Wow, that's 1/48 scale.:k_confused:


So Neal, you must be getting back into the hobby? I need to finish the ones I have. I have the space now, but I just don't enjoy it like I used to. Not sure why.

Yeah, I understand, Jason. You have to be in the right place for it.

My history of making models started when I was a kid, I guess 10 yrs old maybe? I did not know about painting models at first, then I tried to paint them with a brush, you can imagine what it looked like. I remember several models making it to some stage of completion, Superman breaking through a brick wall, Batman swinging by an old tree, and of course, the starship Enterprise. I did not have anyone around to learn from, so it was pretty bad, I imagine. I remember having constant problems with too much glue, strings of it everywhere, decals tearing, glue fingerprints, etc. When I was 12 I got my first motorcycle and that was then end of phase I.

Phase two occurred somewhere around my 40s, I think. I built 3 or 4 models but I was not in the right mindset, not patient enough, and when things went wrong, I would get frustrated. I graduated to spray cans, using putty and sandpaper, and Model Master cement with the metal needle, which I thought was the bomb. I completed a Type VII which came out ok, I still have that one.

Now I am retired and certainly have time, so I piddle with several hobbies now, including the MC riding. I have gotten myself in a more relaxed, less neurotic mindset... if I screw up a model, it's ok, I'll just buy another and start over. Plus I accept I need to build more than 1 or 2 to get practiced and skillful enough to produce what I think are acceptable models.

Hopefully I will get better, I am close to being happy with where I am. :shucks:

The final product.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/att...3&d=1651854623

Added the masts and scopes, last decals, and clear-coat flat clear.

Pretty happy with the result, it could be better but this is my practice model, I have another Akula to try and do better.

Now it's safe and secure from my bumbling mitts in my bookcase. I feel so relieved!

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/att...4&d=1651854632

Defects
Somehow I got a small, matchhead-size black blemish on the red hull of the show side. Don't know where that came from cuz the primer was gray... I tried to mix a matching blend of paint, it didn't match, so I sanded it out and in the process managed to make the blemish 5x bigger. :haha: I mixed another blend, still did not match but decided enough was enough and settled.

The decals on the show side came out ok but the curving decal across the bow is noticeably lower on the no side that the show side. I didn't have the nerve to keep making adjustments so I got the show side set and moved on.

One of the front masts was misaligned and I experimented with heating up a metal mini-tool to soften the mast and allow me to bend it slightly. Got the tool too hot and almost melted clear through the mast! Stopped just in time.

One of the masts broke and I had to cement it back together, that was tricky.

As I said before, the PE hatches are a mess. Hopefully I can do better next time.:O:

Lessons learned
Wash and clean the hull before priming.
Use Tamiya masking tape.
Use a different glue for PE parts.
Make damn sure I have plenty of hull paint left over for tough ups.

^ No such thing I have followed the build on a forum-Model space UK and the detail in this beauty is....

Secondly I found same model the U 552 in a Danish hobby shop for 2 968,00 Danish Kroner= 422 Dollars

Third there's other models I would like to build first when I can afford it...The Porsche 917 1/8, RMS Titanic 1:200, and this motorcycle in scale 1:4.
Not to forget Avro Lancaster 1:32

Well enough of this lets go back and discuss Neal's sub modelling adventure

Markus

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/att...4&d=1651854632 Here's your big chance!!:yeah: https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...1&postcount=16 Put both of those in your destruct diorama!!...and ship it to the Kremlin!:arrgh!:

Neal bought two Akula models

"I bought 2 of these Akula models so this is a practice run"

I would recommend him to use the other model to use as practicing in making it looks like it has been hit by an MK48 ADCAP torpedo.

If it was me I would take huge bunch of cotton form it as a sub somehow and paint it here and there and not to forget use LED lights-then I would say Former Akula hit by an Atomic torpedo.

Markus