Scratch-building UB-III idea

martin schelle · 04-28-2012, 10:44 PM

Today I came up with an interesting approach to the challenge of building a 1/72 scale UB-III. If I could find a highly accurate 3D model of the submarine and figure out the scale in inches, I could then "slice" the entire model like a cucumber. Once the sections or frames could be cut from 1/4 in. styrene, it could then be glued together to make a very solid plastic model. I would still need to add fine details such as rivets and such, but it ought to work. what are your thoughts?.

Red October1984 · 04-29-2012, 09:37 AM

WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!!

I think this is a cool idea. Go for it!

Sailor Steve · 04-29-2012, 09:51 AM

Absolutely - do it!

Look around the web. You'll probably find good drawings to work from. Conversion to 1/72 or any other scale is easy. Here is a description, if not detailed drawings.
http://uboat.net/wwi/types/?type=UB+III

Just multiply the dimensions in meters by 39.37 to get the length in inches, then divide by 72 and you'll know exactly how big it's going to be. Then when you have proper drawings it's easy to resize them to match the scale dimensions and print them out, and you'll have a pattern.

You'll also need to find as many detailed photographs as you can, because it's the details that make the model.

martin schelle · 04-29-2012, 03:11 PM

Thanks a bunch guys, especially for that math tip. I did spend the last two months gathering the photos and Rossler generalplans. But it still seems as though those who have great talent in 3D have devoted it to only the WW2 u-boats. Getting the side/top proportions should be easy, the cross-sectional frames from bow to stern are still elusive.

04-28-2012, 10:44 PM	#1
martin schelle Bilge Rat Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alaska Posts: 5 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Scratch-building UB-III idea Today I came up with an interesting approach to the challenge of building a 1/72 scale UB-III. If I could find a highly accurate 3D model of the submarine and figure out the scale in inches, I could then "slice" the entire model like a cucumber. Once the sections or frames could be cut from 1/4 in. styrene, it could then be glued together to make a very solid plastic model. I would still need to add fine details such as rivets and such, but it ought to work. what are your thoughts?.

04-29-2012, 09:37 AM	#2
Red October1984 Ocean Warrior Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 'Merica Posts: 3,055 Downloads: 93 Uploads: 0	WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!! I think this is a cool idea. Go for it! __________________ "The Hottest Fires Make The Strongest Steel"

04-29-2012, 09:51 AM	#3
Sailor Steve Just A Kid At Heart Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 600 miles from the nearest ocean. Posts: 44,796 Downloads: 406 Uploads: 227	Absolutely - do it! Look around the web. You'll probably find good drawings to work from. Conversion to 1/72 or any other scale is easy. Here is a description, if not detailed drawings. http://uboat.net/wwi/types/?type=UB+III Just multiply the dimensions in meters by 39.37 to get the length in inches, then divide by 72 and you'll know exactly how big it's going to be. Then when you have proper drawings it's easy to resize them to match the scale dimensions and print them out, and you'll have a pattern. You'll also need to find as many detailed photographs as you can, because it's the details that make the model. __________________ "Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right." – Laurens van der Post

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04-29-2012, 03:11 PM	#4
martin schelle Bilge Rat Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alaska Posts: 5 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Thanks a bunch guys, especially for that math tip. I did spend the last two months gathering the photos and Rossler generalplans. But it still seems as though those who have great talent in 3D have devoted it to only the WW2 u-boats. Getting the side/top proportions should be easy, the cross-sectional frames from bow to stern are still elusive.