After extensive search on the net for formula to make the brass look like it was in water for extended period of time i finaly followed Rokett`s footsteps , and dunk the screws in the vinegar+salt+tap water solution.
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9...s001nj9.th.jpg

Couldnt resist the temptation and post that picture - i think it looks cool. :rock:

Siara- just wanted you to know- which I am sure you have already
 

seen but this post now has had over 15,000 views!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
very impressive - as is the work you ared oing keeping it up

don't know who is in chagre of assigning "stickies" but this thread deserves one !!
:rock: :rock: :rock:

Chief sticky-master reporting!

:ahoy:

Wow - a sticky! Thanks guys - didnt even know one need 15000 views for one. It was never my aim to get that thread the sticky status. Nevertheless its a honour - thank You for reading it regularly.

Back to model.
I was aware sooner or later i need to paint the 552 , and mixing the colors was out of question. More than few people tried to get the colors right. Question is whats right?
I decided to go along the tried and trusted , and just ordered the full set of WEM paints.
White Ensign Models/WEM/ sell the renge of model paints , produced using original chips of paints from real subs and ships. The chips were "strip down" in laboratory to reproduce similar colors.
I trust the experts on that one , and who`s there to argue on the base of few faded , badly lit fotographs of real boats. We can never gues what real colors were , as the salt water , sunshine , and just plain ageing of paints did change its appearance a lot.
So as i said its just the guesswork , and hopefuly the WEM paints are going to give me the base to work from for the weathering progress.


TBC...

Before i start making ribs all along the side flood holes i thought ill check the deck for fit. Deck is a combination of original revell deck/bow and stern section/ and wooden deck from Nautilus models.
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4...1005yp2.th.jpghttp://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2...1004fh2.th.jpghttp://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5...1006kz3.th.jpg

Eduard bow section to be glued on top.
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4672/deck1ei2.th.jpg

Small box with the pipe running through to add 3D effect to the opening.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3...1011qx4.th.jpghttp://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4...1012um3.th.jpg

TBC...

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3...1003aw1.th.jpghttp://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1...1005fx8.th.jpg
Bullnose was removed, because it was in the wrong place, and the shape wasnt right.

TBC...

Deck - steel stern section
 

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/1...2004eg5.th.jpghttp://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8...2005ix4.th.jpghttp://img299.imageshack.us/img299/2...2006yw1.th.jpghttp://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7...2008db6.th.jpg

Similar to bow section the plastic part needs to be sanded in order to receive the PE on top. Also i will make the box under the grill.

TBC...

Does the metal PE decking end up being flush/level with the wood decking?

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6...2001ki0.th.jpg

Only the plastic is in fixed in place/work on ribs/ the wood is just inserted for the pics- hence the gap on both sides of wood.
Once is all glued in-it should end up flush. :up:

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1...2004ei1.th.jpg

TBC...

Hi Siara, you are building a perfect master piece. I think all your posts and all your notes, explanations and pictures are marking a keystone to build this model. This is the "ABC of the real replica of a VII class Uboat". :up: Thanks a lot.

Thank You Sabalo. ;)

I personaly wouldnt go as far as "perfect replica", but it brings me pleasure to better the revell kit. There is a lot of guesswork in everything i do /like the pipe in front section/, the pictures are rare, and there was no two identical boats. I like to research every step as i go along, but sometimes /like the tank vents/ i only find out stuff from fellow forum members. I like the idea of building the boat slow step by slow step, and just see it grow and take shape. Knowing that some of You enjoy it also brings me joy.

BTW- im planning on finishing it for 14 sep :yep: -the day it was launched.

Ah, ok. Tks, I was just curious.

Smal hatch on the stern steel section. Added pipework- again just imaginary pipework to enhance it a bit.
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/393...2001lq7.th.jpg
Hatch was cut open.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9...2006sz1.th.jpghttp://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8...2007nl0.th.jpg
Pipework in place.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9...2009nv1.th.jpg
"Dry fit"

TBC...

WEM paints. The main color Hellgrau 50 is out of stock. It will be delivered ASAP.
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4...intsrg5.th.jpghttp://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8...s010ll4.th.jpg

Matt white is also out of stock, but unfortunately is discontinued. I got to replace it by other brand.

TBC...

Ribs
 

Work started on the ribs running along the full length of the hull. God give me strength and patience...:doh:
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1088/ribsgz7.th.jpghttp://img126.imageshack.us/img126/8...s004nx0.th.jpghttp://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6...s007wo8.th.jpg

TBC...

Well, if it's any consolation :sunny: (a) they look great :up: and (b) maybe it's the worst part, or one of the worst parts, out of the way.

I wish it was out of the way Bert8for3. Long way to go still.
Im far from rushing the project, but i crave doing something diferent for the change- like 88mm gun, or conning tower. To paint something would be nice.
I know it needs to be done , and it needs to be done now. Otherwise ill never make it.
Beauty of it is, everything after the deck is in place will be piece of cake. ;)

While im still dwelling on the ribs, let me updete You on the screws.
Its been full week since ive sunk em in salt and vinegar solution, and they changed the color a bit. All the shine is gone, and they look darker.
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9...y002gh5.th.jpg

TBC...

Middle section of the Inner pressure hull.
Its made out of resin, and support is needed. Few styrene profiles were added between the fixing points to prevent it from sinking.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/638...k005xc2.th.jpg

The 88mm gun mount.
Couple of pictures taken from the book U-Boott VII vol 1 by Marek Krzysztalowicz.
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5...ountqg9.th.jpghttp://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3...unt1zv2.th.jpg

Resin part by White Ensign Models is about the half the hight required.
It is also of the wrong shape, as it only has single fins on the front and back.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6...k002uf6.th.jpghttp://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7...k003uf2.th.jpg

I have sanded it flush with the pressure hull, and made the new one with styrene.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9...k008ed6.th.jpghttp://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7...k009jt4.th.jpg

The most important thing is - the opening in the deck lines up with the mount nicely now.
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/5...k007da2.th.jpg

TBC...

Make it look like it's been in saltwater for a long time by putting it in saltwater for a long time. Could only be done with actual metal parts.

BRILLIANT!:rock: