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Post by Daniel C on Jul 19, 2011 22:17:29 GMT -5
This is the new kit from Airfix of HMS Trafalgar in 1/350th scale. This is a class of 7 boats and decals for any of the 7 are in the box as well as 2 different types of propulsion systems. HMS Trafalgar, the class leader, was built with a normal propeller and the other 6 boats were built with shrouded propullsers. Since I have 2 kits (they were only $9.99) one will be HMS Trafalgar with normal prop painted in black. the second kit will become HMS Torbay with the shrouded propullser and painted in a new dark blue color...... errr, colour! Here is the kit....  The sprues....  Make that sprue. The decals...  Dryfitting the kit parts...  There is one major disapointment in this kit, for some reason Airfix decided not to mold on the anechoic tiles on the hull (rubberish tiles glued to the hull to absorb sonar pulses). To bad, since they show up CLEAR on the Airfix boxtop photo!  I guess they could be applied like zimmerit...... ;D |
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Post by sammuel on Jul 22, 2011 11:20:08 GMT -5
Dan;
She is looking good. Iam also a sub guy and have 1/350 U-Boat in my stash. I will be following your build on this one to pick up some tips.
Thanks
Sam
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Post by Daniel C on Jul 24, 2011 2:39:00 GMT -5
Trafalgar update..... The kit is going along well, most parts are glued on now. I am starting work on sanding the attachment points off of the screw. Each blade was attached to the runner and are very fragile, so I have glued them to the hub to make them easier to work with, but again, since Airfix uses very soft plastic, cleaning up the blades is very slow work. After glueing up the hull (3 pieces) it is time for the inevitable seam work that must be done on all modern subs..... Here is the hull during seam work.  Even with a few bumps in the road a relaxing project. |
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Post by Daniel C on Jul 26, 2011 22:36:13 GMT -5
Construction is finished, very easy, everything fit well. The only complaint is the soft plastic that Airfix uses. Removing the periscopes and masts from the sprue was difficult (due to the soft plastic) I broke one mast and had to repair it. I found the masts pretty well detailed for the scale. Next up will be the gloss overcoat for decaling, then dullcoat and the real part of this build will begin, painting. I am using Vallejo paints to paint this boat, they brush well and have a good selection of colors that are easy to mix on the fly. I am going to try and replicate the "green slime" around the waterline and some weathering. Mostly to add color to a black submarine. This is how she is now.....    next pictures will be when she is weathered...... |
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Post by Daniel C on Aug 1, 2011 15:36:20 GMT -5
Trafalgar is going alone fine...... So, I decided to start the second kit of this class. I will build her as HMS Torbay. I chose Torbay because she has an experimental blueish camo paint. Torbay is built with all masts retracted and with the propulser unit instead of the standard prop as in Trafalgar. Main construction is done, painting has commenced, and once she is painted I will gloss both subs and get them decaled and then onto weathering.   Trafalgar in the foreground Torbay behind.  |
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Post by Daniel C on Aug 8, 2011 11:49:43 GMT -5
I used these two colors for Torbay trying to reproduce a blueish toned black color for her overall. They are Dk Prussian Blue and black, mixed on the "Green Giant" pallet. I really like the Vallejo paints and the flexibility they give you for things like this. Torbay got a little dark on me after she dried, I will work on that once weathering begins.  The decals worked very well, as good as any other ones I have used, nice job Airfix.   next up, flat coat and weathering.... |
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Post by Daniel C on Aug 19, 2011 15:37:32 GMT -5
Weathering of HMS Trafalgar..... I am using artist oils and turpinoid on my nice "soup can lid" disposable pallet. I am going to use Ultramarine blue, Violet, Paynes grey, White, and Black for the weathering. I am going to try and keep it light, I don't want it to overpower the sub.  Here is my first "pass" at weathering, very hard to see.... I will bring these two boats to IPMS for opinions end of the month. HMS Trafalgar (Overall flat black).     HMS Torbay (Overall Dark Blue).    What do you think? |
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Post by sammuel on Aug 20, 2011 12:16:32 GMT -5
Dan;
Your build came out great. Im not a sub guy and have one in my stash. Your build has inspired me to take on the chalange in the future.
I have some more updates for you on the four piper.
Great job on your build. You also made my day when I saw you painted it by brush. Im and "Old School", builder and painter. Yours looks so good that you can not even tell if it was airbrushed or not.
Barvo Zulu.
Sam
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