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PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:23 pm 
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Greetings,

Originally issued by Frog many decades ago, this WIP involves the Modelcraft reissue from 1996. Firstly, this has to be one of the worst molded kits ever. This is not a kit that can be quickly or easily constructed - it demands many hours of tedious work and scratch building. Some of the parts are so poor, they really can't be cleaned up or corrected. Every one of the remaining parts required some work, in some cases significant modification, to be useable. In several instances, I decided to discard kit parts entirely and scratch build replacements as this was faster and easier than struggling with the kit parts. There is a PE set available for this kit from Atlantic Models, but I used 1/125 scale brass railings and other parts from Toms Model Works which helped tremendously. I also used similar scale photo etched inclined ladders I had in my spares bin (can't remember who made these). Many kit parts were improved with scratch built details or items from the spares bin. Although there are many faults with this old kit, it has great potential. If you enjoy scratch building and have lots of patience, this is a great project of a unique subject in a large scale.


The first set of images show how I started with the hull and used the kit deck parts as templates for styrene replacements. The upper section of the main deck with all of the pipe detail was completely scratch built and snaps tightly into place against inner alignment strips of styrene glued to the deck.


Attachments:
File comment: Kit hull parts glued together and cleaned up. Display mounting bolts added.
Hull 1.jpg
Hull 1.jpg [ 195.49 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
File comment: Replacement deck cut from styrene sheet.
IMG_0716.JPG
IMG_0716.JPG [ 192.32 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
File comment: Closer view of replacement deck and some other added details.
Added Frame Details 1.jpg
Added Frame Details 1.jpg [ 198.63 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
File comment: Another view of replacement deck and some other added details.
Added Frame Details 2.jpg
Added Frame Details 2.jpg [ 186.08 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
File comment: Scratch built upper section of deck with piping details.
Main Deck Structure 1.jpg
Main Deck Structure 1.jpg [ 191.07 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
File comment: Comparison of kit part and scratch built replacement.
Comparison Upper Main Deck 1.jpg
Comparison Upper Main Deck 1.jpg [ 199.33 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
File comment: Upper section of deck dry fitted to main deck.
Hull with Deck Overhead 1.jpg
Hull with Deck Overhead 1.jpg [ 197.66 KiB | Viewed 4811 times ]
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 5:05 pm 
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This next set of images show how I cut away the superstructure bulkhead from the kit parts and mated them to a styrene v-groove deck. The bridge windows are scratch built from strip styrene which are a vast improvement over the kit parts. Support beams were added under the deck. The flared lip on the top of the bridge wings was difficult to mate with the other parts and required a lot of careful sanding. Brass railing was added now to ease subsequent assembly. Holes drilled to accommodate mounting pins on various items of equipment to be added later.


Attachments:
File comment: Deck cut from V-groove styrene to simulate wood planking. Small tube piece is for alignment of funnel base.
Superstructure 1.jpg
Superstructure 1.jpg [ 184.09 KiB | Viewed 4798 times ]
File comment: Another view of deck.
Superstructure Deck 1.jpg
Superstructure Deck 1.jpg [ 184.86 KiB | Viewed 4798 times ]
File comment: Front view showing bridge windows and flare on top of bridge wings.
Superstructure Front 1.jpg
Superstructure Front 1.jpg [ 182.04 KiB | Viewed 4798 times ]
File comment: V-groove deck with brass railing. Note mounting alignment tabs.
Superstructure Main Deck 1.jpg
Superstructure Main Deck 1.jpg [ 193.03 KiB | Viewed 4798 times ]
File comment: Top of bridge with brass railing and v-groove deck.
Superstructure Roof 1.jpg
Superstructure Roof 1.jpg [ 186.65 KiB | Viewed 4798 times ]
File comment: Details of bracing parts.
Superstructure Underside 1.jpg
Superstructure Underside 1.jpg [ 187.72 KiB | Viewed 4798 times ]
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 5:23 pm 
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The base for the funnel was cut away from the kit part and will be used on the new v-groove deck with the modified kit funnel. Kit parts for the masts were greatly modified and enhanced with styrene bits, photo etch and parts from the spares bin. Small holes drilled now to accommodate subsequent rigging.


Attachments:
Funnel 1.jpg
Funnel 1.jpg [ 189.86 KiB | Viewed 4789 times ]
Funnel on Base 1.jpg
Funnel on Base 1.jpg [ 160.22 KiB | Viewed 4789 times ]
Foremast 1.jpg
Foremast 1.jpg [ 188.63 KiB | Viewed 4789 times ]
Main Mast 1.jpg
Main Mast 1.jpg [ 180.07 KiB | Viewed 4789 times ]
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 5:44 pm 
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Images of various deck fittings and equipment either scratch built or modified kit part.


Attachments:
File comment: Kit parts here needed much work and some modification.
Anchor Winch 1.jpg
Anchor Winch 1.jpg [ 161.26 KiB | Viewed 4786 times ]
File comment: Lot of work to get these kit parts useable. Maybe easier to just scratch build these?
Bollards 1.jpg
Bollards 1.jpg [ 159.4 KiB | Viewed 4786 times ]
File comment: More cleanup and modification needed to these kit parts. Some were entirely replaced.
Deck Fittings 1.jpg
Deck Fittings 1.jpg [ 143.51 KiB | Viewed 4786 times ]
File comment: These were really bad. I spent a long time cleaning these up, but it would have been better and faster to scratch build.
Kit Cable Reels 1.jpg
Kit Cable Reels 1.jpg [ 191.47 KiB | Viewed 4786 times ]
File comment: The kit parts here were not too bad and needed a minimal amount of work with some enhancements.
Life Boats and Davits 1.jpg
Life Boats and Davits 1.jpg [ 143.23 KiB | Viewed 4786 times ]
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:05 pm 
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The kit air vents were really rough. The smaller ones could not be used and had to be replaced with carefully curved and drilled solder. The larger kit vents were useable, but required a great of work.


Attachments:
File comment: heavily worked kit parts.
Modified Kit Air Vents 1.jpg
Modified Kit Air Vents 1.jpg [ 163.65 KiB | Viewed 4779 times ]
File comment: Scratch built from solder.
Scratch Built Air Vents 1.jpg
Scratch Built Air Vents 1.jpg [ 189.23 KiB | Viewed 4779 times ]
File comment: Can't remember who makes these!
Photo Etch Ladders 1.jpg
Photo Etch Ladders 1.jpg [ 194.47 KiB | Viewed 4779 times ]
File comment: Long pieces were scratch built from plastic coated wire.
Pipe 1.jpg
Pipe 1.jpg [ 146.58 KiB | Viewed 4779 times ]
File comment: Valve wheels are from spares bin (I think they are old railroad detail parts). The bases are the cut off torpedo ends from the Revell U-47 kit.
Valve Wheels and Bases 1.jpg
Valve Wheels and Bases 1.jpg [ 189.14 KiB | Viewed 4779 times ]
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:15 pm 
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Some images showing most of the parts dry fitted. Apologies for poor alignment of parts and dust in these dry fit images. PE ladders need trimming to mate with railing, some of which not shown in these photos. Some more clean up and minor work needed before spraying primer.


Attachments:
Dry Fit 1.jpg
Dry Fit 1.jpg [ 181.26 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
Dry Fit 2.jpg
Dry Fit 2.jpg [ 168.91 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
Dry Fit 3.jpg
Dry Fit 3.jpg [ 180.88 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
Dry fit 4.jpg
Dry fit 4.jpg [ 180.81 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
Dry Fit 5.jpg
Dry Fit 5.jpg [ 185 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
Dry Fit 6.jpg
Dry Fit 6.jpg [ 174.82 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
Dry Fit Closeup 1.jpg
Dry Fit Closeup 1.jpg [ 155.94 KiB | Viewed 4776 times ]
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 8:05 am 
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Nice work. Are you going to put a crew on it?


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PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 8:18 am 
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Looks good: Your work has really dressed this old kit up nicely. A few crew members manning a valve or standing around smartly would really enhance it.
Looks great.

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PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:58 pm 
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very very impressive work!

I built this kit back in 1998 --way before the AtlanticModels PE...

looking at your superb work..
alas it does show now! :cool_2:

I am watching this !

Jim Baumann

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PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:29 pm 
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Location: Nr Southampton England
with the internet now

there are a surprising number of reasonable quality photos of the real thing on-line

I googled shell welder coastal tanker

and there are some most helpful images
!
here is a nice one

Jim Baumann

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 2:26 pm 
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Thanks everyone for having a look and for your comments! I do plan on including crew figures with this build and will probably use the 1/125 scale figures from the Revell U-47 kit. They are almost the same scale and look correct on the model.

Cheers,

Bill


Attachments:
File comment: Sample of the crew figures from the Revell 1/125 U-47 kit.
IMG_0764 1.jpg
IMG_0764 1.jpg [ 197.95 KiB | Viewed 4561 times ]
File comment: Crew member on deck
IMG_0767 1.jpg
IMG_0767 1.jpg [ 166.15 KiB | Viewed 4561 times ]
File comment: Crew member on the bridge wing.
IMG_0766 1.jpg
IMG_0766 1.jpg [ 161.75 KiB | Viewed 4561 times ]
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 8:37 pm 
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Greetings,

Thanks to all for having a look and for the comments. Please have a look at these new images of current progress. Most of the major painting is done. Smaller parts, additional railings, ladders, crew figures, rigging and minor details will come next followed by some subtle weathering and washes. The kit decal for the funnel cracked apart in the water, but I was able to save it. I hope the other decals will be easier.

Your questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome.

Cheers,

Bill


Attachments:
File comment: Nice colour photo of Shell Welder. This will be my colour guide for painting.
shell welder colour.jpg
shell welder colour.jpg [ 189.75 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Side view of painted lower superstructure.
Side view of SS.jpg
Side view of SS.jpg [ 104.53 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Lower superstructure with painted wood deck.
SS top angle.jpg
SS top angle.jpg [ 115.85 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Another view.
SS top view.jpg
SS top view.jpg [ 129.56 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Superstructure major parts painted and dry fitted.
SS complete.jpg
SS complete.jpg [ 131.61 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: View of painted aft hull and superstructure.
Aft deck top view 1.jpg
Aft deck top view 1.jpg [ 127.88 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Another view.
Aft deck top view 2.jpg
Aft deck top view 2.jpg [ 136.13 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Side view.
Aft side view.jpg
Aft side view.jpg [ 118.02 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: View of the deck.
Deck side view 2.jpg
Deck side view 2.jpg [ 106.68 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
File comment: Another deck image.
Deck top view 1.jpg
Deck top view 1.jpg [ 118.48 KiB | Viewed 4367 times ]
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 8:43 pm 
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Some more images of current progress:


Attachments:
File comment: View of the forward deck.
Forward deck 1.jpg
Forward deck 1.jpg [ 103.53 KiB | Viewed 4365 times ]
File comment: Another view.
Forward deck top view 1.jpg
Forward deck top view 1.jpg [ 101.79 KiB | Viewed 4365 times ]
File comment: Final image for this session.
Forward side view 1.jpg
Forward side view 1.jpg [ 112.45 KiB | Viewed 4365 times ]
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 9:14 pm 
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Truly great work. Nice to see another tanker project.


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PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 11:19 am 
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HI RDS
Great work :thumbs_up_1: very nice to see
cheers
Nicolas

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PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 8:39 pm 
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Thanks everyone for having a look and for the comments!

More progress images to share today. Most of the major work is done now and some of the details have been started. Some of the parts in the photo are only dry fitted at this point, so please ignore any odd alignments. Apologies for any out of focus images and bits of dust in some of the photos, I should have cleaned these up!

Your comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome!

Cheers,

Bill


Attachments:
File comment: Mid deck area showing pipes and valves. Mast and davits are dry fitted.
IMG_0834 a.jpg
IMG_0834 a.jpg [ 169.69 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: General view forward. Some deck equipment still missing at this point.
IMG_0835 a.jpg
IMG_0835 a.jpg [ 165.88 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: General view aft - several items remain to be fitted.
IMG_0836 a.jpg
IMG_0836 a.jpg [ 198.86 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: Closer view of the mid deck area in low angle sunlight which helps show the raised pipe work.
IMG_0837 a.jpg
IMG_0837 a.jpg [ 183.54 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: Another mid deck low angle sunlight view.
IMG_0839 a.jpg
IMG_0839 a.jpg [ 185.24 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: Forward view with mast. The inclined ladder is dry fitted. The kit did not include a bell, so I made one from the spares bin and some brass wire.
IMG_0840 a.jpg
IMG_0840 a.jpg [ 194.87 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: Aft area - the mast is dry fitted and a bit askew in this image. Some equipment items missing.
IMG_0842 a.jpg
IMG_0842 a.jpg [ 180.95 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
File comment: Another view aft. Some photos of Shell Welder show small signal/search lights on the bridge wings. The kit does not include these, so I made two - this image shows one dry fitted.
IMG_0843 a.jpg
IMG_0843 a.jpg [ 181.71 KiB | Viewed 4096 times ]
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 9:03 pm 
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Some additional images . . . . .


Attachments:
File comment: I am not sure what function the structure with the three circles serves. Some other builds of this kit show these circles with colours, so I did the same!
IMG_0844 a.jpg
IMG_0844 a.jpg [ 186.26 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: A closer image of the scratch built bell which is seen in photos, but not included in the kit.
IMG_0845 a.jpg
IMG_0845 a.jpg [ 172 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: Image of the bow area.
IMG_0846 a.jpg
IMG_0846 a.jpg [ 176.42 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: View of the circle structure, valves and "No Smoking" decal taken from an old B-29 kit.
IMG_0848 a.jpg
IMG_0848 a.jpg [ 186.2 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: Another view in low angle sunlight which helps show the raised pipe work and vales.
IMG_0847 a.jpg
IMG_0847 a.jpg [ 175.15 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: Image of the scratch built bridge wing light.
IMG_0849 a.jpg
IMG_0849 a.jpg [ 193.57 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: View of the mast boom support. The kit includes a support which I did not like very much so I made this one.
IMG_0850 a.jpg
IMG_0850 a.jpg [ 164.68 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: Aft view with one of the kit cable reels. Even with a great deal of clean up work, these kit parts are not very good.
IMG_0852 a.jpg
IMG_0852 a.jpg [ 150.06 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
File comment: Image showing the scratch built navigation light.
IMG_0851 a.jpg
IMG_0851 a.jpg [ 177.09 KiB | Viewed 4090 times ]
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 9:09 pm 
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Final set of photos for today!


Attachments:
IMG_0855 a.jpg
IMG_0855 a.jpg [ 150.94 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0856 a.jpg
IMG_0856 a.jpg [ 148.66 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0857 a.jpg
IMG_0857 a.jpg [ 149.56 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0858 a.jpg
IMG_0858 a.jpg [ 148.72 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0859 a.jpg
IMG_0859 a.jpg [ 151.68 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0860 a.jpg
IMG_0860 a.jpg [ 146.72 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0862 a.jpg
IMG_0862 a.jpg [ 163.37 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0864 a.jpg
IMG_0864 a.jpg [ 140.48 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0865 a.jpg
IMG_0865 a.jpg [ 161.15 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
IMG_0868 a.jpg
IMG_0868 a.jpg [ 149.11 KiB | Viewed 4087 times ]
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PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2015 12:49 am 
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The proverbial silk purse from a sow's ear! :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:


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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 8:50 am 
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Yes, this really is a difficult kit to work with. Every part was flawed to some degree with many being very poor and/or unusable. Replacing many of the major components helps a great deal along with scratch building and items from spares bin. The photo etch from Toms Modelworks in 1/125 scale is working, but the PE set specific for this kit from Atlantic Models is probably a better way to go. Despite all of these issues, I am pleased so far with the results.

Cheers,

Bill


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