[quote]Hi Al,

If I don't have a spare white ensign the right size in the decal box, I have an image file with an ensign on it, I am not up to speed on decal printing, but that would work, or onto thin paper, actually thin paper even doubled might be more scale in 1/35th.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

[Si quote]

Thanks Simon, I think that one printed on thin paper would be perfect. When using a decal, I usually apply it to a piece of aluminum foil that has been given a coat of primer on one side. It gives strength to the decal and allows me to shape it, making it 'wavy'. Al

Picked up the nameplate and attached it to the base today.



Of the three X-craft that participated in "Operation Source", the attack on Tirpitz, I always felt that the crew of X-5 and her commander got short changed by the Admiralty. While the captains and crews of X-6 & X-7 were decorated for their role in the attack, X-5 was merely "Mentioned in Dispatches". So, I decided to pay homage to them in my own small way.



Here's to them, a gallant crew. Al

The officer has reported aboard, despite some weather related problems during painting. The heat and humidity we're experiencing played hob with the paint. I had to strip the first attempt from off of his head. I use acrylics, so a little scrubbing with Windex under warm water took it down to the white enamel primer coat. The second attempt was much more successful.







I'm quite happy with the way he turned out in the end. I had originally planned on using two figures, but after reconsideration, decided to go with only the one for now. So I think I'm calling this one finished. Despite a few minor shortcomings, I enjoyed this build immensely and would recommend this kit to anyone interested in the subject, or submarines in general.

To close, I just couldn't resist a couple of photos with two of the X-craft's German counterparts, both from Bronco, both also 1/35. First, the Type XXVIIB two man boat.





Secondly, the slightly larger Type XXIII coastal sub.



One thing I find interesting about the two German boats is that they both carry the same armament, two torpedoes. I'll leave you with one last picture posed next to another British warrior. I was a little surprised at the size of the X-craft, having pictured it in my mind as being a little smaller.



These two boats share a little something in common (besides being British). If you look closely at the Vosper, in particular at the fellow standing next to the gun tub. You'll see that except for a head switch, he's the same as the one on the X-craft. Thanks for looking, as always any comments or questions are welcomed. Al

Hi Al,

Your craftsmanship is outstanding as always. Great X-craft!

For what it's worth, I think you made the right call in using just the one figure - it looks perfect!

Thanks for the kind words, Tim. It's funny, but I think that there's a kind of 'feng shui' to a model, or diorama. A balance of sorts, and the second figure didn't look right to me. He just didn't fit. Down the road, if I find one that looks 'right', I might add another. I've done it before, sometimes quite a while after the model was "finished"! Did it with the Vosper MTB, kept looking at it and thought, there's an empty spot, it needs another figure here. Al

Congratulations on commissioning, your X-Craft turned out a stunning build! Very nice touch with the officer on the boat, and overall really fine work with weathering and bringing out details!

Very nice comparison with the other boats, as well - puts it in perspective very nicely!

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks, Jan. It was a fun project from start to finish. Now I just need a Japanese Type 'A' Midget in 1/35 to complete my collection. It would be a pretty substantial model in this scale. The actual boats were around 78 feet (23.9 Meters) long, so a model would be almost 2 feet. Al

Great job Al,

really brought the little craft to life, concrats on commissioning. nice 1/35th marine collection.

Cheers

Si

Thanks Si, Appreciate the compliment. I've got a small flotilla going in 1/35. Three MTB's completed and a S-boat under construction, three subs and an Italian manned torpedo. Plus a couple of landing craft and a PBR in the stash. Always room for one or two more though. Al