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I'm considering building this modern sub in 1/144 but can't seem to find any aftermkt PE sets. The Trumpeter kits comes with 4-6 PE pieces. I know it's a sub with smooth surfaces everywhere, but I'd expect the 1:1 to have some vents, screens, fish door details and conning tower doors or handles.
This thing is 26" long so some extra features would help it seem more lifelike and ready to dive. Also looking for keel block parts that suit a real sub with a rounded huill. I can handbuild something, but not even sure what all 50+ pieces would be. PE and KB ideas welcomed. Thx. Keep those hands clean.
Keel block ship displays are generally a pleasant fiction. I'll give you my suggestion, but the concept is to support the ship on her frames.
A dry dock or an erection way has a Captain who designs the support system based on the design of the ship's structure. In times past that was done with stacks of supports space along her frames.
Modern dry docks and ways have mechanical stuctures that are set to support the ship as needed.
Those in themselves could be a wonderful model, but it might be easier to support your boat on invisible stanchions. Don Stauffer has shown how to do so with clear plex rods.
Certainly my own opinion, but it is a modern boat.
Bill
Modeling is an excuse to buy books.
The gozins & gozouts on most ship models are totally missing. Heck, it has been a major advance just to get bilge keels molded on many surface ship models. Hull openings are typically located on the bottom and often the opening throat dimensions (on nuclear vessels - as the Astute is) can be a classified indication of available cooling & power. Even if not classified, unless the model designer has access to detailed design documentation these details are not provided.
That becomes one of the fun items in researching subjects for a model. In a former job I had access to the Ship Systems Manuals for the Ohio class subs. They were classified FOUO, but I was able to dummy together a representation of an anatomically correct version with ballast tank openings, torpedo compensation openings and auxilliary (get her home) propulsion system.
I just found a pile of leftover PE, with some pieces ideal for intakes and outlets. I just don't know where they'd go on an Astute class sub. Do you happen to know if these subs have some sort of removeable or retractable deck railings? My client wants a few crewmen standing on the deck and a set of railings would be a nice touch.
I always hide 2 bolts and nuts w/in the keel blocks to keep the whole thing anchored. I also use a builder base - a cheap, light base that can support the model and serve as a handle. Then, when the kit is painted and decaled, I toss out that base and attach the build to its permanent base.
I like the airplane modelers who sweat every detail of a 1/72 fighter, then mount it in a flying position on a gigantic pole or thick lexan rod...like no one will see it.
Still can't help with the gozins & gozouts, but look at the following:
Like many modern subs, there is a lifeline track. See the line on the port deck inboard of the round-down. Deck crew wears a safety harness with a lifeline that runs in the track.
Here's a picture during ballast tank bow tests. There are stanchions with wire-rope "rails".
Highly classified. Who's your source?
I kid.
I can use pics like this and once I get the kit, I'll see where some holes and PE screens will look semi-accurate and, more importantly...cool
Bocks Suv Highly classified. Who's your source? I kid. I can use pics like this and once I get the kit, I'll see where some holes and PE screens will look semi-accurate and, more importantly...cool
seaforces.org
I put 'hms astute class' into my google box and asked for images
Interesting boat, I hadn't looked at it before.
There seems to be some sort of a lifeline track that runs around the base of the sail as well, where's there's really no deck.
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