1/25 Russian armored patrol boat Bronekater BK 1125 (WWII)

[Reid]

looks good steve... can't wait to see the beast @ hansen!!

[Sauragnmon]

Just wondering... you said there were two turrets in your plan, two T-34 style turrets, and yet I haven't seen a second turret in any of the images of your working plans. Where's the second turret to be mounted?

Completely aside, beautiful work!

[U812]

This boat had so many variations. Many with two turrets. I opted for the single turret but anyone who builds this kit of course can bash it any way they like.

Thanks for the kind comments!

Steve

[Sauragnmon]

Cool, I'd be more tempted to consider it in 1/35 and potentially with T-34/85 turrets... just because I like the 85 turrets more, the blocky section under the mantlet always had me a little off. I could have sworn you'd said two turrets, but hey, people can change their minds.

[U812]

As it is this boat is a bit small. I did consider 1/16 to match the common RC tank scale. At 1/32 she only comes out as I recall to about 26 inches. At 1/35 even smaller making it difficult to run well in anything but smooth water at the local lake.

This 1/72 Arkona I built recently as an RC conversion surprised me though. Only 15 inches long. It was a rough day on it's first outing but then again it's a SAR!

Thanks for the input.

Steve

[U812]

Progress has been good today and faster than I had originally thought. Using the styrene works well and you can bend it around curves well with the heat gun. If it gets the dented look no problem for this boat. The real boat had more.

I prefer the look to perfectly pristine hulls. As we all know, especially with WW2 boats this was not the case. Kills the toy look and brings out the scale.

Thought I'd make a quick post of the progress thus far today before I finish of the broad sides. Tomorrow I'll do the bottom. Then the wonderful of riveting will begin this week.

More tonight,

Steve

[Reid]

aahhh i see save bow for last? LOL... sorry i haven't been around much school takes up way too much time to have fun

[U812]

Yes working from the stern to the bow is best I think. Almost done with the sides. Bottom tomorrow. Pictures later this evening.

Lets play Red Orchestra soon Reid.

Steve

[U812]

Finished the sides. Some tidding up will need to be done. A bit of sanding and some filling but not much. But first tomorrow I will get the bottom done. Sp far my panels are correct and even both sides.

More tomorrow.

Steve

[Reid]

COOL!! was it hard to shape them for the bow?? how about later today... maybe 6ish i will let ya know if anything happenes

[U812]

Thanks Reid.

Steve

[U812]

Hull plating done except the stern which won't take long. Then to preen it. Sand. A bit of filling and correcting. I'm hoping to start the welds tomorrow.

I'll use thin half round styrene strips and plastic weld to soften them and work the weld look into them with a metal tool. Once that's done I'll move on to the
side and deck rails. Port holes and then the terrible rivets!

More tomorrow.

Steve

[U812]

Got all the welds on today. Had to primer it to see what I was dealing with as the combination of the black styrene and filler was making it
difficult.

The welds need to be sanded down more and smugged with a hot metal tool. A bit more sanding and light filling and it's time to move on to the
rivets. I'm very happy with her so far.

Steve

[Reid]

that primer sure makes a difference!! looks awesome!!!

[U812]

Thanks Reid!!

Steve

[herrmill]

Looking good Steve!

[U812]

Thanks Chuck. Been working on the welds all day. Near have them roughed up. A bit of sanding down and smoothing next. Then the rivets I promise!

Steve

[herrmill]

Better get busy... Victory Day is just around the corner!

I sent Reid some info on the G5 & came across a rather interested site for Soviet small patrol craft that I'll send your way for future reference.

Chuck

[Reid]

this is going to be SOOO much to weather!!! Great job steve
chuck.. i posted in RCgroups

[Edward Pinniger]

I'll be following this thread closely, I've always been interested in these "tank gunboats". If I ever get some spare 1/35 or 1/24 T-34 turrets I might try scratchbuilding one myself! It's definitely looking good so far - the welded panels on the hull look very effective and realistic. (It looks like Lindberg's mould designer must have originally been employed building these boats)