Gentlemen:
Since I just joined this rather august group, just a few lines about myself. My name is Bruce Simard, 56 years old, and modelling since 5. I tend to build mostly subs and aircraft. Some of my work has been shown on the Steel Navy site. Not the greatest modeler, just average, but I love it. An "Old-time Jarhead" (68-72) who enjoys building.
Now that that is accomplished, I noticed Grumpy's Italian A Class in the DDD2 update. Grumpy, how are the Choroszy kits ? I have a CA class in shipment to me as we speak. From the photos, looks like there are some rough areas and holes to fill. At present, I'm working on a Combat Subs CB class, an absolute jewel ! Just wanted to get your opinion on the choroszy kits, definitely some interesting subjects ! Thanks

Hi Bruce

Welcome aboard ModelShipWrights
If my memory serves me well, weren't you also a member of SMML?

About Choroszy Modelbud submarines I can give you some hints:
- the quality of the casted resin differs from model to model (The SLC Maiale is so-so, The Chariot is great);
- the instructions could be better, so study the parts and the fit well before gluing;
- the casting have some air boubles, but acceptable for a cottage industrie;
- subjects are top notch, as are accuracy (at least the ones I have);

About the CB class, and the Combat Sub (PitRoad) beware of the sonar dome and the bow guard - if you need references, just ask - I managed to get one of the scrace "Caproni e il Mare - Caproni and the sea" full of photos and scale drawings of all Caproni Projects - some of them didn't pass the drawing board...

Here is my Caproni CB in 1:35 from FF Models (now defunct)




Hope this helps!
Don't be a stranger

Skipper

So far it hasn't really been that bad. A lot of the putty you see in that one photo is really just dried dust that made it's way into holes that should be there. But like 99% of all resin kits, not one I would recommend to a beginner. Certainly does require some modeling skill, and patience sanding and fitting parts, and also cleaning up some parts. Some will also require replacement with scratchbuilt items. I really only had a few really major air holes, and a few nicks and dings.
(I'm sure more filling and sanding will be needed once I get some primer on her.

References for her are far and few inbetween, and so far I could only find 1 small grainy photo on the web. As Skipper said, the instructions leave a little to be desired, and some "guesstamige" was used so far.

Skipper, that one looks great!

Skipper,
Your memory is correct, I'm still with SMML. The CB looks great, and matches most of the photos I've been able to dig up. Although the Combat Sub kit has the forward guard rail in resin, this has been replaced with brass rod. At present, I'm fighting with the upper deck rails in brass also. Overall, I have to say Combat Subs did an extremely good job.
And Thanks to Grumpy for the info on the Choroszy kits. I have no doubt I'll be satisfied with the kit, and just take my time building it. Good Luck with the Class A !!

Hi Bruce

Some names stick you know?
If I can be with any assitance about the tricky way for the guard rails (actually there were two different types - as well as two different sail arrangements), let me know!

I aso liked your X-Craft btw

Skipper

Skipper,
Thanks for the kind words onthe X-Craft. Another fine kit from Combat Subs. And also thanks for the pics of your CB, it helps to confirm some railing questions. But this seems to be from photos of CB-20 ? I have found others that seem to indicate a single clearance line running from the bow to a stantion behind and to the left of the periscope, then down to the aft deck. This photo seems to be from an earlier version, possibly CB-5. But your lay out I've also seen on CB-10 and two unidentified boats at Taranto in September, 1943. Needless to say, it definitely looks like the way to go, Thanks again......Bruce

Hi Bruce

Sorry for the late reply - This is CB-6, being the main differences the sail railings and also sail arrangement (others add a small platform and some small portholes in the sail protector)

Also (still on Combat Subs/Pitroad) try their Kairyu
You will be surprised (positively!)

I'll arrange for the scans of the book tomorrow and I'll send them to you via email

Skipper

Skipper,
Thank you. Believe me, any and all help is greatly appreciated. Any one heard anything on the 1/144th Revell Type VIID yet ? Waiting patiently........Bruce

Hi Bruce

I have seen the First Shots of it (but I can't remember where - it wasn't one of the usual websites).
The minelayer option really makes it even nicer

Skipper - searching...

EDIT: here they are: http://www.modellmarine.de/phpwebsite/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=707&MMN_position=213:71

Skipper,
Thanks for the link to the Type VIID photos - just what I really need.....another project ! But the molds look so beautiful !!!! Another one on the to build pile !

Hi Bruce

Check your PM
Skipper