Battleship miniature models for naval scenes

Today I dropped by Alejandro Rodriguez's miniature and model workshop. Having talked for a while already and checked his work online, needed to have a close-up look at his detail handling and workmanship. I have to say he is quite good.

I'm planning on doing the Manco Capac monitor and Covadonga battle ships in a bigger size than usual (about meter and a half long or more) with all full details of rust, bolts and deck to be placed digitally over already filmed sea footage. Perhaps the Cochrane too.

Alejandro was quite a joy to talk to, very humble, very friendly and with lots of knowledge about his craft and naval history. He has not only the chops but the "know-how" to do the job. Was telling me how much identified he feels with my passion on this film and understands my efforts.

Have worked with other miniature models before and miniature battleship filming is going to be quite the challenge so this is gonna be an interesting ride.
Have to work closely with the footage I already have of the ocean and place it to perfection digitally over real and digitally computer-generated water. The digital composite needs to look as real as possible.

The little Manco Capac monitor. I'm ordering a human-size one.

A meter and half long is needed.

The Huascar monitor model.

Navy hat prototype

Now, having all the 36 out of 40 hats almost ready, got the prototype of the navy ones made yesterday.
It does look similar to the one shown in the Naval Museum so far. I spent the whole night working on it and putting on the adornments until it looked fine. I probably need a little sleep after this job as my weird drowsy face probably shows.

Navy talks...progressing.

Sticking with my plan B, I met today with the Director of the Naval Museum, Contralmirante Casaretto. I was highly recommended to him by fellow friends and by the Naval Academy's sub-director Capitan de Navio Millones.

I can resume that meeting into two words: simply fraternal.
Casaretto could comprehend my vision with this project and also my frustration with the Army's delay with the signing of the support treaty. I could not only see navy officer compliant with the navy's ideal, but also a human being knowledgeable of the necessity of this types of work to be released on to the public. In fact, he is a lover of art and has been the author and promoter of theater plays regarding Navy topics of heroism and has faced the lack of support many times during decades with art topics like mine. But, he pulled thru also, so he understands.

He suggested some names and also supported my idea to talk to the Secretary of Defense himself as I told him I was pulling some strings here and there to get to him. He finally gave the push i needed.
I explained that if the Army takes more than two weeks, I was planning to have the Navy's support with the film. He was more than eager to uphold that decision. Even suggested to do so.

But I'm gonna wait a week and a half. Otherwise, I'll go with the Navy.
I'm only asking for support for the battle scenes, not permission to make my film. So if I cant have their help, another will....and the Navy is interested.

Meeting with the Secretary of Defense's adviser next Tuesday.