U-Boat Diorama
I was in my local model shop recently, and I found myself overcome by a mad impulse to buy a big naval kit. They have a wide selection of large-scale WWII ships, mostly on the top shelves and covered in dust. I spied a 1:72 Type IX kit for a bargain price, and quickly snapped it up. But what then? I already have a small-scale U-boat kit from last Christmas. I decided to turn this one into a diorama of a U-boat arriving back after a successful patrol. This would involve cutting the hull in half, and setting it in plaster or some other such water substitute - a suitable challenge!
I spent far more on the bits for the diorama than the actual model, in part because of the cost of the Andrea Miniatures crew models. These were soul-rendingly expensive for their size, and I initially baulked and got some cheap plastic 1:72 crew. However, when they arrived they were of very low quality, and I decided to get the Andrea ones. I was glad I did, despite the cost, as they were some of the most detailed sculpts I've ever seen, period. Including FW kits.
Das Boot! |
You can see the basic plan here. U-boat, on a plank of wood, with a beam to represent the harbour. |
Six tubes of adhesive putty - expensive and heavy, but easy to work with and incredibly durable when it (finally) dries. It does crack very badly when it dries, but no matter, because ... |
... I used water-based surface filler for the water. I'm going to seal it with a nice thick coat of PVA. |
Thanks for stopping by!
Ed
Now that is kool. with a k.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to seeing the coastal command diorama using the other bit of the hull and some kriegsmarine in dingies.
I love this idea soooooooo much!
DeleteMake it challenging: use a nice and fiddly 1:72 Supermarine Walrus or somesuch!
[That said, the RAF S&R launches were reather aesthetically pleasing little boats...]
Thanks chaps! Zzzz, there you go, putting dangerous ideas into my head ... this essay will never get written! Drax, is that the Heath Robinson-looking contraption? I got frustrated enough doing this quite simple kit, I think that would just about finish me off! Cheers guys.
DeleteO! This is very kool indeed! Ambitious too! Bravo.
ReplyDeleteThankyou, my dear fellow. Yes, it pushed the boundaries a little so I'm sticking to simple painting. So I don't make a pig's breakfast out of it all.
DeleteDang! That's one big kit - really dig where you're going with it, can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteThat is my biggest concern - what on earth to do with it all? I have nowhere to keep this (hence all the photos taken balanced on my chair) - I'm going to have to clear a bookshelf for this beast.
DeleteAmbitious indeed - looks fantastic though Col.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you used for the balctop of the wharf?
Thanks mate, yes, despite some close moments I'm pleased with how it looks at this stage. Oh, I almost forgot - that's some spray-on texture gravel I got from B&Q, a real bargain and great for doing terrain.
DeleteImpulse buys - they can often the most rewarding and equally the most frustrating of any projects. Looking forward to seeing the completed model.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Matt
Thanks Matt - yes, it's all a bit unplanned but something a little different. The first coat is drying as I type!
DeleteSeriously cool! I've thought about doing something like this a few times myself, quite intimidating :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Al - I think the only reason I really got started is that it was all on an impulse. Like flying is supposed to be: if I started to think about it I'd probably loose the knack and fall out the sky.
Delete