Revell 1/72 VIIC: I've got mine!

Hi all. Just joined here.

I had been working on the Academy Type IXB, attempting to convert it from a single screw moterized toy/model into reasonable likeness of a twin screwed Type IX.

Then I went to work at the hobby shop last Monday night (yes, I do work at a hobby shop) and what did I see but this huge Type VII model by Revell Of Germany.
Needless to say, I had to have it.

The Type IX project is back in the box and the Type VII is now in the process of being "pre-built".
Here's my problem.

Our shop can't locate a source for Revell Of Germany paints.
I find the color chips in the RofG catalog to be pretty vague. Can anyone suggest a color made by either Testors or Tamiya that is close to the R of G Staubgrau, matt77 (Dust Grey) ?
To me, it almost looks like a dark shade of taupe, but I thought I'd join here and get some expert advice before I start pouring paint bottles into each other like a mad scientist.
Thanks...

TRy contacting John at WEM they have a full range of spot on paints spot on as in very accurate, they are in the colour coats range, hope this is of help and they go on much better tham Rof G paint.
Nick

Hi and welcome to the asylum. As Nick said, check WEM ( www.whiteensignmodels.com ). They are great to deal with. They are in England, but I've never had a problem with them, and only takes about a week or so to get. Once I tried ordering their stuff from a company here in the states (pacific front) and it took them 2 MONTHS to get me the same stuff.


Work in a hobby shop huh? Are they hiring? LOL

Just kidding I couldn't take the pay cut.[:0]

I just now tried the URL and it is up and working fine. There is a note that said the
server was overloaded yesterday. Give it another shot
Ray

QUOTE: Originally posted by cheapfurcoat Hi all. Just joined here. Our shop can't locate a source for Revell Of Germany paints. I find the color chips in the RofG catalog to be pretty vague. Can anyone suggest a color made by either Testors or Tamiya that is close to the R of G Staubgrau, matt77 (Dust Grey) ? To me, it almost looks like a dark shade of taupe, but I thought I'd join here and get some expert advice before I start pouring paint bottles into each other like a mad scientist. Thanks...

Hey cheap-
Go to GreatModels and check out the Testor's Model Master german colors, specifically lichtgrau, dunkelgrun, etc. for the Type VII...

(where did they say to use staubgrau?).

BTW- wilkommen!

Samreichart,

Thanks for the info! That's the answer I was looking for. Also, it probably doesn't help much that some black and white films pick up red as black or dark gray! Can't trust those aquatint folks who made postcards and 'colored' photos either, like you said.
I'll keep your comments in mind. I like the red hull, but am thinking of all gray also. We'll see what crops up as I'm working.
Having a blast so far with the boat. I wonder if the blank circle on the ship's flag is also open for interpretation? I was thinking of drawing in a beer stein in it. Oh well, I guess these days PC reigns over historical accuracy.

Thanks again,

Ron

Hello everyone! Just a comment on the shipment on the 1/72nd scale u-boat. Received mine this week via parcel post. The kit arrived fine, but what I think might the the problem as to why some kits are getting damaged is because I feel Revell did a poor job of packing the model in the box. They could have used a better system of supporting the hull halves.

Squadron took good care of me. As stated in my earlier post my boat arrived with a damaged hull. I wrote them an email and they not only apologized but quickly sent me a replacement piece carefully packed at no charge. I'll order from them again!
Dave

Hello U-99!

My kit like all the U-BOOT kits that arrived to the hobby shop in one large box...and then!...in their OWN cardboard boxes.....Your right! ....Thats why I opened mine at the Hobby store....good thing I did!

The Hulls were seperated from those cardboard cutouts that seem to slide in on each other in the center of the box...leaving them to move around....EVEN!.....in the kit I brought home the very ends of the front Hull parts were turned a bit because they ride so close to the inner box ends.

Other than that.....I LOVE THIS KIT!!!!

At first I was planning on opening up a few hatches and building just what one would see from above.....but after looking at this AWESOME Model kit.....I'm just gonna to do some clean up....a bit of detail work ( around the bridge area ) and paint the hell out of her!!

I'm getting tired of all this SUPER DETAILING, kit bashing and spending 6 to 12 months on a model ....kinda takes the fun out of the hobby....kinda.

Build on guys!! .....and enjoy this beautiful U-BOOT!!

Hello everyone! On the subject of what color to paint the lower hull, I have built Revell's U-99 and painted the lower hull flat grey. On the flip side I built Revell's USS growler and painted its lower hull flat red. The paint contrast on the growler looks really good, however, I've never seen a German u-boat with a red lower hull either. Not to say that there never was one. I will be painting my 1/72nd scale u-boat with grey on the bottom.
Also, does anyone have any suggestions on neatly opening up all the water holes on the hull? Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!! DAS BOOT LIVES ON!!

there's a great thread with postings from a couple of guys in Europe on how they're building this model on the SubCommittee message board; her's the link-
http://www.subcommittee.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=6fbfd2808daa70f6ed6595ae266e7fbb;act=ST;f=21;t=80

links to pictures of the models are included in the posts - specifically from Ronald van Aalst, and wolfpack.

They show how they did their limber holes, vents, etc.

Hope this helps,
Sam

I opened the water holes on mine this weekend... well, the big ones at any rate! I used a dremel bit and ground away the inside until I could see the 'ghost' of the hole, then used an X-acto to finish it off. It worked very well. Of course I'll have to put in a 'block' inside to keep from looking straight though the boat on most of them.
If I were going to go after the smaller holes, I'd use a small drill bit and a jeweler's saw with a '0' (size zero) blade.

By the way, I know it's illegal to print swastikas in Germany... just kidding a bit, but I do like the idea of a beer stein in that little circle. hmmm.

Also, looking at old U-boat photos there was one in which the author commented on the 'dark gray' on the lower hull, which was darker than most of the other photos. Like I mentioned above, red registers as black on many black and white films.... Could this be the 'mystery red' hull? Anyhoo, I agree that although I've never seen reference to one, a red hull would look cool.

Are there any accounts from U-Boat crewmen who might remember red lower hulls?

Ron

Ron-
using an automated tool like a dremel is what the guys in Europe that posted to the SubCommittee website have used. Seems to be the only way to go.

Instead of a block, I'd consider using some sheet styrene that has been rolled, to give the impression of the cylindrical pressure hull that made up the Type VII. There are some great pictures of this in the "Anatomy of the Ship - Type VII", and in the "vom original zum modell- uboottyp VII" books.

sam

Thanks for the info Sam! I'll definetely check out that site. Also, Ron, thanks for the tips you gave. How long does it take to do one water hole? It looks like it could take a while to do the whole hull.

Paul

You/ve just got to see the latest U.L.A.D. decals for the VII-C. It has 15 individual markings and 9 camo plans, along with a painting guide. The decal sheet states it's "Part 3."

I saw it posted as Stock Number UL7203 at Squadron :(http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=UL7203). It offers some good options.

I remember UL7201 "Part 1" with the U-96 and other emblems, but has anyone seen a UL7202 "Part 2"?

"Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom...by Miracle!"

Call me crazy but I don't trust myself with a dremel tool. Too many times I have slipped when working with plastic.
I have been opening up the vent slots with various sized drill bits in a pin vise.
I drill 3 holes and then cut out the slot with an xacto knife.
It's slow going but I know I won't be screwing up anything. I did use the dremel on the vent holes around the rear torpedo opening, but only from the inside.

Guten tag herr modelers!

First I just wanna say....

I LOVE THIS KIT!!

I ordered my 'set 3' decals from the ULAD direct from germany using Pay Pal....he is a real nice guy!

I can not wait to start this project!!.....I'm gonna build mine as U-96

I really need to get a copy of this book: "Anatomy of the Ship - Type VII", I hear that its the best?

Ya!

QUOTE: Originally posted by Papa-Echo-64 Guten tag herr modelers! First I just wanna say.... I LOVE THIS KIT!! I ordered my 'set 3' decals from the ULAD direct from germany using Pay Pal....he is a real nice guy! I can not wait to start this project!!.....I'm gonna build mine as U-96 I really need to get a copy of this book: "Anatomy of the Ship - Type VII", I hear that its the best? Ya!

Not the best in terms of photographs, but it has good drawings of the hull, conning tower mods, etc. "vom original zum modell- uboottyp VII", although in German, has better photos. That book can be purchased from www.amazon.de

Anatomy of the Ship series is from Naval Institute Press, and I believe the Type VII book is out of print.

QUOTE: Originally posted by cheapfurcoat Call me crazy but I don't trust myself with a dremel tool. Too many times I have slipped when working with plastic. I have been opening up the vent slots with various sized drill bits in a pin vise. I drill 3 holes and then cut out the slot with an xacto knife. It's slow going but I know I won't be screwing up anything. I did use the dremel on the vent holes around the rear torpedo opening, but only from the inside.

hey cheap-
One of the guys I spoke of were opening theirs from the inside, as you described how you did the rear of your boat, using power tools. Once it's thinned out, it's like removing flash from the rest of the hole.

Sam and Uboat,

Thanks Sam, that's a good idea. I was also thinking of using some of the spare sprue to represent a shadow of the 'plumbing' under the deck.

Uboat, it took me two hours to do the holes on mine. Like I said, I did the big ones below the deck and in the stern. I didn't mess with the little ones along the bottom of the hull, I don't trust my Dremel tool skills enough for that!
It really looks good around the stern torpedo tube, you can see the faring through the openings (had to be 'trimmed to fit'). Another place is at the very bow of the boat, three holes that you'd be able to see through to the ones on the other side add a lot of depth to that area as well.
Like I said before, I'm usually an armor modeler, but have put aside other projects for this one. This kit is just a joy to do! (when I saw the price, I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was!!) Destined to become a classic kit.

Ron

Dremel...and sweat.....whats a little blood I say!

BUT!.....I need to know where the pressure hull is and is not.....cuz in some places one can see right through to the other side of the ship and I have also heard that a few of those holes were not 'holes' at all?

Thanks!

All the elaborate work and planning...all the enticing rumors...all the endless waiting for someone to produce a new PE or resin detail...all the $14 USD U-Boat emblem decal sets and crewmen...

It's starting to sound more like a bottomless money-hole, "work" or "one-upmanship" than "fun."

At the rate this is going and my finances are heading, I may just paint in the Salvation Army emblem on the conning tower, along with their motto: "Blood & Fire." Hmmm...that's actually a pretty impressive U-Boat theme! Maybe find a 1/72-scale brass band to set on deck with a collection pot. Could label it "the Salvation Navy in action. It could serve on "seek & destroy" missions to attack the U-Boats bearing the "Beerstein flag"!

"Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom...by Miracle!"

Papa-Echo-64,

Good questions! I'm wondering about some of that too. I'm sure I can 'imagine-eer' something that looks pretty good. Some things are givens, such as the ready ammo bin and hatchways into the sub, so those details are easy to represent. Good thing is, not many U-Boat experts come to my house and any detail is a welcome sight.

All in all, the project is coming along fine!

Ron

A very good book on all things technical about all U-boats is: "The U-Boat: The Evolution and Technical History of German Submarines" by Eberhard Rossler; Publisher: United States Naval Inst.; (February 1982); ASIN: 0870219669. It is nearly 400 pages in length and has many extensive illustrations and photos of all the variations of each type of boat. Some have even said it is too technical (a view I don't agree with; the more detail the better.) Be advised that this book lists for $60.00 US.

Another new book some of you may find interesting was released just this past month. The book is entitled "U-Boat War Patrol: The Hidden Photographic Diary of U-564" by Lawrence Paterson (ISBN: 185367575X). It contains over 250 photos and an accompanying narrative of a war patrol undertaken by U-564 (Type VIIC) under the command of Kapitänleutnant Reinhard "Teddy" Suhren to the Atlantic coast of North America and the Caribbean. Besides giving a rather good biography of Suhren, the book gives, through the pictures, a very good impression of daily life on the u-boats. The pictures were taken, ala "Das Boot", by a correspondent/propagandist and cover every aspect from setting out to sea to the return to port. Operations such as reloading torpedo tubes, bringing external torpedoes into the torpedo rooms, refueling at sea, rendezvous with sister boats and the various duties of the individual crew members are documented in full. There are even photos of Suhren, in pajamas, assisting in the repair of damage to part of the external hull. Since the narrative and photos are totally in sequence to the timeline of the actual events, there is a strong sense of "being there". For those of you who wish to add interior details, the photos may be of particular interest. I hope this helps.

Danke Herr Vienna!

Cool town! even better ULTRAVOX song!

In 'Grey Wolves of the Sea' German U-boat type VII by Heinz J. Nowarra
On page 30 ...I believe you can see that the pressure hull rounds out just about in the middle of the foward torpedo tubes.....but its hard to compare where the vent holes are.

Don't want to get sidetracked off the main topic here. But, I just wanted to mention if anyone has seen the latest DVD release of Das boot. Available May 31st. Running time is close to 300 minutes!
On the subject of opening the water holes on the hull, What tip do you use in the dremel tool for this?

That long DVD 'Das Boot' release includes the TV mini series as well.

I will probably use the larger size Dremel sanding wheel for thinning out the Vent holes from inside the HULL first .....after that... use a hobby knife to cut out the vent openings.....then using sand paper, clean up and level/even out the vent hoes after you can see whats going on inside the vent holes.

Hope that helps!

I used a dremel #131 High Speed Cutter. You can see what it looks like at:
http://toolsforless.com/cgi-bin/ToolList.pl?SoftCartCategory=AccessoriesHighSpeedCutterBits&mfr_name=Dremel

finished putting the boat together last night, now on to detailing, then painting! Fun kit!

Ron

Vienna, you... you... City person...! LOL. Recommend two knock out books and look what I have to do.. go out and spend money! I'm really looking forward to getting both of them and enjoying some evenings learning more about U-boats! Thanks much for the suggestions! (well, I guess that's what my National Guard pay is for, right?)

Ron

I cross posted this at another forum, RCgroups, and then the last post there just linked a German site for R/C conversion.

Now, for a price, you can run your 1/72nd scale u-boat on the local pond, or pool.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2072797#post2072797