Hello!

My name is Benjamin and I'm superdetailholic. I met Blaster at Squadron and he was kind enough to invite me to this forum.

I bought the Revell 1/72 VIIC Sub this weekend at Squadron open house and I'm very excited to start this project.

After spending hours online doing research, I have some questions hopefully you gentlemen (and ladies) could answer.

As a armor modeler I have deal with fair amount of degree in weathering. Even with the harsh condition they are in most of the tanks would get destroyed or reserviced before they get all rusted or "chipped like crazy".

I've seen many built VIIC photos online and they are very beautiful and all have some degree of weathering (rust, chipped paint, discoloration, stain, etc.) My question is: Do they have that much rust since they are only on mission short period of time? I understand everytime the sub back in port they would be serviced and recondition, so should the weathering be excessive?

My second question is about the decal. I notice on the instruction book the "red Devil" placement on the conning tower is further than the reference photos I've seen. The reference photos I saw the hands of the devil almost touch each other. Is there a mascot placement difference between early and late U 552? Here's a reference photo: http://www.u552.de/images/u552/u552_03.jpg

The kit also come with several tiny triangular flags with numbers on it. They are hang over the Conning tower. Whats the purpose of these flags? Do they have these flags when the sub is out on mission?

I thank you for your time,

Ben AKA WildCard

Hi Benjamin !

Welcome aboard. I think it's question of taste. Salt water and heavy seas can really do some damage; not to forget depth charge attacks from time to time. And the boats were out there for a few month (if not sunk). Take a look at other things made of iron/steel. Tools f.e. can catch rust only a few days after use; I saw a G3 rifle catching rust over night only because the guy who cleaned it forgot to cover it with oil.

So far

Frank

Ben,

The small pennants reflect the tonnage that was sank on a particular patrol. These would have been flown as the boat returned to port.

Welcome to Armorama and welcome to Warships. You'll no doubt enjoy your stay here and find yourself among some fantastic people.

Best Wishes
Steve

Hi Benjamin,

I would stick to photos of U-552 for references. Especially in regards to the 'red devils'. Although, there may be some scale differences. The kit is great, but not perfect. Also the emblem varies between the late and the early model of the boat. Pay special attention, also, to the paint schemes of the boat between the early and late.

The white triangular flags are pennants they used to advertise the amount of tonnage sunk while on their mission/missions. These were tied to a rope. One end tied to the attack scope and the other end to the 2.0 AA gun, the wintergarten railing or the flag pole.

As far as weathering goes, I would keep it modest. Definitely faded paint from sun and salt. Especially the wooden deck. Rust, I would be more restrained. People often exagerate the amount of rust for dramatic effect. You have to keep in mind the scale of the boat and just how large the streaks of rust would be. Whenever you see something rusted, say a handrail, imagine it on the boat. And that will give you an idea of just how small a spot, or streak, of rust would be.

Also, check out Dougie Martindale's article on U-boat colors and weathering. Very helpful.

http://uboatcolours.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/

Hope this helps.

Take Care,

Jess

Thank you for the kind welcome!

Much appreciated on answering my questions. Blaster was right, you guys are really helpful bunch!

Jess


Jess: That's an excellent pointer. I almost forgot that this is a 72nd scale sub (I'm so used to the 35th.) I think I will keep my weathering to minimum.

I want to build this sub as an early-mid U552 version while during mission. Just because front cable cutter look so cool. However this raise some new questions:

I purchased the Nautious wooden decks. Now what's your gentlemen's opinion about this set? I want to use it but not sure if this is accurate. Did the wooden deck appeared on mid war U552? I've also heard that this set were little too thick to scale but this might not be an issue since I will sand it down as close as I'm allowed to. Anything I need to watch for?

I want to drill out all the flood holes. By doing this will show the huge empty space inside the hull. I know that there's an aftermarket part made by Yankee Models to cover this up. However, both Blaster and a Gentleman at the Squadron suggested me that it could not be cost effective to get the Yankee set. Any suggestion on how to "realistically" solve this problem without shelling out 40 bucks on the Yankee set?

I also notice there are flood holes on the front and rear lower part of the sub right behind the lower cable cutter and propeller. I plan to drill those out as well. Should I place styrenes inside the bow to prevent "see through" from one side to another?

Once again, thanks for the warm welcome and your time.

Ben AKA WildCard

Ben,

If you drill these out, I would box them in with styrene.(and painted black) These holes are called "limber holes" and work as free flooding areas as well as drainage when the boat is on the surface. The pressure hull would have been located just on the other side of the outer hull.

I think you'll really enjoy this kit. Everyone in Warships knows of the history of my whining about wanting one. I eventually got one, but I'm holding off on building it. I built the 1/125th scale version first as sort of a "milk run" This way I could get an idea of what I wanted to do with "my baby".

Have fun
Steve

Hi Benjamin,

U-boats always had wooden decks. Metal deck is at extreme forward and aft.
They were coated with a black wood conservative and lightened with the sun and salt water.

I have the upper pressure hull kit. I like it, but you don't see much once you put the deck on. You can easily build on yourself. There are good photos of the kit to help you out. Also check out Imodeller's site out. He scratch built one himself.

http://uboat.imodeller.cz/page3.htm

The lower free flooding holes forward and aft will need to have semblances inside. Check these two out.

http://uboat.imodeller.cz/page2.htm
http://www.deepwatermodels.com/VIIC/modelbrass/lt.html

Jess

Ben:

That Graugrun color I told you about for the deck color is Testor's # 2084. That Hobbytown store on Cooper in Arlington carries it I'm pretty sure, maybe they might have it still in what's left of Hobby maker. And as promised...you would get answers to your questions quickly. Wait till you post questions in the Armor section. :-)

Steve

Thanks again for all the pointers! I'm well on my way to build this bad boy!

I've already spent about 5 hours drilling out the hull. I'm about half way done on just one side. Man, it is very tedious. Especailly the flooding hull on the lower part of the hull. Anyway, I will update as I progress. Any comments or tips are welcome!

Thanks again!

Ben