Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum

Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: zak on April 10, 2019, 09:36:08 AM

Title: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 10, 2019, 09:36:08 AM
I may regret even starting this thread and I may also never finish it.
So, apologies before I start.
As usual while waiting for glue and paint to dry I can never resist starting the next project.
This is a large ship and it is going to take some time.
I started with constructing one of the two cranes.
Well I have been working for around an hour and have got this far, modifying the booms ready to take the etched brass improvements.
Still more sanding and thinning to do.
The photo shows the two booms, the one on the left is the original, the one of the right is being modified.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 10, 2019, 10:21:34 AM
Here is the process in action.
The new boom has etched parts above and below and a 0.5mm hole drilled in it.
The parts are more nickel silver than etched brass.

I use a cut off needle in an old paint brush handle for applying thin superglue.
I put a blob of superglue on the reverse of some double sided tape so it does not go off, it will sit there for at least 10-15 minutes.

I use a no15 blade for cutting off the etched parts.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 11, 2019, 01:55:27 PM
Probably between 4 and 5 hours later the crane is complete, another one to do.
I have already lost a bit to the carpet monster, and made one from this sheet material.
Hopefully the second one will be a bit faster.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Bigkev on April 11, 2019, 08:14:23 PM
Hi Zak,
Some very nice intricate work there Sir!
You're getting into this ship building lark aren't you...…..
Green with envy and admiration.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 12, 2019, 12:26:40 PM
More work, 4 of these turrets to build, 2 are the same, the others differ slightly.
The pictures show the process.
The polycarbonate block supplied to me By Tony B is fill od little cuts, so I cast about for an alternative, don't throw those CDs or DVDs away, they are made of polycarbonate and are ideal fro cutting etched parts on.
You will also see my trusty etched bending tool, a great buy and worth it to get nice square corners, like on the ladders.
The first photo shows the catapult supplied in the kit and the etched replacement.
The last photo shows the turret with all the bits added.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 12, 2019, 03:24:13 PM
I can see you're starting to enjoy this, the plastic turrets look quite nice.
 Would you like a piece of aluminium for cutting brass?
it's harder than the polycarbonate sheet but doesn't dull the blade (much) or get covered in cut marks.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 12, 2019, 04:00:32 PM
I use an old tile - that seems to work well
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 12, 2019, 05:12:17 PM
I have some aluminium and a tile as well, just thought that I would try something else.
Many thanks gents.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Bigkev on April 12, 2019, 08:02:19 PM
Hi Zak,
You have two good alternatives.
Haddock, the engineer that has access to quality materials and knows how to use them.
Msea, the true Yorkshireman he is, Cheap but effective.
How can you not accept these generous offers....?
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 14, 2019, 10:24:31 AM
The four main turrets completed.
I have water lined the hull and started the camouflage scheme.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 14, 2019, 10:39:58 AM
Was thinking about the speed of your builds -- if the German navy had you in charge, they would have finished the Z Plan before the start of the war.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 14, 2019, 12:19:14 PM
Was thinking about the speed of your builds -- if the German navy had you in charge, they would have finished the Z Plan before the start of the war.
Cheek!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, its a bit cold for putting potatoes in, so I am modelling.
The smaller turrets have brass barrels and a wealth of brass bits to add, so on with that.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 14, 2019, 12:55:20 PM
Here is one turret completed, only the other 5 to do yet, time for a cup of tea and to rest the eyes.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 14, 2019, 01:29:19 PM
Looking good - will it be finished by tea time ???????
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 15, 2019, 02:57:57 PM
Smaller turrets, 8 of these.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 15, 2019, 03:36:55 PM
This brass stuff can be addictive!
Looks very nice though.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 17, 2019, 10:52:56 AM
Not much progress, I am still bending etched stuff and sticking guns together.
Painting the hull is something of a challenge, I wish I had a steady hand.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 17, 2019, 12:26:31 PM
Have patience grasshopper.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 17, 2019, 01:48:20 PM
It is starting to wear a bit thin.
These are the 37mm guns, there are 8 of these to make.
Some of the bits are a bit small!
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 17, 2019, 02:46:15 PM
Well, I missed a couple of bits off the last picture.
The gun is made up of 15 parts, well one built and the eyes are suffering.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 17, 2019, 03:04:59 PM
Keep up the good work and convince yourself it will be worth it in the end.
Looking good.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 17, 2019, 04:14:53 PM
Not looking good its looking excellent
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 18, 2019, 12:39:15 PM
This is really slow going, it is taking about an hour to assemble each gun.
I am struggling as the details are so small.
2 done, 6 more of these to go.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 18, 2019, 01:21:18 PM
Don't give up, it's worth it, the plastic looks nice, is it?
Haddock
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 18, 2019, 04:20:24 PM
Yes, it seems ok, it's the smallness of the etchings that I find difficult.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 19, 2019, 12:48:44 PM
Well that is 8 of those built.

Next it is onto the 20mm Flak 38 guns, yes, another 8 to build.
3 plastic kit parts are replaced by around 20 etched, and brass parts, this is sheer madness, the whole gun barrel is about 7mm long.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 19, 2019, 02:52:41 PM
So two hours later I have managed to build one!
The plastic would be easier, but maybe not so nice!
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 19, 2019, 04:41:00 PM
What I find a shame is that a lot of this is unseen 'cos most people don't bother to look.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 19, 2019, 05:06:37 PM
What I find a shame is that a lot of this is unseen 'cos most people don't bother to look.
Haddock.

But WE know its on the model.
Just remember Zak when you used to start and finish a model in just a few hours - hohohoho - now you are into proper modelling
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 21, 2019, 10:24:55 AM
Here are the 20mm guns - 18 of these to build.
I do find this quite a challenge.
Bring back the days when I just used to stick bits of plastic together.
This is more of a challenge that scratch building.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 21, 2019, 11:02:15 AM
45 minutes later, one built, only another 17 to go.
That is it for today, we are off out.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 23, 2019, 07:51:25 AM
I am having a rest from guns and decided to tackle the funnel, the whole of the centre portion of the top has to be removed to make room for the etched replacements, not an easy job. the resulting plastic is quite thin.
I forgot to take a photo of the top before removing the middle, but the instruction sheet shows what has to be done.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 23, 2019, 08:22:03 AM
Neat.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 23, 2019, 08:51:05 AM
Should I start calling you "Mini Haddock" ???????????????????????
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 23, 2019, 10:48:04 AM
No thanks!
The plastic is not quite so nice, it is quite brittle and has a tendency to break easily.
I must try to stop dropping bits on the floor.
I have had to fabricate a few replacements from this and that.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 23, 2019, 11:11:32 AM
Should I start calling you "Mini Haddock" ???????????????????????
Heaven forbid!!!
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Bigkev on April 23, 2019, 08:21:23 PM
Hi Zak,
Wow, this is a great build. Love the detail included in this build, young 'Haddock' better watch out, the new kid on the block is getting better....!
Super stuff.
And don't worry about dropping bits on the floor, I've done that this weekend on a laminated floor, and still lost the piece? explanations on a card, please.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 24, 2019, 01:54:42 PM
Hi Zak,
Wow, this is a great build. Love the detail included in this build, young 'Haddock' better watch out, the new kid on the block is getting better....!
Super stuff.
And don't worry about dropping bits on the floor, I've done that this weekend on a laminated floor, and still lost the piece? explanations on a card, please.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Something to do with the space/time continuum or the carpet monster, or just my clumsiness, or all of them.
Someone once wrote a thesis on dropping stuff.
Why do two bits never bounce the same?
Why is it when Sandra visits my modelling room I am always grovelling on the floor (be careful with your answers!)
Why does it always turn up when you have just spend 20 minutes making a new one?
Sods Law!
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 24, 2019, 02:58:29 PM
And why do I find stuff that I lost six months ago, usually right under my nose!!
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 25, 2019, 10:31:39 AM
Just how much etched stuff can you stick to one bit?
This is without the guns and searchlights, which are quite a number of etched parts each.
Here is the funnel under construction.

the lastphoto shows it undercoated with guns and searchlights attached.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 25, 2019, 11:55:55 AM
Must admit, I sometimes wonder whether it's all worth the effort, but it is, it looks great.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 25, 2019, 12:25:16 PM
Must admit, I sometimes wonder whether it's all worth the effort, but it is, it looks great.
Haddock.

It is, it really is -- even if it is only seen by the people on the "dark side"
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 27, 2019, 11:03:19 AM
Sorry, I keep forgetting to post my progress, I am too engrossed, or that could be struggling with what goes where, trying to sort out the original plastic parts and replacement etched bits is quite hard.
There are no instructions about how to lay the wooden decks, positions are shown, but not when or how to lay them.
Well trial and error will out.

Just noticed in the second picture, a bit of brass is coming loose, oooooops!
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 27, 2019, 11:16:29 AM
Wooden decks.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on April 29, 2019, 07:37:34 AM
Flag deck under construction.
Probably about 3-4 hours work here.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on April 29, 2019, 07:48:23 AM
Super!
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on April 29, 2019, 08:41:02 AM
Are you sure you are not a mini haddock ???????????
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 03, 2019, 11:03:17 AM
Well, after a visit by the mother in law and then looking after ill grandchildren I have eventually managed to get back to some modelling.
My limited patience is beginning to run out, my staying power has almost failed.
I am finding the painting very difficult and have resorted to hand painting the camouflage scheme.
There is still a lot to do and the etched frets still have a lot of parts left on them.
My eyes are suffering too, hay fever as well as poor eyesight.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on May 03, 2019, 03:57:56 PM
Press on regardless, it'll be worth it in the end, honest.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 03, 2019, 05:50:56 PM
I will but a month is a long time for me!
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on May 04, 2019, 09:16:02 AM
A month - I would have expected at least 38 models finished to an excellent standard in the time -- hohoho -- the joys of ship models.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 10, 2019, 10:46:13 AM
The slow progress continues.
it is difficult to work out where some of the etched railings go, I can find no reference in the instructions for some of them.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on May 10, 2019, 10:58:25 AM
Keep up the good work.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 16, 2019, 01:14:11 PM
Once again, slow progress, child minding, hay fever and the allotment have all taken priority.
Working on the radar at present.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on May 16, 2019, 04:27:26 PM
Must look like it's never ending, but you will come to the home run,  honest.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on May 16, 2019, 08:57:36 PM
Just think how happy you will be when its finished - and then you can do another ship of this size -- hohoho
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 18, 2019, 01:55:16 PM
Working on the masts.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on May 18, 2019, 02:53:26 PM
Are the masts part of the kit or scratch-built? they look very nice.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 18, 2019, 04:58:20 PM
Are the masts part of the kit or scratch-built? they look very nice.
Haddock.
They are part of the kit.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on May 19, 2019, 10:22:45 AM
Bet it wasn't a cheap kit!
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 19, 2019, 12:00:13 PM
It wasn't but it was reduced quite a lot, even so, when you consider what you get, it is good value, and its is keeping me busy and scratching my head.
I must say my admiration for your skill grows, I am just bumbling along and sticking it together.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: MSea on May 19, 2019, 12:03:03 PM
I must say my admiration for your skill grows, I am just bumbling along and sticking it together.

Now you know how I feel.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Haddock on May 19, 2019, 03:41:54 PM
I must say my admiration for your skill grows, I am just bumbling along and sticking it together.

Now you know how I feel.
That's all I do, you just get better at disguising the boobs.
Haddock.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Bigkev on May 19, 2019, 06:50:54 PM
Hi All,

I don't care what any of you three wise monkey's say's.

Building Ship models, I love this build to this standard, 'boobs and all' deserves a mountain of appreciation.

Keep going Zak,

It will all be worth it in the end.

Deeply impressed and inspired to get modelling....

Bigkev
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on May 22, 2019, 07:19:25 AM
On with the boats, but granddaughter will be here for 5/6 days, so modelling is on hold.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on June 30, 2019, 12:52:32 PM
My will to continue has evaporate for the present, it may come back.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: zak on June 27, 2020, 03:04:16 PM
This is on my SHELF OF SHAME.
Title: Re: 1/350 Tirpitz
Post by: Bigkev on June 27, 2020, 06:10:04 PM
This is on my SHELF OF SHAME.

No, it is presently in the 'Dry Dock' of Bempton, until the will returns.
Don't give up.
Bigkev