Thank you all for the kind words! That is very motivating!
@mikearace:
I am very happy to see that my model inspires you. BTW: I never thought that I would ever build a model of such a type, neither.
SS Melanie II probably is not the most elegant boat (as many other freight ships), but as most of the freight ships of that era they are ideal for an extra detailed model and that gives it the special 'charme'.
A good friend of mine showed me how important research in books and the internet is for bringing the model 'to life'; e.g. I used the following link for detailing the gun:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:QF_4_inch_Mk_IIII_gun_P_I_mounting_diagram_1919_NAA_MP551_1,_92_2.jpgIt may take much more time to learn about the details of the real ship (...and I am still learning!), but it is worth in my opinion.
Unfortunately Deans Marine posted only one picture (and not the best) of a unfinished (?)/prototype(?) model in their online shop. The model kit has a much bigger 'potential' in my opinion.
Regards,
Frank