After building the new Atlantis USS Hornet the 'hard way' a few weeks ago, I decided that the next one of this set would be a more simple model - the USS Rankin.

As I intended to 'water-line' the hull I cemented the deck in place first. This resulted in the combined hull/deck structure being quite strong. I was then able to water-line it easily. This was done by marking a line around the hull at an appropriate level, then sawing off the lower hull about 2-3 mm below this line. This was a safeguard so any slips would be unlikely to damage the hull sides. The hull was sanded flat using wet'n'dry paper, wet, on a dead flat surface.

The build was straightforward. I added a shaped piece to close an unsightly over-hang in the superstructure, a funnel cap and some large davits made from 'mini staples'. The large davits are not strictly right for this model, but they 'explain' how the landing craft on the upper level would have been lowered into the sea.


I sprayed the completed model with Humbrol #165, satin 'Mid Sea Grey'. A few details were picked out in either black or dark grey. The decals that came with the kit were placed at the bows and a final coat of matt varnish finished the job.

(This is a short version of a more detailed post on the 1250 FB G page.)