Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum

Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: Bigkev on July 09, 2017, 09:00:07 PM

Title: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev 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
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Wizzel 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.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Kiteman on July 10, 2017, 04:42:44 PM
You could build your underwater thing as a "sub assembly"  ;D
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev 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

Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXB (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Wizzel 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.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev 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
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: zak on July 24, 2017, 07:56:35 AM
Look as though you are keeping your head above water at the moment.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev 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
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: zak on July 24, 2017, 03:40:54 PM
Too much time, taking the weight off your legs!
Looking good.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Haddock on July 24, 2017, 04:33:26 PM
Keep bendin', rollin' and checkin'.
Haddock.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Kiteman on July 24, 2017, 05:27:16 PM
Looks all very good to me, keep it coming.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev 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
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Kiteman on July 25, 2017, 03:04:42 PM
Looking good so far.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Pen-Pusher on July 25, 2017, 06:25:00 PM
Bllomin brilliant! Liking this build a lot. Well done BK.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev 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
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: zak on November 23, 2017, 07:23:32 AM
Another underwasser miracle again.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev on November 23, 2017, 08:51:23 PM
Hi Zak,
Thanks for that, it is beginning to take shape now, and I have had a go at attaching the railings on the side of the deck tonight.
Haddock makes it look easy, it isn't.........................
After one and a half hours I managed to get one side stuck into place. It is a mix of kit etch parts and some generic stuff Haddock gave me.
He was right about sticking bases of upright rails, that it wouldn't work he was right, several attempts and the swear box a pew pounds richer I decided to use generic for the main rails, and the front and rear parts from the kit etch. You can see that they are 'heavier' in appearance.
Tomorrow, I'll give the other the other side, a little wiser and little practiced now.
Some pictures of my attempt so far.
The conning tower and main gun are only in situ in a few of the pictures for photo purpose only.
Cheers,
Bigkev   
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: bridlufc on November 23, 2017, 10:10:52 PM
Looking good Bigkev, when I did a sub, a Revell kit, it wasn't blessed with etch railings. I had it in my head to make my own from brass rod and copper wire, big mistake.  The plan was to use the brass rod as posts and insert the posts into the hull then solder the copper wire to the posts.  Soldering meant I would need a heat sink but the size of the posts made me abandon that idea as impractical and I ended up using nylon thread on the posts instead.

Bridlufc
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: MSea on November 23, 2017, 10:51:29 PM
The joys of the "dark side"  hohohoho
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Haddock on November 24, 2017, 08:11:21 AM
Once you've done this one, it will all have been a bad dream.
Next time you can charge in with gay abandon.
Haddock.
Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev on November 24, 2017, 07:56:44 PM
Hi All,
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
Tonight I had a go at the other side, and like Haddock points out it didn't fill me with as much trepidation. Still need to refine my glue type and application, but things went smoother tonight in less than half the time before.
Once attached I have dry run placed in situ the conning tower, deck and small guns, and periscopes.
Can see a problem with small guns as they are too close to the railings and periscope and could not actually be used in real life. I think a little juggling will be necessary to give a better sit/look.
Now need to touch in all the paint work around railings, the railings themselves, and a little additional weathering at the post bases.
Some pictures of it so far,
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: MSea on November 25, 2017, 09:42:54 AM
Look out SMW another one for the comp
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev on November 25, 2017, 08:14:40 PM
Hi Msea,
Thanks for the compliment.
Not sure good enough for SMW, but maybe will spur me onto to make something again for SMW 2018 in this category.
Will post some more pictures as build continues
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev on November 28, 2017, 08:02:56 AM
Hi All,
A little more progress on the painting stage.
The railings have been painted to match the deck and then given a coat of Kleer to match finish.
Noticed during all my handling getting the deck rails on that I rubbed off a lot of the weathering I had applied. so this has now been reinstated. It will be further 'toned down' once it has dried a little bit, in places it is a touch too heavy for my liking.
It all looks very shiny at moment due to the Kleer, but hopefully all will be toned down with a coat of matt varnish near the end.
Some pictures follow of the weathering redone on the sides,
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: Bigkev on December 03, 2017, 04:34:45 PM
Hi All,
Well its now finally finished. I looked at the weathering on hull sides and toned this down a bit, to look more in scale. I also added the few decals there were, mainly flags and victory pennants the Sub No. and ship marking on conning tower.
For the flags I find it easier to attach them to a very thin piece of plasticard, as by themselves they don't want to behave, folding up on themselves, tearing, etc. I use a piece of 5 thou plasticard, and then sand it down until its almost transparent. I then give it a coat of Kleer on both sides, before then applying the decals one side at a time.
Once dry, a coat of paint on the edges to match the decal design, then another coat of Kleer to seal it in place.
The flag pennant can now be given some folding/curves if required before attaching with 'Kristel Kleer'
The model name sign comes in the kit. I painted it Tamiya gloss black and then allowed it to dry hard for a few days. It was the rubbed over a fine sanding pad to reveal the embossed name.
Finally the model was given a Satin/Matt mix of Vallejo varnish to seal everything in and give a uniform finish.
Happy with the result, but need to get more practice in on the etch brass.
Hope you like,
Cheers,
Bigkev   
Title: Re: Mirage Hobby U-176 Type IXC (Sturm II) Submarine 1/350
Post by: MSea on December 04, 2017, 08:11:10 AM
I like lots.