Calling all USS Barnegat-class seaplane tender (AVP) fans

[tko24]

Hi Carl, amazing work! When do you think those parts will be ready. Any chance you'll divert your excellent skills towards the 327 and 378 cutters???
BZ
Tom

[NukeMM]

Hi Carl, amazing work! When do you think those parts will be ready. Any chance you'll divert your excellent skills towards the 327 and 378 cutters???
BZ
Tom

Tom,

Right now, as I'm writing, I am making the mold for the bridge piece with the windscreen attached (O2 Deck). There'll be two O2 Deck pieces, one with 11 and one with 13 portholes around the bridge.

I don't plan on working on any 327' or 378' cutters. My interests lie only in the Barnegat / Casco class cutters, as far as making custom parts, that is.

[NukeMM]

I've completed the masters for the O2 Deck Bridge Pieces; one with 11 and one with 13 bridge windows.

The mold for the 13 windows piece didn't turn out well so, I'm re-doing them.

Here is the 11 window piece (AVPs 33,34 48-52; AVPs 35-41; AVPs 53-55) along with Torpedo Splinter Shields for USN AVPs and two designs for USCG 311' Cutters.

[Nektarios]

Impressive scratchbuilt parts Carl.

[NukeMM]

Thanks, Nektarios. I'm happy that you take interest in my work on the AVPs. This bridge piece was a stress factor for me; holding my breath while doing it and then trying to make two of them and making the windscreens identical. Mike Cavel did the bridge portholes, for me. He did an excellent job in getting 11 and 13 portholes in such a small space. I'm very satisified with how they're turning out.

Mike Cavel has a special interest in these pieces, he's planning on building the USS Half Moon AVP-26.

The toropedo splinter shields (they call them that because torpedos were stored behind them on the main deck) were another stress item, especially the USCG ones with the slits in them. I started over about six times.

I'm almost ready to start assembling a model instead of working on individual pieces. I hope they all fit! Crossing my fingers.

[NukeMM]

Well, the past year of creating and casting resin parts for the AVPs has finally paid off. I can now start using them to actually build a model, with them.

These are the parts for AVPs 35-41, including the USS Duxbury Bay AVP-38 which I plan to build in her WWII (1945) configuration and Ms 33/1F camouflage pattern.



The custom parts have made a huge difference in the build time. In just a day and a half, I've done what would have taken about two weeks to complete; including modifying the hull, converting the bridge area's sponsons and windscreens, scratch building the catwalks, gun director computer compartment, the quad 40mm tub and the O1 Deck's arrangement.

[NukeMM]

[NukeMM]

[NukeMM]

[tko24]

Those parts look fantastic! I might just buy another kit to do a Navy version after I do the CG variant.

[NukeMM]

Those parts look fantastic! I might just buy another kit to do a Navy version after I do the CG variant.

I've always felt that these AVPs can get addictive and contagious, Tom.

[NukeMM]

Here are two sets of one type of smoke screen generating tanks and a set of two trash can racks. The trash cans were stowed here while in port and stowed for sea below the boat racks.







And here are the bowser tank and the aircraft lube oil fill and drain tanks. AVPs 35-41 had another bowser tank on the fantail next to two more small boats.

[NukeMM]

Here is the Mk51 Gun Director Platform with the 6MC Reproducer loudspeaker. I use the PE trapezoid pieces from the kit to provide the angle and length of the 1/32" angle brass pieces. Then when the angle brass is cut to the right length, I remove the trapezoid pieces and add .020" brass rod for the center supports and .012" brass rod for the cross supports.

[NukeMM]

My diorama vision is making developments.................



Beginning of the scratching the self-propelled pontoon barge...........

[NukeMM]

I've finished the pontoon barge, outboard motor, and vehicle ramps.

[NukeMM]

The assembled pontoon barge with a coat of primer..................

[Harry @ BFM]

Nice one

[NukeMM]

Thanks, Harry! That means a lot, coming from you.

I've assembled and painted and weathered my barge.

[Robin]

Hey Carl,

You're going to send one to me for free, right!

[NukeMM]

Send one what, Robin? A barge? What would you do with a 1/350 barge, like this?

Adding some details to the PBM and trying to get it all painted. I added a damaged port side horizontal stabilizer, forward beaching gear, chiseled out the doors and removed the bow gun turret. In the inspiration photo, it looks like they're working on the turret and one photo looks like the canopy was shot up or missing and the gun assembly in an odd position.

I've added some engine cowlings, too, modifying ISW's engine cowlings. They aren't exactly like a PBM-5's but better than what was there. The PBM came with PE 3-bladed props.