Alun Gallie

Well - this was intended to be a short 'filler' between projects - having never built a 1/350 submarine before I did not realise how short. A short Sunday morning later we have ... I decided to mount them flush against a board like this and built a stand to display vertically as think presents them nicely as a 3d picture. I do have name plates coming from @Model Monkey which will get added once they arrive and are painted. \

I have found references to them being loaded with fresh water, standard survival supplies and oars and some were fitted with calcium flares but if that item is any of those I am unsure (Ok I am pretty sure its not the oars !)

Like no real naval shipbuilding ever .... finished a few days early (technically not finished as a couple small pieces in post that need to be painted and fitted when they arrive and the Wasp to receive, build and paint. I will update when they are done and then photograph properly for the RFI thread. Also did another fly past video I will add later.

My 1/72 Leander HMNZS Waikato is nearly finished so expect in next week or so (apart from the Wasp and 2 pieces I am waiting for from UK) to have it done. Decided before I start on my next more significant build to do a little quick turnaround project. I have connections to both Australian classes of submarine via previous careers (as an ASAC in the RNZN when the Oberon class where often the targets we were hunting, and then in later life three years spent working at ASC, the Australian builder of the Collins class) so thought I would whip up a quick build in 1/350. HMAS Otama HMAS Otama as the last of the class to enter service when commissioned into the RAN in 1978. Built in Scotland, Otama was a specialist, one of two "Mystery Boats", fitted with additional surveillance and intelligence-gathering equipment. Otama was routinely deployed on classified operations to obtain intelligence on Soviet Pacific Fleet vessels and Chinese Navy vessels, and conducted associated coastal surveillance, throughout Asia. Otama remained in service until late 2000 The boat's name comes from a North Queensland Aboriginal word meaning dolphin; this was a break in RAN tradition, which had used the names of explorers and pioneers for previous submarines. The high standard of internal fittings compared to the rest of the class led to the boat being nicknamed the "Gucci Boat". HMAS Sheehan HMAS Sheehan is the fifth of six Collins-class submarines operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Named for Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheehan VC—the only submarine of the class to be named for an enlisted sailor. Edward "Teddy" Sheehan was an ordinary seaman serving on HMAS Armidale whose death during a Japanese aerial attack on his ship has become a well-known episode in Australian Second World War lore. The corvette HMAS Armidale was hit by two aircraft-launched torpedoes, and began to sink fast. The enemy aircraft then started to attack those on rafts and lifeboats. Sheehan was wounded and, rather than abandon ship, he strapped himself to his Oerlikon and began to engage the attacking aircraft to protect his crewmates even as the ship sunk beneath him. He shot down two planes, and crewmates recall seeing tracer rising from beneath the surface as Sheehan was dragged under the water, firing until the end. He died on 1 December 1942 aged just 18. Only 49 of the 149 men on board survived the attack and subsequent ordeal on rafts and in life boats. For his courageous action Teddy Sheehan was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches; After a long battle by family, crewmates and the Australian people his award was upgraded to the Victoria Cross in 2020. I am going to build them both concurrently. These arrived this week. The ship's crest medallions are to inset into the bases.

Oh dear - any consolation am sure we have all done similar - I know I have - when I placed my Seacat deck module onto boat deck module discovered I had got measurements of a vent trucking on first module wrong and it extended to far and blocked the boat davits- had to cut it off, reduce the depth and reattach and then touch up but only I would know now I think - hopefully yours can be fairly cleanly removed and reattached.

Quick 30 min before work - wanted some jack staff crowns - found one 3d printed set but with postage etc was a bit pricey (gave you 40 crowns of various sizes and needed two) Tried 3D printing a couple of STLs but not designed to be that small and just wound up blobs. So this morning I grabbed a bit of 2.5 mm styrene tube and a sharp blade. Given the size I am quite happy with the effect for now. The ensign staff should have queens crown and jack staff RN Crown but representative is fine for me. Also trimmed and hung the signal flags - happy with spacing but due to weight have twisted a little - decided will just let glue completely dry before trying to maybe manipulate the halyard to twist them fore an aft. Waikato's call sign was ZMPS (all RNZN where ZM) - that was a radio call I made a few times to suspected illegal fishers etc - "This is ZMPS Warship Waikato to vessel on my port bow, blah blah blah NZ Fisheries protection zone etc etc - prepare to be boarded for inspection"

A bit more done today, the brass rod for the whip aerials arrived and I have finished making the starboard flight deck nets- just need to sew/lace that netting to frame. Also painted up a set of signal flags for her international call sign. This was normally flown from the stbd signal halyard on entering port but I am going to fly on the port one as that is the side of the ship that will be displayed. Photo below shows the flags before cutting them apart - they are not in order at present - anyone want to have a guess on her call sign (no googling)

Here it shall be then - although I am going to not let it delay 'finishing' the ship - still goal is to have on display stand by ANZAC day. Will then probably do a quick submarine if Wasp has not arrived then add Wasp when it does - but will keep this open until Wasp is built before doing final photo shoot for RFI.

I have confirmed the new Wasp is available now direct from the manufacturer. Given it will be here within 2-3 weeks I am going to pack up the 3D printed one and wait for the kit instead. Technically it is a separate build to the frigate so maybe I will pop it over in the flying things build area. I did at one stage plan to build the Helo's I had controlled (Seaking, Seahawk, Wessex, Wasp, Lynx, Iroquois, Squirrel and fixed wing ac P3C and K, A4, F-18, F111, Nimrod) I have a few kits in stash already so might slowly chip away at those as well - I had always been put off by no Wasp as that was what I had most hours on.

That's a nice model - I might wait til its actually out (I think over the years I have had 3 Wasps on preorder that have fallen through) but will probably get one to upgrade the 3d printed one.

Yes 965 - an alpha band air search radar. ECP is emergency conning position - the small platform in front of the 965 mast with the compass binnacle - the ship could be conned from there if the bridge was out of action. Unlike modern warships the wheel and telegraphs where not on the bridge and conning commands where relaying from the Officer of the Watch (OOW)(or whoever 'had the ship' to the wheel house 3 decks below the bridge where the quartermaster and a helmsmen were stationed. On normal sea watches the QM (Leading seaman or senior Able Seaman) would do 4 hrs down there 'supervising' (taking the wheel himself for the first 30 min) and sailors from the watch on deck (ABs and OSs) would rotate through as helmsmen in 30 min rotations, also rotating through Port and Stb lookouts (on the bridge wings) and lifebuoy sentry on the quarterdeck. When entering/leaving harbour the Chief Quarter Master CQM (a Petty Officer) would be on the wheel. Back then there was no TV screens or anything showing a view so the wheelhouse had to blindly follow the directions of the bridge and was all done over a intercom - all commands where repeated back. 35 years later I could still make the initial report after having received permission to 'take the wheel' - "Bridge - Wheelhouse, LS Gallie, QM of the Middle Watch has the wheel, course to steer 180, 120 revolutions rung on, both engine telegraphs showing half ahead full" In turn the OOW would give you a brief on sea state, wind etc that might effect handling. Now they are on the bridge, have joysticks and dials and spends large chunks of time in auto pilot. In reality whilst used for designed purpose occasionally in exercise most of time the ECP was the stowage for the rattan fenders. Sorry enough reminiscing

Really is looking great - can relate to what at times seems the never ending journey of the larger scales (mine is only a frigate not a carrier). In the last few month I have taken to writing to do lists and getting satisfaction as I cross something off or if I have a day where I cross off more than I add to the list. Started in an A4 notebook and have completed 6 pages (about 30 lines a page I suppose) so far (and that's only since Jan/Feb) but for the last week or so I have been on the last two pages and only added 1 thing in last 3 days so think am getting close. Last two tasks are clear coat, mount to display base. Goal is ANZAC day - 25th April

Fantastic rendition. Very nice.

Truly a piece of craftsmanship. Love the named foot plate, I thought about trying on my build but at 1/72 was a bridge to far to tackle for something (in my case) that would be just about impossible to see once placed as accommodation ladder would hide them. How did you do them ?