Well, since it's been nearly a year since I actually completed a model (April last year, I believe, when I finished the Boulton Paul Defiant) I thought it would be a good idea to take 2 weeks off from the Prinz and rip through this little kit from AFV of a type XXI U-boat!

This is a straight up OOB build, no aftermarket or PE of any kind!

So the start date was on the 16th of February and with only two sprues and one page of instructions I was off and running!

Starting shots


a bit of wrangling, sanding clamping

The part fit sure wasn't perfect. One half was quite badly bent and shorter than the other, so some cursing and clamping was required along with several glueing sessions to gradually bring the two halves together.

After a few days I had the major assemblies ready (there's only 2, hull and conning tower)



the deck was also quite badly warped and needed wrestling into place and some plastic sheet shimmed into the gaps

The props were as thick as and needed some serious thinning down. Here they are ready for paint.


The next update should see this one finished all being well. The decal sheet looks very sus! Hopefully it can be salvaged!

And that will see me complete my first model for this year!
The Prinz will be number 2 and the King number 3!

Russell,

It is looking real good. Looking forward to seeing some paint
on her.

Cheers,
joe

Russell,

Great choice for a short hiatus from other major works.

Look forward to seeing this come together.

Dave

Thanks for dropping by and having a look guys!

first coats of paint went on last night, and it's all ready to be masked up for the second

Nice work Russ,

it is a great little kit,

Cheers

Si

Thanks mate!

second colour went on tonight

Go Russ, go! It is fun to get one finished quickly in amongst all our more elaborate creations, isn't it?

It sure is Tim!

Clear coats and decals this week for a weekend finish methinks

Cool very cool fun indeed Russell.

Cheers


Sean

Hi Russ,

this truly is a good therapy, as you know I did something very similar!! Enjoy your special 'time off'! -and a pretty nice build, by the way!!

Cheers,
Jan

Thank you Sean




Totally agree Jan. A bit of 'time off' and just making a model (as opposed to a marathon kit) is a good way to clean the jets

7th March update

Well just a little over 2 weeks and this one's done and dusted and commissioned! I think it's just what the doctor ordered in order to blow those modelling cobwebs away!

It's the first model I've finished this year, and, the first model I've finished within the last 12 months since I last completed the BP Defiant!

Now, I'm itching to get back onto the Prinz and finish him!

But first, pictures.

First colour on (Schiffsbodenfarbe III Grau from Colourcoats)

masked and 2nd colour on (Dunkelgrau 51 from Colourcoats)


assembled


Before the decals went on a coat of Humbrol Gloss Coat went on to provide a gloss coat for the decals.
The decals were all dried out and I had to soak them in Decal set from Humbrol to get them to soften before I could attempt to apply them.
After this was done a final coat of Humbrol Matt Coat went on
and then it was set on the base which I did in gold with a black wash to give it a bit of pop and propellers were added. I did the propellers in Aluminium as I understand Brass was in short supply by the time these came to the yards.
Pictures!














And just for size comparison, up against the Type VIIC!

I would be sorely tempted if a Type XXI was released in 1/72!

Any how, off to crack a few metaphorical to commission U-2540 and plan my next moves on the Prinz!
(metaphorical cos the doc has put me on antibiotics to try to shift a lurgy that's been stowing away for the last couple of weeks! )

Thanks again for looking!

See you in the dockyards!

Hi Russ,

That's one nice, clean - and FAST- build!

Russell,
You have done a super job on that type XXI...I really like!

Any plans to add some weathering?




There is rumor that Revell has plans for one!...let us see if
that happens.

Cheers,
Joe

Very tidy job Russ,

Congratulations on commissioning. Nice to take a break for that sort of build now and again.

cheers

Si

Russell,

Great work on a really cool subject. Would love to see you build this in 1/72 scale.

Now im looking forward to your progress on the Prinz

Dave

Thanks Tim! Speed was paramount in this build!




Thanks Joe No weathering though-my fleets all museum style so the only weathering they get is a fine coat of household dust

I have heard those rumors about a 1/72 Type XXI... hmmm




Thanks Si indeed it is!




Thanks Dave on second thoughts 1/72 may not make it past "her indoors" at 1.1metres (3ft) long... Maybe I'll pursue some RN subs from Mikromir for now

Got some bench time in on the Prinz last night-4hours for 2 railings and a platform-Grrr!