Type 53H3 Jiangwei-II by Mikegr - 1/700 - PLAN frigate - FINISHED

[mikegr]

Normally this is a scratch built not a model. However its too small compared to other mega projects here and I like to have it in the same section with my other 1/700 built, with mods permission.

Not sure how I came up with this idea.

, probably found some detailed drawings while searching online for modern frigates info material, so I convinced my self  to give it a try. Modern ships are easy to be built especially as  waterline models, cause of the less complicated lines. 

The Type 053H3 (Jiangwei II) is the first multi role frigate of the PLAN Navy. They displace 2.500 tones at 112 meters long. They are replaced by type 054 frigates.

 

[mikegr]

So I decided to print the hull. But the shape is not that simple as in Horizon class or like type 45 Destroyer that I was looking.  Spend quite some time without having the desired effect.

After printing drawings to 1:1 scale, hull was estimated to 16 cm. Deck plan was glued to  the most -close dimension- piece of wood I could find.

The smell of sanded wood filled the air replacing the resin odor. I kinda missed that. Let the fun begin.

[mikegr]

This is the hull after a few hours of work. A plastic sheet was glued as a main deck. I need to work on details and give the  bow the right shape.

If I was given this in the age of 10 I would probably be the happiest child and would go straight for bathtub tests.

But im a greedy adult and i need mode detailed work, rigging, photo etching and more, to satisfy my self

 

[mikegr]

The work on the hull is almost done.

The bow looks like Virginia Class nuclear cruisers. Rounded at the upper half, tighter and more straight lower. I was thinking to shape it by sanding. But I am a better butcher than a surgeon. I simply cut the lower  part of the  hull  and replaced with a triangle one. The shaping effort now was tremendously less

[mikegr]

Now that the hull is almost done time to move upwards for the main deck area. I printed the front area of it with satisfactory result, you can see comparing to a single brush hair

[KeithAug]

impressive detail for such a small boat

[mikegr]

I continued building in the same way. Some 3d printing and some scratch work. All in all, the main silhouette of the ship is complete. Helicopter deck must be added but before this, all detail work on quarter deck beneath it must be done as well as painting.

Edited December 5, 2022 by mikegr

[mikegr]

I have basically completed the main body of the ship. Also did the painting minus some details to be corrected.

Im pleased with result as well with the speed of the progress because the  armament is also ready and will be shown in the next post 

 

[mikegr]

Armament.

Type 79 4" Gun. This is the improved second stealth version thus the complex shape. I took a Mk38 5" gun file and modify it. Although proved too complex for my skills it turned close enough to the real thing. Barrels shape was also good and conical

Next was the YJ 83 SSM Launch boxes. I made them a bit wider to make sure that every detail would be printed. I was happy to see that the base was printed with good accuracy so no PE parts would be needed

Next was the HQ 7 short range SAM. This is replaced by HQ 10 a RAM style weapon. Easy to design and print.

Air defence provided also by Type 76 37mm twin gun. Its elliptical shape proved too much for my design skills. After a week of trouble I printed a hemisphere shape and sanded it down with 600 grit sand paper. I replaced barrels with 0.4mm sterile needles and you can see the difference.

Finally the 3200 ASW Rockets. Printed in 2 pieces. Plan was to fit 6 individual needles at the holder but holes proved to fragile. Not for my skill. I reprinted in one piece then printed again 15% bigger to have a better detailed quality. Hard to achieve accuracy without some over scale, thats why model companies can't avoid it I guess

 

[mikegr]

Fitting doesn't lie. Hangar proved too long thus space between this and funnel wasn't enough for the SSMs to be fitted. I had to shorten it by whole 5mm. Funnel had to be repositioned as well. Not easy process when deal with CA  glue and resin.  Plastic deck broke and had to be repaired. Funnel was re printed with added details, hand ladder and grills. Also SSM boxes were reprinted 1mm narrower. The base is a separate piece very delicate, almost transparent. Its shorter, to give a correct lower firing angle. Also secondary AA was given a haircut by one mm. Finally their type 345 radar was fitted as well as the 347G radar for the main gun, at the very top of the superstructure.

[mikegr]

Because I work with resin therefore  o use CA this makes a mess on painted decks. This gives me an idea of how special resin kits must be treated.

After making some paint corrections with brush I added more details, like bollards, anchor chain and machinery as well as secondary antennas over hangar. What left is 4 ladders and railings. Then I have to deal of how to make the main radar mast as well as the unusual shape of rear type 517 radar

[mikegr]

Apart from some minor paint improvement with 000 brush the progress of the day was the addition of  barrel liferafts and the stairs behind the superstructure.

[mikegr]

I almost done railings today. More work than I estimated. Fortunately there won't be any in my next project. After installing them I had to check carefully for shiny brass spots and repaint them over with tiny brush.

I also printed the rear type 517 radar but it will be placed upon completion since it looks quite fragile.

[mikegr]

 While looking for the mast , railings were done and I printed some life ring which were put in place

 

[robdurant]

Wow... this is impressive. My eyes wouldn't cope with 1:700 these days.. I remember trying not to breathe attaching a rear rotor blade to a lynx helicopter for a British type 42 destroyer in 1:700, but nothing approaching the results you are getting here. Very nice

[KeithAug]

Amazing job

[rcmdrvr]

A great combination of different materials.  I have worked in 1/350 scale and found it challenging.  The results you are achieving in 1/700 scale are really impressive.

[mikegr]

On 12/25/2022 at 9:28 PM, KeithAug said:

Amazing job

Thanks. Good to receive compliments from a master.

[mikegr]

I thank all members for the encouraging comments and likes. Therefore I decided to step up with the details.

Radar base and mast is not the only addition. I also printed and fitted some air vents especially at the bow. 2mm in height each, you can see at the building plate along with radar parts and some test print life rings in 1/350.

 

[mikegr]

Α small update on the main mast as the last part was added. In a larger scale it could be a model its self with such complexity. In 1/700 is much simpler. I need to add the main radar. The most similar item in my stash is the SPS 40 but proved too big to fit on the platform. So I look for alternative.

A shot with a Typhoon class sub. This is in 1/950

Once again thanks for the support on this tiny unfamous project.

[mikegr]

A last 2021 update.

I finish the main mast while added the rear radar. Added antennas, handrails and few other. Tomorrow will finish and start rigging. Happy new year to all

[Wintergreen]

Happy new years mike!

Just scrolled through your log and even if it is not my cup of tea, so to speak, the build is still very impressive!

Amazing in all its littleness 😄

[mikegr]

On 1/1/2023 at 5:53 PM, Wintergreen said:

Happy new years mike!

Just scrolled through your log and even if it is not my cup of tea, so to speak, the build is still very impressive!

Amazing in all its littleness 😄

Happy new year to you and your family as well.

This is the first project of a 1/700 building series, a bit unusual scale for scratch built which can't be compared to the amazing builts presented in this section, but still has its beauty.

Anyway added some final details, rigging, flags etc.

The 527 number is also homemade, if you want to know how just watch this kind lady at 2:40

 

Now let's see if a simple sea base can look as good as a more complicated one

I took a piece of water ripples transparent sheet and glued to a wood base. The first attempt with Titebond failed then I used adhesive glue and worked

After priming the naylon surface I sprayed it with dark ocean blue

[mikegr]

I worked on rear wakes with airbrush, then added white paste near the bow and gel paste right after. Then glazed over with transparent silicone.

Waves were made with snow paste sculptured with toothpick. Waterline gaps filled with cotton soaked in PVA. Sea was covered with gel medium. Once dried it will get transparent and glossy.

[mikegr]

Gel dried. I  applied some alcydic varnish for extra gloss and a Matt varnish sealed the ship.

Final touch was a helicopter 3d printed which I added photoetched details and a bit of painting with a single hair brush. It is done.

[robdurant]

Really great work. Congratulations! The sea is very convincing, too. Thanks for showing us how you've gone about this build.

[Wintergreen]

What robdurant said above, excellent!

Fascinating all the spectrum here on MSW, from this 1:700 up to ships boats in 1:16 or even warships in 1:32 or 1:24.

I'm intrigued to see where you will stage it...

[Canute]

Nicely done. The seascape came out superb.

[mikegr]

On 1/11/2023 at 8:58 AM, robdurant said:

Really great work. Congratulations! The sea is very convincing, too. Thanks for showing us how you've gone about this build.

 

1 hour ago, Canute said:

Nicely done. The seascape came out superb.

 

On 1/11/2023 at 9:06 AM, Wintergreen said:

What robdurant said above, excellent!

Fascinating all the spectrum here on MSW, from this 1:700 up to ships boats in 1:16 or even warships in 1:32 or 1:24.

I'm intrigued to see where you will stage it...

I thank all the members for the encouraging and supporting comments. Promise to come back soon with a new project. Once again thank you very much for your appreciation.

[KeithAug]

Very impressive detail at this scale. Good job!