Calling all RAN Collins-class fans

[Raverdave]

Now that Showcase models have released a 1/350 model of the RAN Collins class submarines (SSG) I think that it is appropriate that we open up a thread for this class of boats.

[mongo580]

Good work Dave. I was looking for a thread of this creature and surprised there wasn't one.

[Raverdave]

And to get the ball rolling.....here are some pictures.

[Raverdave]

Here are some pics of my build.

[Raverdave]

All done!

[Dave Rowe]

Looks good Dave. What's the kit like?

[Raverdave]

The kit is very good and fits well.....the decals are a dream. One word of warning.....I had paint lift off after masking which happens very rarely to me.....maybe there was some mould release agent residue....anyway, for my second kit, I'll be giving it a good wash in some soapy water.

Seams are good and the kit fits very well with no filling required. The single piece conning tower is a great idea and even better being all in clear styrene.....as there are three sections that need to be left " clear". Very well thoughtful of the maker!

There have been some minor grumbles in local circles about the price....$25 Aussie...but measured against the cost of resin variations of the model....it is very cheep IMHO.

I would recommend it to you.

Cheers.

[nosaj1976]

G'Day Raverdave,

I just got delivery of my Showcase Collins and yes I am new to this forum and also my first post. I have never built anything from the maritime genre so this is going to be my first attempt. I work for a naval contractor who supply components for the collins class and my boss has asked me to build this kit for the front reception area in the office but I am going to build this one hopefully in the water which I have not done before either. So I have a few question for yourself or anyone how can answer them.

- What is the closest "Black" to the Collins Class in Tamiya, Humbrol, Mr.Hobby and what is as better effect Matt, Stain
- I noticed with your build you have a lot of greyed out areas the boats that I have been on mostly have been in the water
straight out of mid cycle docking at Garden Island haven't had that grey appearance and the bubble panels on the sides have had a
slight olive drab look what would be the right colour scheme....as I want to get this right

So any help would be greatly appreciated and is there any threads on this fourm on how to create realistic water.

[Raverdave]

Hmmm....for some reason my last post (above) was listed as "guest".

[Timmy C]

So any help would be greatly appreciated and is there any threads on this fourm on how to create realistic water.

Here you go: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37923

[Dave Rowe]

The kit is very good and fits well.....the decals are a dream. One word of warning.....I had paint lift off after masking which happens very rarely to me.....maybe there was some mould release agent residue....anyway, for my second kit, I'll be giving it a good wash in some soapy water.

Seams are good and the kit fits very well with no filling required. The single piece conning tower is a great idea and even better being all in clear styrene.....as there are three sections that need to be left " clear". Very well thoughtful of the maker!

There have been some minor grumbles in local circles about the price....$25 Aussie...but measured against the cost of resin variations of the model....it is very cheep IMHO.

I would recommend it to you.

Cheers.

Cheers Dave

[Raverdave]

G'day nosaj1976, and welcome to the forum!

To answer your question, they are not really black...see the pics below. I have no doubt that fresh out of the builders yard that they are an overall black, but once they get in salt water, well you can see the effects below. The other thing to keep in mind is that the casing is made up of a number of differing materials, as as a result will have differing colours. Again I refer you to the pics.
However for a model as you plan to use it, as a reception model at work, I would simply dispense with all of the mottles and shades and just do a simple black. The average person who walks into your office will still "Ooo" and "Ahhh" over it. Keep the complex shades and weathering for your own collection.

The pictures of the model that I have posted, was a rush build (one day) to submit it in time for the Melbourne model expo which is running this weekend. I have a second kit that I plan to take my time with an get it spot-on.

[Pappy]

G'day all,

it has been a while since I have been on here,

here are some pics of my Showcase Models 1/350 Collins













cheers,

Pappy

[krgf15]

Thats a nice build. I have been wanting this class, but I was wondering which kit is better? the showcase or the OKB kit?

[Pappy]

Thats a nice build. I have been wanting this class, but I was wondering which kit is better? the showcase or the OKB kit?

G'day,

I can't speak for 100% accuracy, but the OKB is about twice the price (in Oz anyway) but I don't think it is twice as good!.

The Showcase kit includes a clear styrene sail, which means you just have to mask out the windows and hey presto, they are done. There is a little bit of brass included and being an injected kit, it was an easy build. Mine went together in a weekend. I intend to build another and I don't fancy dealing with resin dust.

Ultimately, you pays yer money you takes yer choice!

cheers,

Pappy

[Ironoutlaw]

Hi Folks

That third pic of the Collins Class shows the crew wearing grey Pro-Bans, not black ones, or is it the new cammo uniform?

I am actually ex Army and a Vietnam vet, but back in 2000 I became an instructor with Navy Cadets and managed to arrange a day at sea for myself, one other instructor and 10 cadets on HMAS Sheean in Feb 2003.

Cheers

Brad

[Pappy]

Hi Folks

That third pic of the Collins Class shows the crew wearing grey Pro-Bans, not black ones, or is it the new cammo uniform?

I am actually ex Army and a Vietnam vet, but back in 2000 I became an instructor with Navy Cadets and managed to arrange a day at sea for myself, one other instructor and 10 cadets on HMAS Sheean in Feb 2003.

Cheers

Brad

G'day Brad,

I have no idea what Pro-Bans are (I am mainly a jet guy) so the uniforms my crew are wearing are really a sort of best guess. MY Collins is actually the Sheehan! Did you get to submerge!

cheers,

Pappy

[Haijun watcher]

For those following the actual subs...

...a mishap plagues an RAN Collins class sub:

Defense Industry Daily

Feb 27/14: HMAS Waller. The submarine HMAS Waller, fresh out of scheduled maintenance, experiences a fire while traveling on the surface. Nobody dies or is injured, but 4 sailors are helicoptered off for observation. The Navy is still looking into the cause. Sources: Australian DoD, �Fire onboard Royal Australian Navy submarine�.

[Raverdave]

Hi Folks

That third pic of the Collins Class shows the crew wearing grey Pro-Bans, not black ones, or is it the new cammo uniform?


Cheers

Brad

Hi Brad,

I think that they are wearing the navy camo.

Cheers

[MPi-KM]

What is the pole/tube that sticks out from the stern above the propeller for?