patrickmil

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

It looks like you managed quite well. Good work!

It looks like you managed quite well. Good work!

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

It looks like you managed quite well. Good work!

Now in the middle of second planking.
 
As the hull curves from side to bottom, there is a piece that needs to be installed.  It comes off the laser sheet flat, and has to adapt to the curve of the hull.  I used my steamer, and a bunch of CA glue and accelerator.  The wider side pieces are fairly easy to shape -- but the narrower center is a bear.
 
Regards,
David

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

Ok... Earlier I mentioned a YouTube channel. It's new to me and I'm learning as I go. If you wish to view a video version of my USS Curtis Wilbur exploits, you can see them at the following link:
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2OLZJD_BYzN_99bynZ8wyQ
 
That's right, it's called Patrick's Scale Studio; don't blame me, blame AI. AI's channel name ideas were waaaaay better than mine. I'm just trying something new and I get that some of it may be remedial for most, but I also used my wife and two daughters as sounding boards and their advice was "Pretend like I don't know anything about this hobby, and truly I don't; just convince your audience in case they're like me." At least they're supportive 😆
 
That said, I'll gladly receive any and all constructive criticism. I don't necessarily put that to use always, but I can take it.
 
Thanks!
Patrick

I got some primer on this hull. I used Vallejo German Red Brown surface primer. I sprayed this with a .66 tip at roughly 22 PSI. I bring this up because I have read so many blistering reviews of this primer. It was my first time applying it so based on the reviews, I was apprehensive and took every precaution. It turns out it may be my new favorite airbrushed primer. I didn't thin it at all and cleaned my airbrush afterward with Vallejo airbrush thinner. With the primer in place I was able to see that the majority of my prep work was good but there were a couple of nitpicky spots that needed attention. Once those were covered, I cleaned the remainder of the parts that attach to the hull bottom (except the propellers). When you're about to attach the parts, pay close attention to the positive mounting for the propeller shafts. It's too wide and needs thinned quite a bit. I did so using an curved hobby blade and a dozen test fittings later, the parts snuggled on. I mounted these first, then the bilge keels, then the propeller shaft supports, and finally the rudders. Everything got some reinforcement gluing and then some sanding. I waiting on one trouble spot on the propeller shafts to finish drying so I can make the front, bullet shape look proper. I've attached some pics. Next up will be more priming and then painting. I'm not using the colors called out by I Love Kit so when I get around to painting, I'll be sure to list what I used in case anybody is interested.
 
Thank you for all of the likes and your comments.
 



Thanks for looking in!
Patrick

More sprue shots! Ugh!!! I promise I'll figure out the OOTB photo editing software on this damn PC. Again, sorry for the semi-distorted pics. The pics don't show all 33 of the sprues because there are many duplicates.
 






More still to post...
 
Patrick
 

Outstanding work! Your Bismark is amazing and I'm very jealous that I don't have one for my collection.

Baby steps... How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time... Whichever euphemism works best for us, lol. Not much progress to actually show off, but I do have a few pics anyway. I'll describe what I did first though. There was a slight gap where the sonar bulge met the rest of the hull. From online pics, there doesn't seem to be any line there on the real deal. I couldn't even make out a weld bead. What to do to fill the gap? I decided to use stretched sprue and Tamiya Extra Thin. Multiple applications of my favorite solvent based adhesive were applied. I will let this sit for 24 hours before I sand it back so I don't start sanding into soft, goopy plastic. I also got my holes drilled through the bottom of the hull and a chunk of cheap 1x4 pine to have a solid working base for now and have this ready later when I have something decent to mount it on.
 



 
Thanks so much for checking in!
Patrick

Ok... Earlier I mentioned a YouTube channel. It's new to me and I'm learning as I go. If you wish to view a video version of my USS Curtis Wilbur exploits, you can see them at the following link:
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2OLZJD_BYzN_99bynZ8wyQ
 
That's right, it's called Patrick's Scale Studio; don't blame me, blame AI. AI's channel name ideas were waaaaay better than mine. I'm just trying something new and I get that some of it may be remedial for most, but I also used my wife and two daughters as sounding boards and their advice was "Pretend like I don't know anything about this hobby, and truly I don't; just convince your audience in case they're like me." At least they're supportive 😆
 
That said, I'll gladly receive any and all constructive criticism. I don't necessarily put that to use always, but I can take it.
 
Thanks!
Patrick

Hi Chad! I'm hoping you can help me avoid any huge mistakes with your experience. I have done some very light reading on the Aegis system and really think it's cool. I really took for granted that it was so revolutionary in radar coverage. Also sounds like this kit would easily convert to the USS Barry.
 
Glad to have you following,
Patrick

Outstanding work! Your Bismark is amazing and I'm very jealous that I don't have one for my collection.

Baby steps... How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time... Whichever euphemism works best for us, lol. Not much progress to actually show off, but I do have a few pics anyway. I'll describe what I did first though. There was a slight gap where the sonar bulge met the rest of the hull. From online pics, there doesn't seem to be any line there on the real deal. I couldn't even make out a weld bead. What to do to fill the gap? I decided to use stretched sprue and Tamiya Extra Thin. Multiple applications of my favorite solvent based adhesive were applied. I will let this sit for 24 hours before I sand it back so I don't start sanding into soft, goopy plastic. I also got my holes drilled through the bottom of the hull and a chunk of cheap 1x4 pine to have a solid working base for now and have this ready later when I have something decent to mount it on.
 



 
Thanks so much for checking in!
Patrick

Outstanding work! Your Bismark is amazing and I'm very jealous that I don't have one for my collection.

Baby steps... How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time... Whichever euphemism works best for us, lol. Not much progress to actually show off, but I do have a few pics anyway. I'll describe what I did first though. There was a slight gap where the sonar bulge met the rest of the hull. From online pics, there doesn't seem to be any line there on the real deal. I couldn't even make out a weld bead. What to do to fill the gap? I decided to use stretched sprue and Tamiya Extra Thin. Multiple applications of my favorite solvent based adhesive were applied. I will let this sit for 24 hours before I sand it back so I don't start sanding into soft, goopy plastic. I also got my holes drilled through the bottom of the hull and a chunk of cheap 1x4 pine to have a solid working base for now and have this ready later when I have something decent to mount it on.
 



 
Thanks so much for checking in!
Patrick

Baby steps... How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time... Whichever euphemism works best for us, lol. Not much progress to actually show off, but I do have a few pics anyway. I'll describe what I did first though. There was a slight gap where the sonar bulge met the rest of the hull. From online pics, there doesn't seem to be any line there on the real deal. I couldn't even make out a weld bead. What to do to fill the gap? I decided to use stretched sprue and Tamiya Extra Thin. Multiple applications of my favorite solvent based adhesive were applied. I will let this sit for 24 hours before I sand it back so I don't start sanding into soft, goopy plastic. I also got my holes drilled through the bottom of the hull and a chunk of cheap 1x4 pine to have a solid working base for now and have this ready later when I have something decent to mount it on.
 



 
Thanks so much for checking in!
Patrick

Hi All,
I have decided to call time on the Bismarck and say "Finished."
Final touch-ups completed today and a couple of coats of Satin Clear.
 
I did not get to deploying Accommodation Ladders, oh well....
Hawse Drums were re-wound with A/L 0.25 Black Thread, much better, Anchor Buoys also re-wound and fitted.
 
I guess an interesting build for me, my first Ship with "Guns" and a great PE primer having never dabbled in the medium before.
 
It's not perfect but should pass muster, I guess that's part of building with 1.5 arms!! 🙂
 
Would I do it again? Definitely!! I'm sort of gearing up to have a good look at my Trumpeter version with MK1 detail PE.
 
I have issues with some items included in the kit contents but they got resolved o.k.
 
Many thanks to all that have hit the "Like" thingy, much appreciated.
 
A few of those I wish to thank for thier input and knowledge, well you know who you are, rvchima, Rod, joe100, Joe and many others that have from time-to-time offered ideas or constructive criticism. 🙂
 
Last but definitely not least, my lovely lady, for assisting completion for this old Chap with one and a bit working appendages.
 
So, some photos in no particular order....
 
I almost forgot to mention, the Color/Camo scheme is for this day in history May 21 1941. (I believe that the Stripes/Stern Wave was removed shortly afterward.)
 
Cheers....HOF.
 
 
 
 

Baby steps... How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time... Whichever euphemism works best for us, lol. Not much progress to actually show off, but I do have a few pics anyway. I'll describe what I did first though. There was a slight gap where the sonar bulge met the rest of the hull. From online pics, there doesn't seem to be any line there on the real deal. I couldn't even make out a weld bead. What to do to fill the gap? I decided to use stretched sprue and Tamiya Extra Thin. Multiple applications of my favorite solvent based adhesive were applied. I will let this sit for 24 hours before I sand it back so I don't start sanding into soft, goopy plastic. I also got my holes drilled through the bottom of the hull and a chunk of cheap 1x4 pine to have a solid working base for now and have this ready later when I have something decent to mount it on.
 



 
Thanks so much for checking in!
Patrick

More sprue shots! Ugh!!! I promise I'll figure out the OOTB photo editing software on this damn PC. Again, sorry for the semi-distorted pics. The pics don't show all 33 of the sprues because there are many duplicates.
 






More still to post...
 
Patrick