1:700 Port dock set N°1

1:700 Port dock set N°1 – a berth in 1:700 scale

The first numbered harbor set intended for scenes in 1:700 scale. It serves as the land part of a setting for a ship to moor at; it is no vessel itself. And 1:700 is the size in which most warship collections are built, because even a large hull will fit into a display case. The set matches that: it builds the surroundings, not another model to add to the row.

The basis of a harbor scene

The berth decides how the whole setting reads. Place it along the longer edge of the base and let the vessel lie against it at a slight angle rather than exactly parallel – a small turn gives the scene life. Leave a noticeable space between the ship's side and the edge of the quay, because in a harbor there is also room for lines and fenders. The mooring then gives the scene tension and explains why the ship is standing there.

The water under the quay

The best impression comes when the water is made only after the berth has been seated. Paint the area of the groundwork in a dark blue-green tone, lay a coat of clear gel over it once it is dry and shape its crests with a spatula. It is a good idea to make the ripples finer and denser around the vertical edges, where the water strikes. Finally, suggest foam with a dry brush and white only in the places where the shape of the surface really explains it.

What collections it suits

• Collections of warships and civilian ships in 1:700 scale
• Modelers starting out on a harbor diorama
• Display cases where the model is meant to have context and not a bare stand
• Anyone interested in the technique of modeling water

The ship, the base and the material for the water are obtained by the modeler.