Author Topic: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350  (Read 8977 times)

Bigkev

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Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« on: July 09, 2017, 09:00:07 PM »
Hi All,
Well, now I've put my toe in the water (pardon, the pun) with a submarine, I'm now starting my next project. Yes, it's another submarine but a later model and this time by Mirage Hobby. However this one has a some etched brass to improve the detail, and a learning curve for me.
The model is moulded on two sprue's in a softest mid grey plastic, one small etched brass sheet, and a small decal sheet.
So far I have completed the stand, which will assist in handling. The main hull and deck sections.  I Also but not shown the conning tower. 
Generally, the fit is good, but there are some sink marks and alignment issues at the stern and bow. For now I have used a mix of tube and Tamiya Extra Thin cement to glue it together. I also used some Berna clamps and some Tamiya Tape to hold everything in place whilst it dries.
With the stand, although it locates into the hull okay, it is not a firm positive hold, so I will drill some holes in the stand parts to add some brass, which can then be located into appropriate holes in the hull bottom.
Some pictures of the model and progress as noted follow.
Cheers,
Bigkev
« Last Edit: July 14, 2017, 07:22:34 PM by Bigkev »
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Wizzel

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2017, 09:02:29 AM »
Nice work Kev.  I've also got an "underwater thing" on my bench and I'm trying to resist starting yet another project when I already have (pause to count) 5 other things in various stages of completion.  How are you finding the Mirage plastic to stick?  I have a Vickers twin turret tank that I started a few years ago (amend my current projects to 6!) and the Vital Bond superglue I was using at the time didn't seem to get on with it.  I think that's probably why I didn't progress further with it to be honest and it wasn't long after I'd got back into modelling so was easily discouraged, but now I've remembered about this one, I'll put the sub away and dig the tank out I think.

Kiteman

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2017, 04:42:44 PM »
You could build your underwater thing as a "sub assembly"  ;D

Bigkev

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2017, 04:52:20 PM »
I like that Kitey,

No doubt, Wizzel will leave us guessing............?

In answer to your question Wizzel, so far I have found the plastic quite soft, and easy to cut, but equally easy to deform if not careful.
As for glue, so far have used only Revell Contacta (one with metal syringe applicator) and Tamiya Extra thin.
So far no problems or issues. Tend to use these, rather than Superglue (cyanoacrylate) as they are more forgiving and give more time to adjust if necessary.

But I will be using the superglue and talc filler option tonight on the bow and stern seams.
Cheers,
Bigkev

I hope my next is always better

Wizzel

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2017, 10:30:04 AM »
Cheers Kev.  Now I've got a bit more experience - and choices of glue - since I started the tank, I'll get to it again with some liquid poly.

Bigkev

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2017, 09:02:49 PM »
Hi All,
Well a little more progress on the sub.
The hull has been primed with Mr Surfacer 1500 from a spray can. It showed up some area's that required more attention. The Rudder assembly in the kit was poorly fitting so I had built up some of the braces from brown styrene rod. The primer showed where my work needed a little filling and fettling. A few dabs of Mr Surfacer 500 was applied here and there and will be rubbed down.
The conning tower had been assembled and the gun platforms thinned in preparation for the etch brass fittings.
Talking about the etch brass, I took a few small pieces of etch brass railing (kindly supplied by Haddock)and played around with them, bending, curving, and glueing them to a piece of plastic card.
For me I found a mix of superglue and Gator Grip Thin worked for me. Though the superglue application on such minute bits caused me problems. I know the initial attempt might seem a little rough, and I'd agree. However, I think I will be able to use the etch brass in the kit now. 
I attach some photos of the above. Next instalment soon.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

zak

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2017, 07:56:35 AM »
Look as though you are keeping your head above water at the moment.
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Bigkev

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #7 on: July 24, 2017, 09:20:43 AM »
Hi All,
Well another session at the bench and I have managed to tackle the etch brass for the gunners platforms.
These were a little challenging being both bent, and rolled on the same piece.
I now know why Haddock says you can lose a couple of hours on a few pieces of etch. It is a case of bending rolling, checking, more bending, rolling and so on.
The Mirage etch is not as fine as those bits used by Haddock, and it shows!
However I am reasonably satisfied with the platforms as a 1st attempt, I also dressed up the 20mm guns with a couple of brass bits too. These do make a difference!
At the moment, I am waiting for all to cure parts wise. The hull has been rubbed down after some minor filling, and now drying. The base too had some sink holes filled and is to awaiting an initial primer.
Have attached a few pictures of the above.
Cheers,
Bigkev
« Last Edit: July 24, 2017, 05:50:03 PM by Bigkev »
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zak

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2017, 03:40:54 PM »
Too much time, taking the weight off your legs!
Looking good.
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Haddock

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2017, 04:33:26 PM »
Keep bendin', rollin' and checkin'.
Haddock.

Kiteman

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2017, 05:27:16 PM »
Looks all very good to me, keep it coming.

Bigkev

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2017, 08:01:42 PM »
Okay,
A little more progress made.
The conning tower platforms have has the flagstaff added, the front of the conning tower has had the support for the D/F loop put in situ (later to be added from wire)
The cable cutter at the bow added.
Now a dry run to see how it all looks more or less complete construction wise, the deck gun. the radar antenna, and periscopes placed in situ prior to painting.
As it progresses, I am more and more pleased with the model.
Next stage:- Painting the Model
Some pictures of the above follow.
Cheers,
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

Kiteman

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2017, 03:04:42 PM »
Looking good so far.

Pen-Pusher

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2017, 06:25:00 PM »
Bllomin brilliant! Liking this build a lot. Well done BK.

Bigkev

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Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
« Reply #14 on: November 22, 2017, 08:40:25 PM »
Hi All,
Wel lits been a long time since I did anything on this one, but after Southwell and Telford I am suitably encouraged to start again.
The Hull has now been painted, with acrylics and then suitably weathered using Oil Paints.
On close inspection of the photos I have noticed that some of the streaking at the rear of the hull is a little too heavy so will be toned down using a turpentine dampened brush tomorrow night.
Also you can see the deck guns, one of which has had the barrel replaced, as it was moulded a little short on close inspection. A short section of stretched sprue did the trick.
They will be given a coat of gunmetal and a wash before attaching to the model.
Next stage on this build will be to add the deck railings from the kit supplied etched brass.
It is coming together nicely, and I am happy with the result so far.
Some pictures of the above follow,
Cheers,
Bigkev
« Last Edit: November 22, 2017, 08:42:30 PM by Bigkev »
I hope my next is always better