Exciting Deliveries! New Project Started

 The U-575 has started, well actually it is way past started. The main model structure is complete, painted and weathered. You will notice that the planes, rudders and propulsion components are not installed. I am not installing them since they will not be seen once the model is in bedded in the diorama base. I will save the parts for some future project. The figures for this model are on the white sprue, I am painting them now, they are Preiser N-scale Fireman set but they look like submariners wearing their foul weather gear. The 37 mm and 20 mm gun assemblies are glued together and await painting. I need to start the diorama base now and the TBM Avenger aircraft model.

 The Chicago SSN-721 will be next on the ways, it will also be on a diorama base, wait till you see how this one will look! This sub I was onwhen I retired.

The PE (photo etched) kit from Toms Model Works arrived today! In the picture is my scratch built antennas. These will be replace with PE from this set plus much more detail on the ship. The kit provides railings, details for the 20 mm guns,40 mm guns, new depth charge racks and more. Completing the Fletcher class destroyer kit will be the priority. Still need to pick the ship..........

Fletcher Diorama Base 4

 Highlights and depth being added to the water, this is a slow process since I am doing many layers to get the feeling of depth in the water.

I am working on the hull weathering here. The photos I am using for reference show a ship being preserved, there are numerous fairleads, chocks and other items that have Zinc Chromate primer and even sections of the hull are painted with it. The photo shows the haze gray in what I think is older faded paint and then various portions of the superstructure and all of the 5 inch guns appear to have brand new paint which appears much darker.

Fletcher Diorama Base 3

Color is being added to the base now, base layer this time is black, I have highlighted numerous areas with ultramarine blue. White will be next and then that will be covered by a wash of blue. I need to finish the model soon so that it can be blended into the base.

New Project TBM attack diorama

 New project starting, a TBF attacking a Type VII u-boat.

 1/144 scale submarine and airplane. Research is leading to either the U-569 or the U-575. The U-575 was attacked and forced to surface while snorkeling. But the attack on the U-569 has some out standing action photos.

I have seen people do these with clear rod or stiff wire supporting the aircraft from the diorama base. My intent is to do it without any visible support of the aircraft!

Diorama Base Construction 2

 After painting the base with Mod Podge, I have sprinkled saw dust all over it.

 After Drying Overnight I shook off all the loose sawdust (saved for future projects) and then vacuumed off the whole base.

Mod Podge has been brushed over the sawdust to seal it to the base, there will be several more coats applied to blend it and get the desire surface affect.

Diorama Base Construction

I am making this base from hard wood 1x4. I laminated them with screws and stained. The top layer is laid 90 degrees to the bottom layer.

 Setting the model and marking its outline.

 Styrofoam cut to the shape of the hull. I use a hot wire foam cutter from woodland scenics for this.

 First test fit of the model I had to do some more trimming.

 The wave crests are sketched on the Styrofoam. In the back ground is the photo I am using to determine my wave pattern and heights.

I have carved in the wave pattern and glued the Styrofoam to the base. I will let it dry overnight before the next step. Adding texture with saw dust.

Measure 22 Painting continues

Painting continues, one thing it does is really show how the model does not match the lines of the real ship the bow does not do justice to the ship. But this is for developing my skills in making a sea diorama not to perfect a 1950 era model meant to be more of a toy than a true scale model.