Damocles

I am getting the feeling that this project may last a little longer than the winter. 72 hours later and the Mrs still hasn't noticed the box, I think that might change in the morning, when she sees the dining table !. Am going to take my time with this one, and plan it out to some extent, although I want most of the scratch building to be done as I go, so I don't get caught up in thinking about building, and not actually doing something. Here are some pictures of the hull taped together with the key structure elements built up in foam board (1/35 scale figure on deck to give you an idea of how big this baby is). Chris.

Plans taking shape. Chris.

This is my next project on the back of my 1/35 Dust Jagdluther, again in the 'What-If' arena, and will hopefully see me through the winter. MK12 Helsing SFWC (Special Forces Water Craft) Based around Italeri's 1/35 SCHNELLBOOT S-100, this will be an update using the hull as a base, with the subject matter being based in a 2035 littoral combat environment against a yet to be named enemy, carrying out 'hit & run' operations in the Barents and Kara Seas. Plans are in an early stage, but key features of the 'update will include;- a.) Rear Deck Helipad. Will accommodate 1nr AH-6J Little Bird (Dragon 1/32 kit) b.) 4 nr twin 0.5 cal HMG's, mid ship with two either side. c.) Side discharging depth charge rails d.) New Super Structure with cabin for crew and rear accommodation area e.) Communications mast with radar and IO/EO sensors f.) 2 nr Remote Weapons Stations (RWS) g.) Torpedo tubes replaced with multiple smart weapons discharges h.) Main armament (heavy gun) i.) New propulsion system There may be a little kit bashing, but it will be mostly scratch. Below is a brief sketch of the concept. I have put it in the 'What-If' section, as it is just slightly beyond what I would expect to find in the maritime section. Hopefully over the next week, I will run up a story line to go with the project. Any thoughts / comments are most welcome. I go to get the kit tomorrow so there may not be any posts for a while, after my wife sees the box on the dining table. Cheers, Chris.

Certainly will Colin. Chris.

Excellent folks, this is great. I had never given the TSR.2 much thought until today, I was a small gathering of local modellers today, and one chap had a very inspirational ECM 'what-if', with modern Super Hornet and Prowler sensors/weapons. Initial searches of 'mainstream' retailers came up blank, so finding several sources is great, thanks again. Chris.

Hi Folks, Does anyone know where I could get my hands on a 1/48 Airfix TSR.2 Chris.

Phil, That's fantastic, hopefully someday I may produce such a masterpiece. I've recently returned to modelling, and trying to build up skills (hence the 'Dust' approach to my 1st model, where there is no real right and wrong, and it's just simple fun). I hope you don't mind me asking, how did you recreate the water and waves ?. Kind Regards, Chris.

Yea mate, hope your not going to beat me too it !. Chris.

Thanks folks for the comments, really apprecieated. Hopefully this is the start of a renewed and sustained interest in the hobby. Without doubt, the help and encouragement of Britmodeller members has kept the pressure up to keep stand, and improve upon the very basic skills I have. Base is nearly finished, so once done I'll get some decent pictures taken and put up on the ready for inspection bit. Cheers, Chris.

Hi Phil, thanks for the smuggling idea. Dust is based on a what-if sic-fi type story line by a chap called Palo Parente, where the Germans discovered an alien technology which helped them power a breed of new weapons that resulted in then talking the lead in WWII. If you google Dust Models, you'll get their web-site easily enough. I recently finished one of their resin kits, if you check out modelling/other modelling genres/sci-fi/dust models yu can aren't build. The Schnellboot /Dust mix may become one of those great ideas that I come to regret !. Chris.

Was thinking of trying the 'oh thats been there for ages' routine. Not entirely surem if the model itself will be the problem, but more of a case where will I put it !. If truth my real issue, is what to build next...... this boat, a 1/32 Stuka, a 1/32 Typhoon or 1/32 F-16 Sufa. Just can't decide. Chris.

Hi Folks, I would like to throw this one out to the 'what-if' brigade out there for any suggestions/thoughts. After recently getting back into modeling, and finishing a 1/35 Jagdluther 'Dust Model' I am now planning the winter build. Thought is to do another 'what-if' but try and take the 'Dust' theme into the water and convert/adapt the Italeri 1/35 S-100 Schnellboot into this theme.... There is one sitting on the top shelf of my local model shop, and it is looking more and more tempting every day. Although at 1m in length, how I'm going to get it in past the wife I have not a clue. So suggestions on both the model and how to conceal it are most welcome. Chris

That's for next pay day !. If you have done any reviews/got pictures of those I would love to have a look.. Got a bit of an idea for next project brewing !!!!!!

Just a quick review of some Dry Decals I got from Archer Fine Transfers. I ordered WAFFEN PANZER/PANZER GRENADIER DIV. MARKINGS ($12.95), TIGER MIX #2 ($6.95) and GERMAN INFORMATION PLACARDS ($6.50) plus P&P of $2.00. I ordered direct from Archer. Below is a quick review;- Order was dispatched same day and was received 5 days later (US to N. Ireland). The order process was a pleasure, with extremely quick response to queries and a downloadable pdf. catalogue. Quality is excellent, and they are very simple to apply. Package delivered in a sturdy, well packed box. Contents (3 sheets, instruction sheet and business card) Detailed reference for each of the decal types Dry Decal Sheet applied applied Highly recommended. Chris.

Hi Andy, that's great really apprecieat the info. Currently drawn between this, a Dragon Messerschmitt Bf110D1/R1 Dackelbauch or Typhoon. Flip of a coin my be in order !. Chris.

Hi Andy, I think your picture answers all of my questions !. That's one impressive builds. I'm in the Market for a 1/32 plane, and was wondering how was the build, I'm looking for something reasonably simple and quick. Just back into modelling and always fancied on of these ?, did you build it from the box or with after Market parts. Chris.

Has anyone built the Hasegawa 1/32 Ju-87G-2 Stuka ?. Chris.

Thanks folks, sorry for late reply, weekend didn't turn out as planned. Reading your comments, it seems I've been using it not as intended, it has certainly been applied liberally, however the desired effect has been achieved, just maybe taking a little longer to dry than expected. It was applied over Vallejo and LifeColour paints, with a wide brush over a combination of matt and gloss surfaces. Still in a steep learning curve, but all this guidance is priceless and most appreciated. Many thanks again. ( some pictures over in the 'modelling / other modelling genres / sic-fi' of the offending item !). Chris.

Hi All, Some more pictures. Chris.

Can anyone advise what the best way is to 'Fix' MIG Washes. I used their dark wash, and if does not seem to fully dry out. Is their own brand 'Pigment Fixer' or Turpentine an option ?. Cheers, Chris.

Yea, radiation from that alien technology power plant finally got to her, but she's quite sucessful in her new career, selling tray bakes !. Hedgehog in pictures 3 and 4 looks like he could do with a bit of a refurb, think I'll have to pay a little more attention to the background in future. Chris.

Rust applied, just to rubb some of the rust down a little further, add the ammo drums, a 'placard' and 'SS' decal from Archer Dry Decals range (only ordered today, so will be a while), a few 'running' rust marks, and then I think it is time to quit, whilst I am ahead. Chris.

Regarding the IR and chaffe/fare dispensers, Cobra Company do detail kits for Blackhawks which come with such things, have a look and see if they are the same as what is fitted to the RAF HC2, if so let me know, and I can help you out on this one. Also, I think the DML Dragon 1/35 Vietnam Helicopter crew set comes with a 60 which has a spent cartridge bag, again if this is any use, let me know I 'think' i have a few sets somewhere in my garage. Chris.

A little more progress, nearly there. You will notice some blotchy brown areas, I still have to work on these, but hopefully these will be areas of 'rust'. A few more details, and the rust and that will be it. also got a real helpful chap from the office, to run me up some 'JAGDLUTHER' text, for the base. Chris.

Sigrid von Thaler is then, hopefully she is bi-lingual, my German is very poor. Its hidden in the picture, but there is quite a plunging neck-line hidden by the sheep-skin collar !, hence my assumption that its not too cold where ever she is !. Think, I will go back to the original 'hiding in a corner' diorama, my first attempt was just a little too 'busy' at ground level, have removed the plaster casts and will reset with a less going on. Chris.