1/150 Heller Passat Build

Hi Brucer and thanks for this Passat "build". 

     It's a kit I never got around to adding to my stash. I believe it uses the same Hull (and most parts) as the Pamir which is a really nice kit too and is a good model of a four masted steel barque.

    The Heller directions leave a lot to be desired.  I read that this model is no exception. The instructions are said to be terrible.  I have usually tried to get Aurora/IMAI releases of the Heller kits as they have English Instructions.  Where I am stuck with French, there are usually folks here who seem to come thru with a good english version.  Let us know if you run into "questions".

     I saw some Testors tube cement in your photo. If you haven't already, I recommed you go with Liquid/thin plastic cement instead of tube glue.  The tube stuff always oozes out when you squeeze two parts together and you will be stuck with scrapping it off or have an unsightly blob in a spot where you can't scrape.  The thin stuff soaks in (capilary action) so you can hold two parts together and just touch an edge and the glue will go right into the join. 

     I am very interested in this Model so I will be watching. 

For some additional insight here are a some Posts on this and the Pamir kits:

   https://modelingmadness.com/review/misc/ships/ger/komapassat.htm

   http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/7/t/52100.aspx

          Thanks.

            Nino

P.S.  We have a 4 masted steel barque here in Philadelphia, the Moshulu.  They turned it into a restaurant. At least it still floats.

Nino,

Thanks for the testor cement advice. I do use the Heller glue in a square bottle w/applicator. Its very thin and I use it on all other parts except the hull.

I like the testors tube cement on the bottom of the hull halves. Seems to bond better when it comes time to spread open the halves for deck assembly.

Bruce

Good advice from Nino but I'm like you, I run a thick line along the inside of the hull seams to prevent any seperation when it comes time to installing a deck. I use tube and liquid along with CA and Tight Bond. Smooth sailing with this build ;)

This build is shaping up to be quite challenging!! Not because of any particular issues with the model. Its the instructions that are, to say the least, borderline useless. Its amazing how much time and effort Heller put into the model (all parts are well molded). The instructions are almost an after thought.

Ok enough ranting. On with the challenge and fun I'm having. Thats what its all about!))

Bruce

True that. My 1/100 Imai Victory instructions are much more useful, in Japanese, than the Heller ones.

The MM post actually has enough photos to get pretty far with the rigging.

There's also a lot here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Vfb9Cixvk

The MM review build is missing ratlines, which clearly should be there. I imagine that Heller included one of their loom things in your kit. Tankerbuilder seems to be about the only modeler I've met who uses the thing.

The "ratlines" appear to be of the steel bar type, rather than footropes. I suppose those would not be difficult to add to the installed shrouds with paint brush bristles and CA.

She's coming along:

https://i.postimg.cc/JzLQBxYV/IMG-1101.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/Kz6ThcdS/IMG-1102.jpg

Bruce

All,

I know I didnt post much during the build. But here's my interpretation of the Passat. Moving on.

Bruce

Bruce,

  Nice rigging and that is a beautiful hull.  Looks like wood from the photo's.  Fine looking deck too- I like your "wash".

     That is some fantastic work on a rather large and detailed model in such a short time.  Well done!

     Nino.

P.S. I really like the bureau/chest of drawers it's sitting on too. Nice accoutrement that belt buckle ornamentation, really catches the eye..