Gwen's Arkmodel 1/48 scale RC Type VIIC build log

[Gwenydd]

I finished adding some scratch-built antenna rigging bits on the conning tower (since they were not included in the kit), also cut out a few holes through the hull and added some inside details.

Here it is with with the primer coat. I am priming the entire sub with red oxide so I can use a resist applied in selected locations to simulate rust on the boat when the finish coats are on.

[Gwenydd]

I have the paint and weathering on the conning tower nearly finished. I need to tone down the reds a little on the rust areas with some browns. But it's pretty much done now.

[ET2SN]

Not jealous, not jealous, not jealous..



Just curious, what are you using for a final top coat? Clear enamel or maybe even two-part Epoxy? That puppy is supposed to get wet.

[Gwenydd]

Originally Posted by ET2SN

Not jealous, not jealous, not jealous..



Just curious, what are you using for a final top coat? Clear enamel or maybe even two-part Epoxy? That puppy is supposed to get wet.

The topcoat is flat clear enamel.

[Gwenydd]

I have been working on building and fitting the magnetic mounts for the deck plates (not a part of the kit design) and connecting all the linkages for the various control surfaces.

Here's a quick video of a control systems check on the boat. I forgot to show the ballast system in operation, with the vent opening to flood the tank and the ballast pumps running to blow the tank. I'll do that in another video.

[Aktungbby]

Nice

[Onkel Neal]

Wow, I love the scratchbuilt turnbuckles on the antennae cables. Looking good! The lights are a good idea, and U-boat captains probably did run then in harbor.

Now we need you to launch the sub and measure turning radiuses so we can solve an argument in the Destroyer Uboat Hunter forum

[Gwenydd]

I'll be happy to help you solve your turn radius question, however my results may not completely correspond accurately to the real sub since I don't have independent motors for each propeller. I have one motor driving both propellers with a single gearbox, whereas the real boats could increase their rates of turn by using differential prop turns.

[Gwenydd]

I am continuing work on painting the hull now. I started with a red oxide primer for the rust and then used a laser level to mark the waterline on the hull and painted the upper hull and rust. I still need to finish the magnetic attachments for the forward deck. And I need to find the right dark grey paint for the lower hull.







Update: After looking at the cord I used for the deck railing cables I realized they were way too thick so I replaced them with some black nylon thread.

[Onkel Neal]

Nice, looking really good, Gwen.

[Aktungbby]

what are the black wires on the conning tower for specifically.

[Gwenydd]

Originally Posted by Aktungbby

what are the black wires on the conning tower for specifically.

Those are the rigging cables that attach to the radio antennas.

[Gwenydd]

I finally finished building the magnetic mounts for the forward deck plate and found the gray I needed for the lower hull. So here's the boat with the hull in the proper colors and with the rust base color finished. Note: the photos make the colors look a fair bit lighter than they really are because of the very bright light on the ceiling above...

I also finished building the forward antenna rigging. That stuff is a real pain in the butt to do with those teeny tiny little insulator blocks...

Now I have a bunch of weathering paint work to do to blend the rust and add more variation to it. Then I need to paint the scum line on the hull and add some salty residue =).

(I fixed the dark streaks on the saddle tanks after taking the photos.)

[Onkel Neal]

Looks really good, Gwen. The rigging and insulator blocks, the super straight periscope, handrails, lots of great details. How did you do the small cable wrapping the deck gun barrel? Tell me thats a wire or something you wrapped around the barrel, cuz I cannot see how it could be a painted on detail.

Weathering is next, eh?

[Gwenydd]

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

Looks really good, Gwen. The rigging and insulator blocks, the super straight periscope, handrails, lots of great details. How did you do the small cable wrapping the deck gun barrel? Tell me thats a wire or something you wrapped around the barrel, cuz I cannot see how it could be a painted on detail.

Weathering is next, eh?

I replaced the tip of the barrel with a matching diameter aluminum tube, made a plug to fit it and used a piece of nylon thread wrapped around the barrel. No paint needed =P Oh and the periscope is nice and straight because I made it myself out of an aluminum tube. I actually turned the shape of the head of it from aluminum rod using an electric drill and a file and added the lens housing. The periscope tube also functions as a snorkel for the ballast air intake. There's a small hole drilled in it toward the top of the tube.