U-552 by kustumize - Trumpeter - 1/48 - PLASTIC - U-Boat

[kustumize]

My U-552 build!

I bought this U-Boat model already December. After that I have collected paints, supplies and extra parts for the model.  …and of course looked at other building blogs and took tips on them for my own project. Thanks for them. The plan was to start build when I get my “new hobby corner" ready. It's still in the middle of it, but I'm starting to make a model little by little …

 

A few "Open Box" pictures at first.

 

 

Orginal Box

 

My plan was to order all the photo etched parts from RC Sub, but their stock was sold out just then. So I order parts from Bid Ed (Eduard). I also ordered detailed 3d-printed dec-cannon made by Eduard.

Of course after that, Rc Subs was parts I wanted order.  So I also ordered more photo-etched parts from them, but not the biggest set ….

 

Left to right: Big Ed's U-Boat flags - Trumpeter original photo etched parts - RcSub Enigma - Big Ed's hull - Eduard cannon - Big Ed's hull body - 3 parts from RcSubs and Big Ed's tower
 

 

[yvesvidal]

The Eduard gun is a little marvel, although I ended up with the Trumpeter on my model. It was not an easy choice....

You have a lot of work ahead of you 🙂

 

Yves

Edited March 29, 2022 by yvesvidal

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

the engine room looked absolutely the most interesting to build, but perhaps better to start from the beginning of the instructions than jump ahead. In fact, I last built a plastic model about 30 years ago. I have never touched a airbrushes. I don’t have any experience with weathering, so I think I have a big challenge. But the paints, glues and tools seem to be completely different planet as they were 30 years ago. 

 

I first collected all the parts of the torpedo room in their own bags. I don't know is it reasonable or not, but parts was ready when I started making the model 😆

 

I glued a few parts together before priming. The deck gun is original, not Eduard.

 

First time airbrushing. Here we go!

 

Luckily there are extra torpedoes if you don’t want to put them in torpedo tubes.

So "extra" torpedos you can use for example practice painting

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

I saw several versions of painting torpedoes and tested a few.

 

Glossy black, mat black or gold 🤔

 

But in the end I used the same color combination as in the instructions. Finished torpedoes. I think they still needs some scratches

 

Using Vallejo Colors: 907 Pale Grey Blue - 950 Black - 878 Old Gold

 

[yvesvidal]

Very nice start....

 

Yves

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

 

Thanks Yves

 

Roof is an interesting start.

I drilled first four holes in the roof for the LEDs. The model has one 3mm lamp and three smaller 2mm lights. So the holes are same sizes. Roof is painted after primer Vallejo 907 Pale Grey Blue.

 

1x3 mm Led and 3x2mm bi-colored leds (red and warm white)

 

I also have one wooden ship project and i had ordered more Wood plank for that. So why not use them on this U-Boat project.

 

 

I painted and glued the small parts separately. It would have been easier and better

for the end result to glue at least some of the parts even before the primer

 

 

I also thought about lighting different devices by putting a led light inside them. I testing to draw one of these devices with a 3D program and leaving holes for the lights. But a problem here is probably that, that I have no idea what this device is and which ones are buttons or something else… So I guess at I use the original part and thinking that idea later.

 

 

Re-drawn and printed device. Part G9 next to the beds

[yvesvidal]

You are pushing the details....with 3D printing technology. Very sweet.

 

Yves

[Kevin]

very nice, i havnt abandoned mine, just i have so many projects, that i want to try, and they all get finished at some time

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

Painting floor. The pattern on the center of the floor looks like a “diamond plate”. I'm not sure abaut that, but I painted it on Tamiyan Flat Aluminum (XF-16). I have Vallejon Carbon black pigment and Mig Ammon Fresh Engine Oil. i have no idea how i use them but let's see what happens 😆

 

 

Well its look dirty....

 

Very dirty...

 

 

Maybe it even too dirty ....

 

 

Edited March 31, 2022 by kustumize

[yvesvidal]

26 minutes ago, kustumize said:

Painting floor. The pattern on the center of the floor looks like a “diamond plate”. I'm not sure abaut that, but I painted it on Tamiyan Flat Aluminum (XF-16). I have Vallejon Carbon black pigment and Mig Ammon Fresh Engine Oil. i have no idea how i use them but let's see what happens 😆

 

For someone who has no idea how to use all these paints, you are doing rather well. You must be "gifted"..... 🙂

 

Yves

[Kevin]

it will be interesting to see what scenario this deck will be set it, it was after all still a living space, but great use of pigments

 

Edited March 31, 2022 by Kevin

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

This and that. Theme of the day ... 😀

By the way.... I bought today a book that will guide how to weathering and airbrushing. Must study.

 

 

I used water to insert the decal. There are probably some tricks to install decals better.

So…. I also bought a Vallejo decal softener today. Let's see if it gets the better result…

 

At first I thought using only one color in these. But finally I decided to paint them

like in the instructions

 

 

 

Just testing parts together...

 

 

Beds: I used chipping technique to get this result. Using three different colour.

Result look like leather. Well the blankets are not probably leather ...

Well, I must do something

 

I watched “the walkthrough & tour- The U995” -video on Youtube and noticed that the blankets are red. So i added red and now it’s look Ok to me.

 

 

 

 

Edited April 2, 2022 by kustumize

[kustumize]

 

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

Weathering Torpedo tubes. Using again Vallejon Carbon black pigment and Mig Ammo Fresh Engine Oil + Mig Ammo Streaking Grime effects.

 

 

 

 

 

If you want the end result is dirty it seems to work easily

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And something else....

 

Airtanks: I made my own color mix. "inside" blue, "outside" gray

 

 

Extinguisher and heater painted (I think its heater 😀 (Z24)). Some details also painted. Next time I glue first the valve (wheels) and after that paint them. I think its easier. Z20 -part is light. I think I will print my own version about that in a 3D printer.

 

Edited April 2, 2022 by kustumize

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

Some lights. 

 

This was easy and quick to draw. Using Tinkercad. I use a 3d printing Anycubic Photon Zero DLP printer. It's not latest model, but very cheap in my opinion. Less than a hundred dollars.

 

I drilled a hole and glued SMD 0402 Led inside. I used a transparent resin.

 

I made three different sizes of lights and for some reason I found myself installing

the largest of them. Original and custom version side by side.

 

Let there be light, and there was light

 

 

And then to the roof.

I bought 2mm and 3mm bi-color LEDs. Warm white / red. And suitable resistors for each color.

 

 

I tried weathering with black Vallejo paint and water 😬

 

One 3mm Led and three 2mm leds

 

 

 

 

 

 

[hof00]

Hi Chap,

Very nice application of detail and very tidy wiring.

 

Cheers....HOF.

[yvesvidal]

Very nice and promising work. This is going to be a masterpiece !

 

If I may suggest a few things: 

• Make sure that you install at least 4 white/yellowish LEDs per compartment. This is required to bring enough light to see all the details of the assembly. The front module is very long and a ceiling light near the torpedo access hatch is a must. You placed a light on the bulkhead, which is a very good thing.
• Be careful with the wiring. Your modules may not fit into the hull if you have too many wires or too thick of a harness.  Since you are using the Eduard PE set, you do not have to cut the deck, which make it easier for you to hide the wiring. Otherwise, it will be visible from the outside.
• Finally, make sure that the light does not leak outside of the module, especially from the top. Again, not so much of a problem since you are going with Eduard PE set.

Yves

Edited April 4, 2022 by yvesvidal

[kustumize]

Thanks Yves. Definitely good tips

[Kevin]

looking great

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

And finally, in my opinion, the most difficult think to do. Wooden wall behind the bunk beds. I think many days how i would do it. Watched youtube tips etc .. I ended up with this tactic and I think I even succeeded in it....

 

The first coat of paint is Brown Sand [70.876]

 

Then thin wood grain with a small brush. Color is Leather Brown [70.871]

Afterwards i got the idea that the wood grain could have done with a thin pen as well... (is my English bad 😬😆)

 

After the paint has dried. a lot of water and Flat Brown [70.984] 

These three brown colors were actually the only browns I have 😅

 

 

 

 

 

[kustumize]

FRONT TORPEDO TUBE COMPARTMENT

 

A few pictures of Front torpedo room assemblies.

 

 

Much easier this way. Now its fit in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For what purpose are those extra "things" on the roof ... Wiring perhaps ...

 

Lots more details and weathering to do. The crew is half put together, but I have not yet decided how to paint them - just gray or look real 🤔

I also thought to put under deck blue lights.

 

Testing how the wiring will fit

 

I wonder if that hole in the back is properly made for wiring. One company in Belgium

made light / sound kits for this model. The price was just a little pricey. About $180 if I

remember correctly . And of course it's nice to do it yourself...

Next I move on to the next room. Front Soldiers living room. And I'll get back to finishing this room later!

 

More 3d printing. Protection for roof cables.

[kustumize]

FRONT SOLDIERS LIVING ROOM

 

Although the previous room is still unfinished, I will start the next room. It take me actually three nights to get ready the necessary parts for the primer.

There will be a lot more work than I thought at first ... Especially if I am going to make my own details and extras. I've been thinking about like led screens for machines and battery room details. But how I do it, is still a little unclear...

 

Below are boring pictures of the painting .... 😀

 

Starting... It was just midnight when I start, so cup of coffee please. 😀

 

I put all the parts in the bags again... 😅

 

Notes on the colors I’m going to use.

 

Even today we airbrushing in the kitchen 😅

 

 

 

I painted all the small parts of the previous room by hand. Now I used a airbrush. Much better quality.

 

 

I watched a video of Kiel U-552 on youtube and painted these instruments in the same base color as it was in video.

the watch is missing because I carelessly cut it. I must 3d Print a new one!
Using Vallejo colors "Light Grey (990), "Neutral Grey (992) and "Grey Green (866)"  

 

Edited April 12, 2022 by kustumize

[lmagna]

If you are using video as coloring choices, I would also suggest "Das Boot". It was only a movie prop built 1:1 but I think they paid considerable attention to authenticity and detail.

 

Your work is looking nice as well.

Edited April 12, 2022 by lmagna

[kustumize]

FRONT SOLDIERS LIVING ROOM

 

Painting some details...

This time I use 0,25mm waterproof ink pen to do wood grain. Definitely a faster

and thinner end result

 

 

 

I used the same color as in the Kiel submarine

 

Toilet paper looks pretty wet 😅

 

Just testing, no glue yet. I weathering the floor a bit. But I decided to build the whole space in half first and then do the main weathering and details.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 12, 2022 by kustumize

[kustumize]

10 minutes ago, lmagna said:

If you are using video as coloring choices, I would also suggest "Das Boot". It was only a movie prop built 1:1 but I think they paid considerable attention to authenticity and detail.

 

Your work is looking nice as well.

 

That's a good idea. I think I’ll even look at it tonight. 

[yvesvidal]

1 hour ago, kustumize said:

There will be a lot more work than I thought at first ... Especially if I am going to make my own details and extras. I've been thinking about like led screens for machines and battery room details. But how I do it, is still a little unclear...

 

You use optic fibers. A central source provided by an LED and a set of small fiber strips funneled to the source LED. Then each strand of fiber can be routed to whatever location you want.

 

Yves

[kustumize]

FRONT SOLDIERS LIVING ROOM

 

And some pictures of today ... I painted the batteries a couple of days earlier and I designed extra batteries. I also started building the sleeping quarters (the all the parts are finally painted to look like wood). I also make a lamp in the Captains bedroom... 

 

I understand that there are six rows of batteries instead of two, so I print some more.

 

First demo versions. Almost the same.

 

Second version

 

and result....

 

Here we go....

 

i messed up with radio decal, so it went to the trash. Light is 3D-Printed

 

 

[kustumize]

FRONT SOLDIERS LIVING ROOM

 

I decided today to try to do lighting for one of the devices. Here's the result.

 

This part is K2. Primed and painted. I took transparent plastic from another model.

 

I carefully drilling the correct size hole and glue clear plastic tube inside

 

Foil paper around  0402 SMD led

 

It works 😀

 

I tested to print a few of these machines earlier today, but this is now at least useless

 

 

 

[Prowler901]

This is absolutely stunning!  Amazing attention to details and weathering.  Very well done, Sir!

[Old Collingwood]

Indeed  -  your  vision  for how you want this to look  is  "out the park"    loving it.

 

OC.

[kustumize]

FRONT SOLDIERS LIVING ROOM

 

Working with batteries....

3D printed, washed and painted extra batteries ready for installation

 

After painting i noticed there is again an error in 3d printing...

 

 

Almost at the finish. Some details still in mind

 

Making water tank. 3d printed rectangle and glue.

I printed on a small whale inside the water tank, but it is too invisible 😀