That's some challenging printing, George @gblair
Let's hope you will be able to remove the last good set from their support.

There are several challenges here that you've mentioned George (@gblair). Is it possible to make the supports smaller? It's hard to judge from the photo, but the supports look quite large compared to the thinness of the walls. You photo of the lower bridge piece caught my attention because it looks very similar to what I am working on right now wit my San Francisco build (although the structure on mine is atop the hangar structure, rather than on the main forward structure).

There are so many tiny details on these ships, it's mind boggling at times. And you mentioned floater nets which I am not entirely sure what they are but which reminded me that I need to compare what I am building more often with photos. I am tending to reconcile PE details and kit parts without considering the photo references enough.

Thanks for the tip George (@gblair). I went to look at these and there was indeed a set of plans for the SAn Francisco. However, they are the same set I just happened to find the other day. The plans appear to be for the 1944 version (or at least post 1942) as several of the gun platforms sport 40 mm aircraft mounts and there are far more AA guns than the 1942 version had.

Still, the drawing is useful for identifying many of the features.What I found interesting is that the structure that I am currently working on, what I called the hangar structure, is also a stores and workshop structure. The upper station that I mentioned was similar to that photo of yours appears to be part of an auxiliary control center. I suspect in case the forward and primary control center (i.e.bridge) is damaged in gunfire.

Challenging 3D printing indeed, my friend @gblair! Looks like you nailed it, though.

I spent the last few days trying to execute a plan that I had to move this conversion forward. I basically think of this ship having 3 main areas: The forward deck area, the rear deck area, and the raised center section. The forward and rear sections are pretty straightforward, so I thought I might be able to finish both of them, paint them, and then save the center section for last.

I set about getting the two sections done. I did a lot of detailing in both areas. I have a set of blueprints that I got online for APDs, so I used them to add details such as the bitts and chocks that are clearly shown on the plans. The model was missing a number of bitts and chocks on the forward and rear decks that are visible on the plans, so I added them using items that I had designed and 3D printed. I finally reached a point where I thought I could add the PE railings to the forward and rear sections. I had a PE set for Destroyer Escorts from Gold Medal Models that I planned to use for the railings, especially since the railings would match the upward curve of the hull on the forward section.

It was at this point things came to a fast halt when I compared the forward railings to the model. There is a cutout in each railing for each bitt and chock. When I held the railing up to the model, I realized the massive error I had just made. The model does not contain all of actual bitts and chocks on the actual ship, and the PE set is designed to match the model. So, when I added all of the bitts and chocks that are on the plans, but missing from the model, I basically made the railing unusable. I instantly had the feeling I was taking one step forward and two steps back.

After some thought, I realized I had two choices: either cut the railing to allow for the new bitts and chocks, but weakening the railing, or scrape off the added detail and use the railing as is. I decided to scrape off of the new detail and use the existing railing. I know this makes the model less accurate, but I am rapidly running out of steam on this build. So, I made the choice that will move the model forward with the least pain. I am getting really close to setting this model aside for a while, which I have never done, so I want to get this model moving. I can see why some people build model planes, and other build model ships. I think it takes a special modeler to deal with the intricacies of a detailed ship model, especially if it is a scratch build or a conversion.

Hopefully I can make some progress tomorrow. Cheers.

11 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Hi Carl (@clipper): The complexity of this conversion seems to have layers on top of layers. Just when I think I have it all figured out, something else pops up. I have all the pieces in place to get this done, it is just a matter of getting them to come together. I am sure there are ship modelers out there who are laughing at these issues, which are probably commonplace in ship modeling. Mentally I am ready to move on to another model, but I want to finish this one first. I can't imagine the complexity of your cruiser, with all the extra stuff you are adding.

Some good progress, George @gblair
Take your time, you will finally get there.