SHIP CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD

1. All 1/72nd Scale vessels are to be military vessels.

2. The time period modeled is 1900 through 1945.

3. The criteria for determining ship eligibility is that one ship of the class must have been in active service after 1900 or launched by December 31, 1945.

HULL, FRAMES and KEEL

1. Frames may be no thicker than 3/8 inch.

2. Frame spacing must not average closer than 3 inch center to center with 3/8 inch frames.

3. Frame spacing must not average closer than 2 inch center to center with 1/44 inch frames.

4. Frame spacing must not average closer than 1 inch center to center with 1/8 inch frames.

NOTE: To find proper number of frames and correct spacing divide the ship length by the center to center data shown above.

5. Hulls may contain one solid transverse frame located anywhere in the ship.

6. The use of one double thickness frame is allowed if the model is to be separated at that point.

7. The area between the bow of the ship and the first frame may be solid.

HULL BOTTOM and HARD BOTTOM LINE

1. Hull bottoms may be reinforced from the keel to a point up to 1/2 inch below the Light Ship Water Line (bottom of the boot).

2.The hard bottom may be raised if necessary in the stern for shell plating attachment, however it may not rise above the Design Water Line (usually one half way up boot).

SHELL PLATING

(sheeting on hull)

1. All shell plating shall be balsa wood only.

2. Ships of the 721 class are allowed 1/32 inch balsa.

3. Ships of 722 to 725 class are allowed 1/16 inch balsa.

4. Ships of the 725a and 726 classes are allowed 1/8 inch balsa.

5. The lamination of balsa wood for shell plating is not allowed.

6. To the maximum extent possible all equipment or fittings inside the hull should be located at least ¼ inch away from the shell plating.

MAIN DECK and SUBDECK

1. Main Deck and Subdeck thickness must not exceed 3/8 inch total thickness.

HULL GENERAL

1. All hulls must comply with the following: a. Must have the correct number of propellers and rudders in their correct location. b. Rudders may be 25% oversize. c. Propellers may be 50% oversize. d. Bilge Keels need not be installed.

e. May not float deeper than the maximum displacement water line (top of the boot). f. Superstructure area on Aircraft Carriers (area above main deck) must contain openings (ie hanger deck doors, elevator openings) and not constructed in such a way to inhibit sinking.

2. If the boot information for any particular ship can not be found the builder should use the known dimensions from a similar ship of the same relative tonnage.

PAINTING

All ships must be painted in a realistic color scheme. Camouflage may be used as long as it is of the type, pattern and color used during the period in which the ship is configured.

1. Hulls must not be painted in such a way as to increase their hardness.

2. Hulls may be covered with one layer of any grade Silkspan to reduce splitting.

SUPERSTRUCTURE

The superstructure will not be scored, so it may be constructed of any material. This does not relive the builder of the requirement to conform to fidelity of scale.

OUTFITTING ITEMS

1. Ship outfitting items are not scored and may be constructed of any material.

2. Intricate items such as caged masts, depth charge racks and alike are not scored may be constructed of material.

3. All ship outfitting larger than 3/4 inch in 1/72nd scale (4.5 feet actual) must be installed on the ship. However a representitive number of (no less than 50%) of bitts, chocks, cleats, capstans, doors, hatches, scuttles are required.

4. Port holes may be painted on. Anti aircraft guns smaller than 20mm are not required, however all gun shields and mounting locations are. Accurate ships rigging is not required, but a representative number of halliards, lines and cabling is. Life lines are not required.

BALLISTIC PROTECTION

1. The use of ballistic protection around delicate equipment in the hull is encouraged.

2. Use of internal armor or soft material to prevent shot exit damage is allowed.