomes more limited, making installation more challenging despite the small number of fasteners required.

By the end of this build stage, the model has grown into a solid, imposing structure, surpassing a weight of 2 kg and clearly transitioning from a collection of components into a true large-scale warship.

Build progress

Step 29/140: First 15 cm guns

In this step, the first of the forward 15 cm gun mounts are installed.

The guns, which are equipped with LEDs to simulate muzzle fire, are fitted into the casemattes and then connected to the traverse mechanism. Care must be taken not to tighten the screws too much, as this would prevent the moving mechanism from operating correctly.

Step 30/140: Continue with forward 15 guns.

An additional 15 cm gun is installed and connected to the traverse mechanism.

In preparation for the next construction steps, a small switchboard is added. This unit will later serve as the central junction, combining all electrical wiring required for gun movement and firing.

Step 31/140: Completing the forward 15 cm guns

This step completes the installation of the forward 15 cm gun turrets.

The final gun is fitted, the drive motor for the movement mechanism is installed, and all cables are connected to the switchboard. A functional test is then carried out, confirming both the simulated firing effect—represented by LEDs in the gun barrels—and the elevation movement of the guns.

While the guns do not move independently and instead operate together, which slightly reduces realism, the mechanism works reliably and adds a noticeable dynamic feature to the model.

Step 32/140: Extending the hull

After completing the mechanical installation for the forward guns, this step—and the following ones—focuses on extending the hull. Beginning with the addition of a new underwater section on the port side, the hull length is now almost doubled.

Step 33/140: Building the Hull – Reaching the Halfway Mark

In this step, another section of the port-side hull is installed.

With this addition, the hull has now reached a length of approximately 70 cm, which is about half of the model’s final size. Since the corresponding starboard hull sections have not yet been fitted, there was ample working space, making the installation straightforward and allowing the screws to be tightened easily.

Step 34/140: Hull Detailing Step: PE Railing and Port Light Installation

This time, a photo-etched railing and an internal cover for several hull openings are added. A LED is also installed, which will serve as the port-side navigation light.

Step 35/140: Continue with hull starboard side

With this step, construction of the starboard side of the hull continues. Although only two screws are required, the confined space inside the hull makes tightening them somewhat tricky.

At this stage, the ship’s weight has now exceeded 2 kg.