Rusty White

Sorry to hear about the masking end of the business. I wish you luck and prosperity with the new Gator's Model Studio. 👍

The loooong promised 3D printed kit of the USS Choctaw ironclad ram is now available from Flagship Models. Price is $170.00 plus shipping and worth every penny. Incredible detail abounds such as iron plating, doors (with hinges and other detail), full blown photo etch sheet, 3D rendered instructions, painting guide, real Mahogany masts, detailed paddle wheels, boat davits and other parts metal cast at correct scale, not to mention the Choctaw is full hull. This model isn't intended for beginners, but anyone with experience working with multi-media ships should have no problems. If you want cor

Nope. This sort of thing is exactly what the category is for. Always remember (I'm sure you're aware of this) the story the diorama tells, and how well it tells it, (plus the workmanship of course) is the key. BTW, well done! The accompanying photo is a nice touch.

I can never get the finish on my models to look that nice and "wet". Well done.

I guess Squadron owed them money.

Gil is correct about watching the amount of moisture you use. To prevent cracks, apply it in rather thin layers. Make CERTAIN the Celluclay is COMPLETELY DRY before adding further layers. If you apply layers too thick, it will take some time to completely dry. If cracks occur, you can fill them in with Celluclay before continuing. JUST MAKE SURE THE CELLUCLAY IS DRY BEFORE CONTINUING!!

Welcome to building resin kits! Unfortunately, there isn't any fast or easy way to remove flash which is the biggest gripe against resin kits. I would recommend using an Xacto knife with no. 11 blade to remove the larger chunks of flash, then move to jeweler's files to clean up the final configuration.

I love all those off-the-wall oddball subjects. Very nice!

I agree, and to give credit where credit is due, that is as good as the NCC can come up with considering so many variations and new kits coming to market. I would suggest emailing the appropriate head judge or the Chief Judge (nationals or regional contest) for a more definitive answer.

Download the national rules from the web site and look under III. SPECIAL CATEGORIES (pg 3). Your questions will be answered.

Regardless what you may have heard, photo etched parts put out by manufacturers are REQUIRED by EPA regs to thoroughly clean the parts before they leave the factory. That's just one reason why PE parts are so expensive. I can only assume the same goes for imported parts as well. In other words, all photo etched parts are ready for painting or soldering right from the factory.

The only logical decision you could make. Good luck next year!

You may consider this. https://flagshipmodels.com/collections/how-to-cds-and-photo-albums/products/how-to-cd-working-with-photo-etched-parts-by-rusty-white-11-pgs

Has anyone ever determined exactly what the scale was of this kit?

FWIW, Flagship Models' business has increased roughly 25% since the pandemic began. I attribute it to more folks staying home.