Scratch Bear's Model Page

The Hull Takes Shape – A Major Milestone Reached

The latest four construction stages mark a significant milestone in the Graf Zeppelin build. Piece by piece, the remaining hull sections come together until the ship's impressive metal hull is finally complete.

With this major phase now behind me, the model has grown into a substantial centerpiece, measuring around 130 cm in length and weighing nearly 5 kg. More importantly, the repetitive hull assembly is over, and the build can now move on to the more detailed and visually interesting parts of the aircraft carrier.

Build progress

Step 57/140: Starboard hull part

As expected, another hull section. I have to admit, I am really glad this part of the build will be finished soon — tightening all those tiny Allen screws is not exactly the most enjoyable task.

This time I actually had one screw that I could not tighten at all, no matter what I tried. Fortunately, it is located in an area with plenty of other screws around it, so the hull section should still be held securely. Hopefully this can be fixed later.

40% of all parts have now been added to the model.

Step 58/140: Port Stern Section

The next hull section has now been installed on the port side at the stern. I have to admit, I'll be glad when the hull assembly is finally complete, tightening the screws in these cramped spaces at the stern is quite a challenge. Fortunately, only two hull sections remain before this part of the build is finished.

Step 59/140: Last starboard hull part

The starboard hull is now finished. With the next upcoming hull section in place, the project should finally move on to the more exciting phases of the build.

Step 60/140: Hull completed

With step 60, the hull is finally complete. All hull sections have now been assembled, and, hopefully, that was the last time I had to tighten screws in those hard-to-reach spaces.

Measuring around 130 cm in length, the fully metal hull now weighs an impressive 4.8 kg. With the hull finished, I'm looking forward to the next stages of the build, which should offer a bit more variety than assembling endless metal panels.