I have finished all the PE cable reels for the Z-31. The plastic kit parts are good but the PE ones are much better.
I just use black plastic rod and cut about 50 times to get the right length the set up my chopper to that length and walla a little liquid glue and its done, Now, where did I put that steel color fly tying wire.

Great Job Harry! Only 50 more to go! Keep it going!

Actually 50, is the number of times I have to cut the spacer rod for the cable reels

Only 15 reels need to be made. Thank goodness.

On a side note. I do not much care for the life rafts included in the kit. So I ordered the two(2) new NorthStar Kriegsmarine life rafts type SA1bVW58 and SA1bVW55. Should be here by the weekend. They looked pretty good in the photos. I will do a little review for the site after I receive them.

Hi All,
Got a little paint work done.
Did not like the AK, so I went with LifeColor 50 & 51.



And the deck painted with RAL7024 looks the part.

Very nice paint job, Harry, the scheme and the colors look spot on!

Cheers,
Jan

Thank you Jan.

I have been thinking about the Z-31 diorama and after rummaging through dozens of kits looking for one a friend wanted, I came across this little jewel. AFV Club 1/350 German U-Boat Type VII C/41, Kit # SE3504. I will use this to go along with the Z-31 in the harbor diorama. I think the biber being loaded onto the sub will make a point of interest in the diorama.

The kit is very good indeed. I can see no reason to use the PE parts provided in the kit as the plastic ones are very well made. The kit parts are flash free and no sink marks can be found.

The only add-ons I will use are:
ABER turned brass German Torpedo's
ABER turned brass German Periscope set

Oh...I remember that kit very well - I did it in between my Belfast and Hood builds, as a 'quick one'. It's on the Silent Service Campaign somewhere in the middle...

I wish you luck!! - maybe I just had bad luck, but the kit wasn't as easy as I supposed, even though all individual detail and the mold are very fine and high quality.

In building the hull from those four main parts, I got a real bad seam all the way across the outer hull, that took me some time, patience, filler and sanding to overcome... I'm really interested to see if this was just my kit or if you are running into the same thing...

Cheers,
Jan

Hallo Jan

Luckily, I will only need the waterline version as the U-boat is going in my harbor dio.
But I can see where if you miss an alinement you would have a problem I did a test shot and it seems to me the best way to proceed would be glue the lower hull half's to the the top piece then glue the hull seams together,.

Hi Harry,

Great job on the camo, looks very crisp indeed.

The AFV U boats are really nice, and the waterline options is a great touch, as is the pair of Bibers.

Diorama plans sound interesting, looking forward to seeing them come to fruition.

Cheers

Si

Hi Simon, Thank you.
Now all I need to do is figure out how best to produce some RR cars in resin.
I have the 1/350 European Dock set well underway. I also need to make a barge for the diorama.

Hi All,

I will start on the torpedo's for the Biber's tonight.
ABER L-61 and now for the shameful plug. Yes, there are available on my website.

I received a surprise package today. New kits from Trumpeter.
I would do a review, but my reviews seem to just.......

Got some work done on the U-Boat will post later.

Those torpedoes look a bit good Harry,

Nice haul as well, the Danton looks very interesting.

Cheers

Si

Hi Simon,

Yes, it looks to be a very nice kit. Have not had too much time to look at it closely as I am trying to get ready for the show Oct. 8th. So much to do, so little time.

Will let you know how she is when I have some time to examine the kit.

Hi Everyone,

Did a little work on the U-boat
I did forget to note that this is U-1023
A rather interesting paint job:
DKM 23
DKM 53
DKM 58-1
Teerfirnis or Tf99

Hi All,

The NorthStar 1/350 DKM rafts came yesterday.
Very nice details!!
Sorry about the pictures. I have never been good with a camera.
Will get back to modeling after the show this weekend.

Hi Harry,
I just moved to Colorado Springs, and I'm not a member of High Plains Modelers...is the event on October 8 High Plains Con XXVII open to the general public?
Thanks,
Andrew

Great looking ship, by the way.

Hi Andrew,

Thank You.

Yes, it is open to everyone IPMS or not.
Stop by and see me. I will be at the venders table and most likely judge the ships.

Here is a link to the site:
Club website and directions:
http://highplainscon.blogspot.com/

Hallo Harry,

nice work on different frontiers, the life rafts look good! I think I will get some should I start one of my DD's...

You should be fine with your VII c sub if you go for waterline!

Cheers,
Jan

Hallo Jan,

Thanks, yes she will be waterline.
Will post some photos Sunday.

This came today so I can check-up on the Blücher.
BTW, great reference!
Thanks for the book tip Simon.

Back to work on this one also.
Photos soon.

Harry,

Glad to see this one back in the shipyard. Looking forward to seeing how he comes together

Dave

Thanks Dave.

Summer is my slow time, so I have time to build.

Working on the sub, hoping to have it ready for the show in Oct.

Adding the ABER barrels and periscopes now.

Very interesting build. Gonna follow.

Thanks guys.

All nice and glossy with the oil washes.
Now on to the PE and Brass.

Harry,

good to see some progress here as well!! The sub looks really cool, I'm looking forward to see your dio grow!

Cheers,
Jan