1/350 USS Seawolf SSN-21 Bronco Models submarine

[Flankerman]

Just added this to my collection of 1/350 scale submarines......

Its the 1/350 scale Bronco Models USS Seawolf........

Its a simple kit with upper and lower hull halves, 3-part 'sail' - plus dive planes, propulsor and masts.

Whilst trawling the internet for images, I came across photos of her predecessor namesake - USS Seawolf, SSN-575 - an altogether more interesting sub.

A stretched Nautilus Class converted as a 'Special Projects' boat - with a 52ft hull extension for covert ops.

http://www.seawolf-ssn575.com/ssn575/images/Seawolf_SSN-575_1-13-08_004.jpg

So I've sent off for two Mikro-Mir Nautilus kits - I feel a conversion coming on......

Ken

[F-32]

Lovely work as always

[Cellarfrog]

very nice!

[Housesparrow]

How do you paint your mottled masts? Those look nice. I find painting spots with a brush to be a little tricky. I think I must be doing something wrong.

Also, about "Le Triomphant" submarine: did you get any decals in the box? I didn't. No decals seen on the paint scheme guide either.

*Bites into thumb* I really want an Ohio class submarine (Dragon/CyberHobby). Too bad the larger submarines kits are more expensive. lol

[AndyC]

A beauty as ever Ken

[Flankerman]

The Bronco Seawolf has decals for the mottled masts - but they looked a bit fiddly to apply - so I painted mine.

First a coat of pale blue-grey overall, followed by random shapes of dark grey using a fine brush - it helps that the masts are glued in place first - and the sub is rigidly mounted on its base - it makes handling for delicate work easier.

As for Le Triomphant - there are no decals in the kit - the real thing is a bit of a 'plain Jane' with few discernable markings.

It's a while since I built it - but I think I added some white stripes etc using home-sourced decals.....

Ken

[Housesparrow]

What kind of varnish did you use on the Seawolf class and the French submarine model?

[Flankerman]

I'm very lazy - on the Seawolf I first made sure the joint seam was eliminated - I had quite a bit of difficulty with it.

I used a rattle can of acrylic car spray to 'see' the joint - a few coats of Halfords Grey Plastic primer.

Once I was happy with the joint - I used Halfords Red Plastic primer on the lower hull, masked it off and applied Halfords Rover Tempest Grey.

Halfords Matt Black car spray was used on the bow sonar dome.

Once the decals are applied to the gloss finish, I give the whole model a mist coat of Games Workshop 'Purity Seal' to give a nice even satin finish - after which I apply 'rust streaks' / 'distressing' using weathering powders.

It may upset the pursists, but I find it works for me - not 100% accurate - but then what colours are on the real thing anyway ??

Ken

PS - Halfords do a range of black/grey car acryllic spray cans - their Volvo Dark Grey is almost black - Rover Tempest Grey is lighter - but still very dark.

All-black subs don't look realistic in model form IMHO. Near-black is better I think.

[Nick C]

Just seen this, great work