discussion ICM 1/144 Type IIB Uboat ( 1943 )

[Dave Ward]

Fancy a floaty thing ( or semi-floaty), picked this from the stash.............................

I'm going to convert this to a waterline model - it means cutting off & throwing away about half the hull, but I hope it will be worth it!
A few sprue shots

There's no definitive waterline on the model, so I'm going to have to look at contemporary photos, to see where it actually is.
By 1943 most of the IIB boats were used as training vessels, but 6 were dismantled & transferred by water & road to the Black Sea
Dave

 

[spanner570]

Dave, can you not just leave the hull in one piece, leave off all the underwater stuff and just bury the lower hull in whatever you are going to display it in?

Save all the work of cutting the thing in half.....

Oh, and be very careful when removing those flimsy railings.

 

[Dave Ward]

Dave, can you not just leave the hull in one piece, leave off all the underwater stuff and just bury the lower hull in whatever you are going to display it in?

Save all the work of cutting the thing in half.....

Oh, and be very careful when removing those flimsy railings.

Ron,
that'd be too easy!....................
Dave

 

[spanner570]

Simple is always best and you'd keep all your fingers!

 

[Dave Ward]

Off and cutting. I assembled the 3 parts of the hull, so I could lay out the waterline & cut without any discrepancies...................

I marked the waterline with masking tape, then used a razor saw to cut transverse cuts to the masking tape - the saw will jam if you try to do long cuts

After 10 mins of steady sawing - a waterline model - I've erred on the generous side, it's easier to remove excess than have to add bits. I'll get the waterline really flat, by sanding on a sheet of emery paper on a flat formica sheet ( drawer front ).

The base would have to be at least 22mm thick to accommodate the full hull, a bit unwieldy, hence the waterline treatment. The hull will need a bit more work on it, but nothing major
Dave

 

[Steven000]

Looking good Dave :thumb2:

 

[Tim Marlow]

Good work on the cut Dave. Just what was needed.

 

[spanner570]

Excellent work, Dave!

 

[papa 695]

Just seen this one Dave, so I’ve pulled up my chair. Very nice start with the cutting.

 

[Dave Ward]

As a base, a piece of 0.75mm plastic card, edged with 1mm square strip to make a shallow tray.

I've had this block of DAS in my cupboard for about 7 years, so I reckon it's time to use it ( it's still nice & soft! ) - I'll use a thin layer to give the water surface, let it dry thoroughly, before adding bow waves, texture etc. with further applications. I'll score the plastic base roughly, to give it a key, as DAS isn't noted for its adherence, which is why I'll build it up in thin layers.
Due to the shape of the sub, I'll apply the clay around the stuck down hull. If it were a conventional ship, I'd wrap the hull in clingfilm, so the hull could be removed. The sub hull just needs the anchors adding - all other detail is just added to the top deck.
Slow drying prevents large cracks, so It may take a day or so before I show any results.............
Dave

 

[spanner570]

Neat idea for the framing, Dave.

Coming along at a rate of knots.....

 

[Dave Ward]

The square section strip is from here https://slatersplastikard.com/plastikard/microstrip.php
I get all my plasticard from them, very quick service, minimum order is £10, but it's worth it, as their selection of card, rod and strip is very good.
Dave

 

[outrunner]

Coming along great Dave, you amaze me with the way you switch from vehicles to wingy things and boats.


Andy.

 

[Dave Ward]

Coming along great Dave, you amaze me with the way you switch from vehicles to wingy things and boats.


Andy.

Andy,
I would get bored with one genre - I always like to vary whats on the bench ( or table ) - I even went veggie for 6 months last year! ( I got better, missed Steak & Kidney too much! )
Dave

 

[outrunner]

I have to admit to having a preference for things with wheels although I did once build a Sergal kit of the Bounty about 25 years ago, to say it was a kit is a bit of a misnomer as only the ply keel and the bulkheads were pre-formed, the rest was just a box of wood, string PE and cloth for sails.

Andy.

 

[Dave Ward]

First layer of DAS applied..........................

It gradually turns white as it dries. My tool is what I would call a lolly stick, but sold as a drink stirrer - you can shape the end to produce whatever you like - keep it wet to prevent the clay from sticking. It's a damp cool day here, so the drying time is probably going to be a day or so. You don't want it to dry too quickly, as that will produce cracks & poor adhesion.
Next step will be to add bow wave, wake etc, using small bits of DAS applied pretty wet, so you can smooth the surface - I'm told that adding PVA can make the surface really shiny, I might try that................
Dave

 

[adt70hk]

Nicely done Dave.

ATB.

Andrew

 

[Tim Marlow]

Coming on well Dave.

 

[Jim R]

Hi Dave
Well done with the cut along the waterline. Base looks to be working well.
Jim

 

[Steven000]

Looks good Dave :thumb2: