SMS Viribus Unitis WIP #9

Now it's time for some more details and basing. I cut up some toothpicks to 3mm size and painted them white and blue. I didn't go into much research, just some period photos. It seems that crewmen who were sleeping on the deck wore the all-white uniforms meaning they were off duty, and the men actually working wore blue - of course there is a chance that the crew is ordered to quarters and there is no time to dress up in proper uniform, so I chose a few figures in white and most of them blue - there are about 40 all around the deck.

For the base I'm using 2mm plasticard, and the ship's bottom has been outlined for proper work.

Here's some more tiny detail.

The waves are made from air drying clay.

The base is primed a very bright blue and multiple glazes are applied to make it look like water.

Here's a test piece for the varnish I'm using.

The ship is placed on the painting stand again for a few layers of satin and matte varnish - the deck will have a duller colour, the metal parts would be shinier.

And this is where the base is at  - I'll add some more coats, then cover it in PVA for a shiny finish, glue the ship on, and add the rigging. You should be able to see the complete work in the next post.