Return to the BUILD
In this issue, we will place the first class Dome and Skylight and attach another section of the upper port hull.
Contents
Parts
Materials: The Third Section of the Hull is metal, and the other parts are plastic.
Magazine
- Giant of the Sea – Travelling First Class
- Edwardian Era – In Search of an Empire
- Step-by-Step Instructions
Build
The Dome Over the First-Class Stairwell
To emphasize the beautiful wrought iron framework of this Dome, I carefully used the broad side of a fine-tip Black Sharpie to ‘paint’ the raised details:
Step 1
Retrieve your Superstructure of the Stairwell from Issue 16. Fit the Dome down into the matching recess of the Superstructure, as shown.
This Dome will be attached later on, so do not glue it into place just yet:
Step 2
Fit the Skylight over the rim of the stairwell walls, as shown.
Likewise, this Skylight will be attached later on. You may want to use a piece of tape to hold the Skylight and Dome in place for now:
The Third Section of Port Hull
Step 3
Retrieve your Hull assembly from Issue 15. Fit the Third Section of the Hull to the port (left side) Hull Section we installed last, as shown:
Securing the bottom edge of the Third Section of the Hull to the lower Hull with three (3) IM screws.
This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
Step 4
Secure the forward edge of the Third Section of the Hull to the Connecting Panel (4C) with two (2) MM screws.
I found these MM hex screws (and the Allen Key to drive them) in a separate bag loose inside the box for this issue’s shipment:
Step 4
Secure the white Port Top Strip to this Third Section of the Hull from above with one (1) AM screw:
Thoughts
I am very happy with how the detail work on the Dome came out. I know it is not 100% perfect, but I feel it looks much better than just clear plastic. As before, the JM screws supplied in this issue are not needed. They were replaced by the MM hex screws, and thankfully so.
Next Up
Issue 19 – Funnel Pipes/Grilles/Ladders/Whistles/Cap, Second Funnel Interior, Water Pipes, Platform, Smoke Generator
I’m curious to know if you frosted your dome or is it still clear? Also when you highlighted your dome you just lightly used the side of the sharpie correct?
I did not frost the dome as we will be receiving a Grand Staircase and I want to be able to see down to it. As for the Sharpie, yeah, I used the side of the fine tip to just brush the raised areas with very light pressure. Any harder and the ink will run down in between the details. If you make a mistake, you can clean up the ink with isopropyl alcohol and try again.
Hello
Is there another way to paint the raised detail on the dome
My hand would shake too much using a sharpie
Regards
Michael
The only other options I can think of that might work is to put a layer of black paint on a hard surface and carefully ‘roll’ the surface of the dome on the wet paint. Or, get some liquid mask and cover the dome, then sand the mask off the raised details, paint the whole thing, and peel the mask out of the crevices. I am not sure how well either process will work.