The Model Boatyard - Dora Bella

View larger imageDora Bella is the name I gave to this Constructo diorama kit, which they call Barcelona. I thought the boat needed a name so I picked my own name for her. I completed this model in July, 2002.

I bought this kit because my shipyard was temporarily shut down in preparation for selling my house and moving. I needed something to occupy my spare time and I felt like this kit would require a minimum of tools and construction. The hull is solid so it was pretty easy to build and all I really needed for tools was a drill (only 3 small bits), a hobby knife, a pair of pliers, and a razor saw. With the added glue and paint, I had pretty much all I needed to complete this model. It took me just about a month to finish up.

The model is at a scale of 1:20. The boat is about 12 inches from stem to stern.

This is the first time I've tried aging a model. It was GREAT! A tremendous amount of fun. It was a bit strange at first to scrape paint off a cleanly painted surface, but I think the aging process adds a lot to the model. This diorama simply wouldn't look right with a pristine model boat. One product I found helped a lot with the aging. It's called "Earth Colors" from Woodland Scenics. They come in a variety of shades, such as stone gray, burnt umber, and concrete. Earth Colors are sort of like paint, but semi-transparent (and can be thinned with water for added transparency). I used the concrete for adding a dirty look to the deck and to much of the hull (as well as for the concrete floor of the diorama). I used the stone gray for areas on the winch where I wanted it to look greasy (and on the rope as well) plus I used it for the dirt stains coming out of the scuppers. The Earth Colors can be washed off with water, even after thay are dry (it's also a great way to reduce the effect without completely removing it).

I highly recommned this model for anyone. If you've never tried aging before, it's a great way to introduce yourself to it just have fun with it. I am sure I'll be doing more aging on future models.

Completed July, 2002.

Starboard bow	Stern
Starboard side	Stern
Winch detail	Starboard bow
Winch	Workman