Trumpeter 1/48 U-552

[bianco64squalo]

Hi all,
I'm Filippo from Padova, Italy.
I bought the U-552 1/48 Trumpeter model, in my opinion a fantastic basic starting for superdetaling works...
Waiting for this DVD, not yet arrived, I started with 88 deck gun:

[bianco64squalo]

Sorry, it's the first topic I posted...
With the DVD I'm waiting for I could start to build one of the compartments included in the kit; I will start with diesel engine room.
Soon I'll post some more images.
Cheers.
Filippo

[GlennCauley]

Is the kit molded in both grey & white plastic?     Or are you adding aftermarket parts on your deck gun?

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Glenn,
it's all made by hands with plasticard....and a lot of patience....

[bianco64squalo]

...but it's not yet completed: many particulars are still missing, and have to be added...

[GlennCauley]

Hi Glenn, it's all made by hands with plasticard....and a lot of patience....

I hear you!    Am right there, too, with my U-190 build.
Nice work... keep it going! 

[Johann Vilthomsen]

Ciao Filippo, guarda questo...
Hello Filippo, look at this ...

https://translate.google.cat/translate?sl=es&tl=it&js=y&prev=_t&hl=ca&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.u-historia.com%2Fuhistoria%2Ftecnico%2Fvisitaguiada%2Fvisita.htm&edit-text=&act=url

It can help you in building your model.

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Johann,
beautiful and  useful link: fantastic !!!

[bianco64squalo]

A question for experts:


in Subs photoetchings set for Trumpeter model are present two plates that have to be added to gun's basement ( see the drawings posted ).
In all the photos I saw, I never found them: were them present in real U-Boat ?
Thanks in advance for replies.

[bianco64squalo]

For Johann:
do you know if is it possible to print all the contents of the link that you posted?
It's the only one I ever saw in Italian language....
I'd like to have the file printable....
Thanks

[dougie47]

Hello,

Yes, I can see part S13 being present in photos of real boats. Although I can't quite make out any plate (S12) behind, this is probably because of the quality of the images. So I would be inclined to add both to your model.

Cheers,

Dougie

[Johann Vilthomsen]

For Filippo, for copy Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V but this site can't copy whit mouse right button.
This is the original https://www.u-historia.com/uhistoria/tecnico/visitaguiada/visita.htm

from the https://www.u-historia.com site

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Johann for your pretious help...
Dougie, excuse me, but I would like to see at least one photo with those plates: can you post it ? Thanks

[dougie47]

Hello,

Here are two photos -





Sorry the images are not better.

Cheers,

Dougie

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress....

[bianco64squalo]

At the end the DVD I was waiting for it's arrived...
Now, after the deck gun will be completed, I'll start with the diesel engine room: the superdetailing work will be enormous, and I'll nedd all your support....
I started with remaking some small particulars, not to much well done in Trumpeter's model:
Cheers !!!

[bianco64squalo]

Deck gun almost finished; it's almost a model itself, very, very complex. I'm proud of it; I never saw anything so detailed in the web...
Opinions welcome.
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Waiting to start with diesel engine room, I started with opening the flooding holes on the hull:

[bianco64squalo]

The driling holes on the hull continues.
Unfortunately also the RCSUBS photoetchings I bought are wrong: the U-552 had B pattern on holes on front torpedos tubes, but Trumpeter copied the Revell 1/72 pattern....it will be a little difficult to repair the error....

[bianco64squalo]

Central flood holes opening start.....

[bianco64squalo]

The opening fo drainage holes continues...
And also the work on forward torpedo loading well...
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Drainage holes...

[bianco64squalo]

I started the construction of the bottom and front part of the pressure hull, not present in the model, and also the keel structure.
In Trumpeter model there are many errors and semplifications, as the floor of the four spare torpedoes in the bow section, that is too much long, as keel structure piece, totally wrong, and many other details, so scratchbuild work is necessary....

[bianco64squalo]

Also the forward crew compartement floor is wrong in Trumpeter's model, and it must be cutted, leaving only the central section....

[SG]

Good progress Filippo and excellent research. An amazing torpedo loading well and pressure hull. keep it upp!

[bianco64squalo]

A request for NZSnowman:
where can I find some more drawings as that one posted ( I suppose it is yours ) ? They would be very, very, very useful for my U-552 building....
I hope gthat you can help me...
Thanks in advance.
Filippo

[NZSnowman]

A request for NZSnowman:
where can I find some more drawings as that one posted ( I suppose it is yours ) ? They would be very, very, very useful for my U-552 building....
I hope gthat you can help me...
Thanks in advance.
Filippo

Frame 63 was the only one I have worked on. I have stopped working on my 2D drawings, it was too hard to have so many different 2D drawings and updated them all if I change a U-boat component. The 3D software allows me to build one model and view it from any view.

[falo]

Hi Fillipo,


I don't know if the following links familiar:


http://www.dargies.de/Modellbau/BilderU564/u564.html


It's very detailed picture report about the Revell boat (1/72) with all inner sections. IMO very helpful for your Trumpeter boat in general.


Regards
falo

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Falo,
I already knew that site....

[bianco64squalo]

This weekend only torpedoe's room pieces cleaning.
Started the sperdetailing fo torpedo's tubes, with addition of flange with bolts on top of tubes near the breech door, absent on the model...

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress:

[bianco64squalo]

The work on forward torpedo tubes continues....

[bianco64squalo]

Forwar pressure hull end cap, not yet finished...

[bianco64squalo]

Continues the work on hull:
- modified the flooding holes under forward torpedo tubes;
- modified th flloding holes above the torpedo tubes;
- shortened the torpedo shutter doors.
Opinions welcome.
Cheers.
Filippo

[falo]

Hi Filippo,


I suppose you are well informed about Eduards new PE stuff?


https://www.eduard.com/store/ships-and-submarines/other/dkm-u-boat-viic-u-552-pt-1-hull-1-48.html?cur=1


https://www.eduard.com/store/ships-and-submarines/other/dkm-u-boat-viic-u-552-pt-2-tower-1-48.html?cur=1


Regards
falo

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Falo,
I didn't know about these new Eduard's photoetchings set, but I already bought these:
http://rcsubs.cz/index.php/photo-etched-sets/20-sets-for-u-boat-viic-1-48-trumpeter-06801
The Subs set is of equal quality of Eduard set, and so I cannot buy both of them.....

[bianco64squalo]

Despite the great hot weather in the attic where I have my work postation, I'm still working on the hull surface, because, until it was not completed, every work on inside is exposed to breakage or damages....
I completed the modify to the drainage holes near torpedo tubes and I started the opening of the deck hatches, visible through the Subs deck photoetchings....

[bianco64squalo]

Modified the ejector draining holes, wrong in position...later I'll modify also the joint between the pressure hull and the external case, in bow section, wrong too...
Start to cut off the plastic deck for replacing with photohetched one, and started the work of sanding the internal hull, visible in my model...

[bianco64squalo]

Some progress on internal part of the hull; the ribs, at the end, will be visible only from outside, through the drainage holes....
Cheers

[Morog]

Very cool! Looking for some more progress! Keep going!

best regards

Sascha

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress....

[bianco64squalo]

Some details of diesel engine room elements: work in progress, not yet finished....
Cheers....

[NZSnowman]

I believe the oil filter on the port side of the boat was added by the Royal Norwegian Navy (pic 2 & 3), but check with Tore or Don may also know.

[bianco64squalo]

Dear NZSnowman, I can work only with the documentation in my possession.
I asked help for documentation to the members of this forum, but I didn’t have....
So, I unwillingly accept criticism, because I’m short of documentation....

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Snowman,
yesterday I was maybe too much rough, but what I meant was that, for Trumpeter's model, the only one model that allows the reproduction of the interiors of a Type VIIC U- Boat in 1/48 scale, the only one existing U-Boat with complete interiors visible is the Laboe's one, that one I look at for superdetailing my model.
I guess there are no other real boats usable for this purpose....so, if the Laboe's U-995 ( Type VIIC / 41 ) is not exactly a copy of the U-552 ( Type VIIC ) I cannot do anything; I try to correct the errors in all the hull parts, perfectly visible in many period photos, but for the interiors I have no chance....
I know Schizzenbook is in progress, and maybe this book, when available, will bring some more documentation...
Waiting for more possible documentations, I can only see to Laboe's U-995 for interiors, and to the few existing photos of other Type VIIC boats, but surely those photos don't cover the entire interior compartments, and any single recess of any compartment....
Any help is welcome.
Filippo
 

[bianco64squalo]

Cheers....

[bianco64squalo]

Adding rivets to forward hydroplanes guard....
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress...
Opinions and suggestions welcome...

[dougie47]

Hi Filippo,

Looking very good, I particularly like the rivets around the diveplane support.

Cheers,

Dougie

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Dougie,
I'm still working on hull, before start with assembling and superdetailing the interiors, easy to break during hull manipulating...
A question: if you look at the last two photos that I posted, it seems to me that the vents aft rudders in Trumpeter's model are too much big; I'm thinking to fill them and then re-open in smaller shape: what do you think ?
Thanks in advance for help.....

[bianco64squalo]

Sorry, these are the model's vents...

[dougie47]

Hello Filippo,

I think you are right about the vents being too big on the kit. They are quite a bit too high in height.

The three vents in this area are wrong in exactly the same way as the Revell kit. Funny how two different model companies can make the very same mistake.

On the real boats there were two standard sized vents at the front, one below the other. Then there was a third one positioned farther aft which was the same height but shorter in length. This can be seen in the images below -





The Revell and Trumpeter kits are both wrong in that they both have the shorter vent at the front rather than the rear.

Cheers,

Dougie

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Dougie,
your help is pretious for me....
The two photos that you posted are fantastic !!!! I never saw them before...I don't know where you find these treats, but it's so difficult to find good photos of the low hull, usually under water....
A last question: in Trumpeter's model the rudders have a strange shape of the aft edge: see the posted photos: do you think they are right ? I trust on your help.
Cheers

[dougie47]

Hi Filippo,

Yeah, the aft edge looks really weird. From your photos it looks like there is a deep groove all along the trailing edge. Is there a big groove or am I seeing things? There should not be anything like this at the aft end of the rudder; the only thing on the real boats was a vertical weld seam.

The other issue is that there is only one horizontal weld seam. It is really hard to see the seams on real boats but the few I've seen have three horizontal weld seams (as well as two vertical seams). All three can easily be seen on the inside of the starboard rudder on the top photo I posted in my previous email from last night.

Here is another shot, although it is a very early VIIB -



I've pointed the blue arrows to show the three horizontal weld seams.

Trumpeter could have been influenced by the outside of the port rudder on U 995, which looks like it has only one horizontal weld seam. I think it is because the two others have worn away over the years. I think all three horizontal seams can be seen on the inside of both rudders in some photos of U 995 (presumably these have not worn or been sandblasted away).

If anyone has any period shots showing any weld seams please post.

Cheers,

Dougie

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Dougie,
exhaustive explanation, as usual....
Now I have to see if I have to fill the groove on the aft edge of the rudders, or cut off the protrusion, according to the exact dimension of the rudders: do you have, by chance, a drawing with the dimension of rudders ? If not don't worry, I'll try to obtain in some way...
Cheers

[dougie47]

Hi Filippo,

Here is the rudder from a schematic which should help -



If you resize and compare with the Trumpeter rudder you should see if cutting or filling is required.

I've pointed blue arrows at the corners on the rear edge. Note how they are both rounded. The corners on the early VIIB do look a bit more rounded than the other photos of VIICs for some reason, though I am not sure why this should be the case. It might be better not to round the edges too much?

Sorry I can't help with your other question.

Cheers,

Dougie

[David83]

Dear Bianco

Thats what i have about the rudder .
there are two vertical weld seams i think one of the weld seams are to fix the rudder shaft into the rudder because its direct in the center of the shaft  .

First picture are from 1941 the secound are from 1942

br David

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks David, fantastic photos....and useful too....
I’ll take advantage of your kind help some other times.....
Cheers

[dougie47]

Hi David,

Thanks for posting the images. The top one is a Type XB, I think it may be U 118 on the 6th September 1941.

The bottom one I think is a VIIC, this time U 302 in April 1942. There are two vertical seams as you say, both of which are not full lines but dashed. The horizontal seams are full lines. 

The IX U 534 has several dashed line seams on her rudders so the dashed lines were used on IXs, VIICs, XBs and perhaps other types too.

Cheers,

Dougie

[David83]

Thanks dougie for the exact explanation of the boats .
i found this picture while i was searching pics of the sacrifial anods of the rudders on this pic you can see them realy good .
its one of the two pic i only founds of the anods .

in the red cirles ,the other pictures are how i have done them on my Hachette 1.48 scale boat .

br David

[bianco64squalo]

Hi David, I like very much the precision of your work: is there an internet site where you posted a building report of your model ? I’d like very much to get inspiration from your work....
Thanks in advance.
Filippo

[bianco64squalo]

Another question: where did you find the rivets pattern of the junctions between the rudders and hydroplane guards elements?

[bianco64squalo]

Made by scratch the upper fairing outside the torpedo muzzle door, incredibly absent in the model ( I utilized a spare part from the same Trumpeter kit ).
About the drainage holes next to the same fairing, I decided to cut out the plastic and remake them from plasticard....
Cheers

[David83]

Another question: where did you find the rivets pattern of the junctions between the rudders and hydroplane guards elements?

My rivet pattern are a mix of pictures from books and pictures from U995 .
its very difficult to get a kind of pattern since nearly ever boot looks different in shape .

br David

[bianco64squalo]

Ok, I’ll copy your pattern....

[bianco64squalo]

Hi David,
thanks for reply.
Until I finish the work on the hull, I can't start with the interiors, without risk of damaging themselves.
The first zone of my intererst is the structure of stern ( see posted drawing: red rectangle ), outside the pressure hull; I'll realize a model with almost all a side open, and so all the interiors ( with interiors I intend inside the pressure hull ) and structure ( with structure I intend outside the pressure hull ) will be visible.
I have the David Westwood book and some ( few ) other drawing I found in internet; now my maximum interest zone is the stern structure, outside the pressure hull: I have to understand the arrangement of the structure elements ( for examples the stringers ) to reproduce it.
- what is the dashed line ( blue circle ) ?
- how is it made the torpedo tube support bracket ( green circle ) ?
- are correct the shapes of aft buoyancy tank and main ballast tank n. 1 in posted drawing ?
Better I understand the complexity of strucrtture, and better I can reproduce it....
Any help is welcome...
I post some drawings I already have ( except the Westwood's ones: I have the book )......
Thanks in advance.
Filippo

[bianco64squalo]

Sorry, this is the drawing of tanks I referred on....

[David83]

Dear Fillipo
 
ist very difficult to explain in a few words ,there where some compartment which where water tight and some others are not .
the part with the blue outerline are the diving tank 1 so it should be a watertight compartment .
 
the best think´g what you can do us the 3d scetches from NZ Snowmann here to get a idear how this was build .
since i have not build this in my Sub because ist not visible i can not help much about this structure .
 
br David
 
 

[bianco64squalo]

Hi David,
you speak od 3D schetches from NZ Snowman: where I found them ?

[David83]

Dear Filippo

http://amp.rokket.biz/lib_uboats.shtml

Scoll down you get what you need   

br David

[bianco64squalo]

Working on stern section of hull....

[bianco64squalo]

Works on propellers, in Trumpeter's model inexplicably enriched with strange engravings....
Also created the aft pressure hull cap, from 4 disks of thick styrene...
Cheers....

[bianco64squalo]

Hi eveybody, I really need help for understand, and so reproduce, the conplexity of the aft stern structure, outside the pressure hull; only with materials I have, I can’t start the superdetailing of this zone of boat: any help is welcome...
Thanks and best wishes of good 2018...

[bianco64squalo]

Waiting for some help, I continue the work of superdetailing of various items, without a building order.
The piston of the aft torpedo tube ( in the posted photo the cap provided by the kit and my one );the doubling of support electric motors ribs with 1 mm. plasticard.
In a short time I'll made by scratch the auxiliary engine for compressed air, totally wrong in kit ( see posted photos: the kit's one and the real thing ) and the aft bulkead trim tank ( see posted photos: the kit's one and the real thing )...
[/size]I hope in some drawings of aft stern structure outside the pressure hull, temporarily suspended....
[/size]Cheers
[/size]

[bianco64squalo]

Auxiliary compressed air engine: work in progress....in the posted photos the item that comes with the kit, the real thing and my one, also incomplete....
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everybody,
the kind of help that I need for building the inner structure of my model is to find drawings as that one I posted: do someone know where I can find those drawings ?
Thanks in advance.
Filippo

[falo]

Hay Filippo,


the schematic stern drawing you have asked for is part of this:


http://www.das-geschichtsbuch.de/product_info.php?info=p2889_Planmappe--Uboottyp-VII-C.html


Regards
falo

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Falo, I can’t open the entire drawing: is that the entire sub with the same detail of the particular I posted ?

[falo]

Hi Filippo,

sorry I forgot that the explaining text is in german.

This is not a book or a brochure its a folder with 17 Plans and one of the plans is displaying the schematic drawing you are after (the folder contains 17 plans on 11 sheets (each 42 x 59,4 cm) and its called "Planmappe Uboottyp VIIC". Don't mix up "Planmappe" with the book/brochure "Vom Original zum Modell – Uboottyp VIIC".

Here you can find a thread about the "Planmappe" and the "Vom Original zum Modell" on "uboat.net":

https://www.uboat.net/forums/read.php?14,56530,56530

Regards
falo

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Falo, I’ll surely buy the folder with the drawings...

[bianco64squalo]

The work on air compressed electric motor continues....not yet completed, but it starts to take shape...

[bianco64squalo]

Not yet finished....

[bianco64squalo]

Almost finished; some particulars must be added after painting....obviously the details will show up after painting, washing and drybrushing...

[Rokket]

LOVE the detail and quality of that compressor. Imcompressive!

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everybody,
I'm still working on my U552, but the work is slow, because of the Trumpeter's model inaccuracy....
I had to build by scratch, or modify, some bulwarks and part of pressure hull in aft section, not present in model....
Also modified the floor of stern torpedo tube, flat in the model but curved in reality...
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress....

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everybody,
is there, in the red eyelighted rectangular area ( see posted drawing ), a structural longitudinal stringer, as that one realized by the modeler of the posted photo, or there were only the principal transversal round ribs of pressure hull ?
Thanks in advance for replies.
Filippo

[bianco64squalo]

No one answer for my previous question: no matter...I'll do my way...
Now I'm working on some inside conning tower equipments, starting from UZO; in posted photos the kit piece and the head of my one.
I'm not totally satisfied, but it's starts looking good...

[David83]

Dear Filippo

i never saw this net here whats the purpose of this ?
if its to catch the spend catridges than its on the wrong side since the ejection are on the oposit site of the magazine .

br David

[bianco64squalo]

Hi David, that photo is not my model....I didn’t yet start the construction of my conning tower....😜😜😜

[bianco64squalo]

UZO finished...

[GlennCauley]

UZO finished...

Would you consider casting & selling that?   
Or uploading a 3D model to Shapeways?

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Glenn,
I answered on the other UZO thread...
I'm now working on attack periscope mounting...
I don't like very much the photoetchings features: they are too much flat; I prefer use plasticard...

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress....

[bianco64squalo]

Not yet finished, but it starts to look something...

[dougie47]

Hi Fillipo,

Very nice work, it certainly is looking like something. I like that you have gone for the U 552 style rather than other boats.

Here is an image of U 552 -



Blue arrow - this shows a little circular shape

Purple arrow - this small hole was on the starboard side only (not port)

Red arrow - the large hole on starboard side only

Hope this helps and have a good weekend.

Cheers,

Dougie

[bianco64squalo]

Almost finished...some small particulars are still missing, but it looks already well....

[Anakin]

Amazing! Really beautiful job and that accuracy! 

[bianco64squalo]

Still working on conning tower elements...
In the last photo is visible the wrong position of UZO on photoetched deck: I don't know exactly how modify the photoetched deck: opinions welcome....

[bianco64squalo]

Completed also the pressure conning tower cap....
Now I'm working on inside conning tower walls; Trumpeter repetaed the Revell's errors, and so, inexplicably, the air inlets ducts are less wie then the outside gratings....so I decided to enlarge the ducts...
I also removed the plastic vertical planks from inside tower walls, because I want to do them from wood, as real....
Stay tuned....

[bianco64squalo]

Still working on conning tower, inside and outside....
Nothing yet glued, only dryfitted....still a lot of work to do....
I'll make the wood stripes on side walls of conning tower with real wooden planks....
Cheers

[Raymic1]

Tower is looking good Bianco.
I too have solved the Deck etch problem by using Styrene 0.13mm over the top to centre the UZO.


In regards to the Wooden slats to stop the crew sticking to the Tower in cold weather.
In all the photos I have and the videos U552 I cant see to any ( or not many) Slats on the sides in the early version.
there are photos showing a few on the Antenna housing
Only when it shows photos with a Wind deflector ie later war, does lots of Slats seem common on the side walls.
Have you got references showing these slates?

PS Also the Eduard Tower set provides the strange box with a hole, the needed hatches and seats etc that is missing with RCsubs.

BUMP and 3rd photo shows no Slats and also no Box with a Hole? ?
So my conclusion is that the Box with the Hole is some sort of temporary apparatus?
cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
you are right about all your observations...
I Know the Eduard's kit for Trumpeter model ( I downloaded the instruction sheets ), but I can't buy it....
I still have not decided which version of U552 to build, early or late one; I will decide on the base of top wave deflector, not included in the kit: according to that decision, I'll decide which particulars ( the wooden slats, for example ) include on my model....
For the moment, I think to reproduce the late version of U552, with wave deflector; I realize that it will not be easy to reproduce it ( double curvature ), but I'll make an attempt...
Looking forward to see your work.
Filippoo   

[42rocker]

As normal your work looks good. A late u552, good to know. 
Thanks for sharing.   
Later Tim

[Raymic1]

And Bianco
What do you think the 2nd lower hole ( top hole is the Aerial) in the conning tower is next to the Deck crewman?
I read somewhere that it was the 88mm Ammo chute but can't now find that article?
And it looks the wrong angle for a chute from the Tower?

ps Its present on both early and late war U552

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
the ammo chute is not the 2nd lower hole that you speak about: see the posted photos ( it is not U 552, but I think it's quitre the same )....
If you see at the photo of U552 conning tower deck ( posted ), it is not visible an oval hatch in the same position of that one present in the other U-Boat conning tower deck; it's a real brain teaser...
From the photos, looking at the position of ammo oval hatch compared to main hatch, it seems that the position of ammo chute was on starboard side of conning tower, but there is not an hatch in the expected position on the starboard side of conning tower ( see the posted drawing ): I'm very doubtful.....
Opinions of forum's experts welcome...

[bianco64squalo]

Is it the oval hole ( ? ) circled in red in posted photo the ammo chute on U552 conning tower deck ? Or the dark oval shape is only a shadow or dirt on film frame ?

[bianco64squalo]

Voice duct on conning tower....

[Raymic1]

Hi Raymic,
the ammo chute is not the 2nd lower hole that you speak about: see the posted photos ( it is not U 552, but I think it's quitre the same )....
If you see at the photo of U552 conning tower deck ( posted ), it is not visible an oval hatch in the same position of that one present in the other U-Boat conning tower deck; it's a real brain teaser...
From the photos, looking at the position of ammo oval hatch compared to main hatch, it seems that the position of ammo chute was on starboard side of conning tower, but there is not an hatch in the expected position on the starboard side of conning tower ( see the posted drawing ): I'm very doubtful.....
Opinions of forum's experts welcome...

FYI Interesting

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
good observation...it's ironical the fact that I already had that drawing you posted on my U-Boat folder....
That hatch was present on both sides of conning tower, and take note of the hollow on wave deflector over those hatches ( see posted photos ), also that one present on both sides...( I don't imagine its purpose...).
Cheers

[Raymic1]

Bianco
Fyi.
I'm not sure if this is a Type VIIC (it supposed to be a Type II) as its from a reenacted movie on Scapa Flow mission U47 but these look like ammo chutes on both sides.

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
thanks for the photo; I already have one photo similar to that one ( posted ).
The problem is that I didn't see a similar configuration in Type VIIC photos I have....maybe it was possible to remove some part of deck floor to have access to those chutes...
See also the lookout seats on photo.....

[bianco64squalo]

The work proceeds slowly, because of the heat of the season....( I discovered Brian Freeman's books, especially the Stride's serie, and they take me a lot of free time...).
I opened a window on starboard side of the conning tower, to see the interiors...
I don't like the "protruding"position of the air grill in photoethcing; it was flush with the conning tower wall; I'm thinking about how to solve the problem....

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everybody,
after a long period of inactivity, I resumed work on U 552, starting from where I left off, the exterior of conning tower.
I was not satisfied with the photoetched hatches applied ( they were too protruding from conning tower surface ) and with the photoetched air intake grill ( it was too flat, not very "real" ).
I solved the problem of hatches heating them with the tip of the welder ( I replaced the hinges too ).
About the grill, I rebuilt it by scratch.
Here some photos...
As visible in the last photo, I made by scratch also the part of conning tower surface with the drainage holes...
Cheers

[Raymic1]

Good to see you back Bianco
Yes the grills are a problem. I used the Eduard ones as they are correct thickness but not that much better. I'm not happy with mine and still need some adjustments

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
your UZO and attack periscope basement are simply fantastic !!!!
Also the Eduard’s photoetched grill are not so bad...
Glad to see you again....

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everyone,
as noted by Raymic, in Trumpeter's model the conning tower interior floor is totally wrong, at the deck level.
I had to drill the deck, reproducing the conning pressure hull shape; I used the half shell of conning pressure hull ( I'll will make visible all the interior of conning tower ) to extend the missing part.

[bianco64squalo]

Before gluing the top cap of conning tower pressure hull, I will redo all the details, removing the existing details.
Obviously, I'll have to build by scratch the inner conning tower floor...
Stay tuned...

[Raymic1]

Looking good Bianco


FYI. I had to rebuild the Floor as it is one with lots of small drainage holes in it. I used a thin Plastic card and a sharp needle. LOTS of Holes...

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
I like very much your floor with drainage holes, especially the pattern of holes ( concentric circles design ).
I'll try to do my best...
Cheers

[Raymic1]

I studied the pictures of U995.
Funny but see this photo from the Haynes book. They printed it upside down......

[bianco64squalo]

🤭🤪😂

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everybody,
I made the first attempt to build the inner conning tower floor, with all the drainage holes...I'm not totally satisfied with it, maybe I'll do another try...
In the meantime I started with the attak periscope post, and precisely with the commander seat; in Trumpeter's model the seat is too flat, and I tried to give to it more "thickness"; now I'm making the seat support with spring system...
Stay tuned...

[Raymic1]

Looking good Bianco. Here's a few pics of my Tower. Nearly finished the inside.....
Bits still blutacked on.
Lots still to go, weathering etc.

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Raymic,
your conning tower is fantastic.....I'll use your model as a reference for some missing details of my model....
One question: what about the starboard side of the conning tower inside ? Do you want to leave it open ? If not, have you some photos of that side of your model ? And even more: can you post a couple of photos of the front side of conning tower inside ?
I'm happy to have a partner in this Trumpeter's model building: you are the only one who seems interested in this building report...
Cheers


P.S. : keep your building thread up to date with the photos that you posted on mine one...

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everyone,
as promised I post the photos of the commander's seat on attack periscope inside the conning tower, in comparison with the Trumpeter's one...

[bianco64squalo]

Unfortunately I did not get the hoped-for help for the attack periscope casong inside conning tower, so I had to content myself with the material in my possession.
Here the first steps in scratch build....


P.S. : someone could tell me where to find a tutorial on how to fold and shape copper cables ?

[bianco64squalo]

Work in progress....stay tuned....

[SG]

Outstanding!

[bianco64squalo]

Thank you for your appreciation,
unfortunately I have to stop the work on attack periscope casing inside conning tower, because I have not photos of the right side of it, just the visible side on my model....
I post the last photos of the casing, waiting to find some new photos....(  I haven't had any answer from "welcome@marinebund.de" )
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

Compass housing in control room...
Good 2019 !!!!

[bianco64squalo]

Drawers in control room: real thing, item in Trumpeter's box and my scratchbuilded one...
Cheers...

[Rokket]

Beautiful work

[bianco64squalo]

Thank you Rokket,
here another scratchbuilded item: the cabinets under maps table....
As usual, a photo of the Trumpeter's piece, and my one...
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

The work on control room's equipments continues...now is the turn of water refrigerator:
the Trumpeter item, the real thing, and my scratchbuilded one....
Cheers

[bianco64squalo]

The work on control room's equipments continues...now is the turn of torpedo equipment:[/size]the Trumpeter item, the real thing, and my scratchbuilded one....Cheers[/color]

[SG]

Just amazing. Speechless

[bianco64squalo]

The desk column next to attack periscope casing on control room: the Trumpeter's itrem and my scratchbuilded one...
The desk is made in real maple wood...
Cheers

[42rocker]

Looking Great. 
 
Later Tim

[bianco64squalo]

Working on attack periscope casing on Control Room:
the Trumpeter's items, the freal thing, and my scrathbuilded work, in progress....
Cheers

[42rocker]

And some more good looking parts.  Way to go. 
 
Later Tim

[bianco64squalo]

Hi everyone,
I will be absent from the forum for a while, maybe forever ...
My wife Margherita was hospitalized in neurology in Padua; they found a large mass on the frontal lobes of the brain ... the situation is very serious ... my heart is broken ...
If you can remember her in Vs. prayers.
I embrace you all.
Filippo

[42rocker]

OMG Thoughts and Prayers for her. And You and the Family.
Hope to see you back on the forum. 
Again thoughts and Prayers. 
 
Later Tim

[SG]

Filippo, am very Sorry to hear. I hope for the best. My prayers for her and a gigantic hug to both of you. Hold fast Mate
Stefano

[Raymic1]

Filippo
How is things? I hope your wife is well
best
Mike


New Zealand

[bianco64squalo]

Hi mates, my wife's brain tumor is not operable, so now she is doing the first round of chemotherapy; together with cortisone drug therapy, the effects on her body are very heavy .... we hope for the best, but the situation is serious ...

[42rocker]

Thoughts and Prayers. 
 
Later Tim

[Mr. Bill]

Sending my prayers......

Bill

[bianco64squalo]

[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87)]Unfortunately for my wife there is nothing left to do;[/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87)][/size][/color][color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87)][/size]the oncologists no longer care for her ... she has only a few months left to live ... all my attentions are for her ... we'll meet again when it's all over[/color]

[dougie47]

Dear Filippo,

On behalf of everyone here let me say how very sorry we are in regard to the health of your wife. Wishing you and your family the very best.

Warm regards,

Dougie Martindale
Accurate Model Parts

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks for the kind words....

[bianco64squalo]

Hello to all; unfortunately the brain tumor left no way out for Margherita: after 5 months of struggle his body gave up and died, at 53 years old. I am broken, my heart is broken, probably I will no longer approach the modeling ... for now nothing seems to make more sense to me ... for some time you have also been part of my family: I love you and I greet you all.
Filippo

[Raymic1]

So sorry for you Fillipo.
Life is not fair for all.
No reason why it just is.
Surround yourself with family and friends support.
You can never forget your beautiful wife. Remember all the great precious times and blessings you shared and don't regret any not so good times.
There is no cure for grief but time. It may take a very long time, don't rush yourself or expect too much, too soon.
 But one day your hope will return with the love of your family and friends.
Stay strong
Mike

[bianco64squalo]

Thanks Mike, your words made me cry, also because from friends they always seem sincere and less conditioned by relationships ... I think the loss of a wife is one of the most difficult pains to bear, certainly more than the loss of parents (I lost both of them ); the emptiness that leaves you inside is immense, and can hardly be filled by the affection of your loved ones ... only time can cure such a deep wound ... for now I have only loneliness and despair ... I will grow to be strong, because she would surely have wanted it ....

[Katuna]

I couldn't have put it any better than Mike. I hope that you can come here and get a small amount of enjoyment from what we and this site have to offer. You are an extremely talented modeler and I hope that some day your pain will lift just enough to continue your work here.


We all have our ways of dealing with grief. Whether it is our job, our home or even our hobbies. Sadly life goes on all around us and it is hard to comprehend why no one else is as sad as we are. Only you know the best way to deal with it. Just know that she is smiling down on you, wishing your pain will be vanquished by her love.

[bianco64squalo]

Hi Katuna, thank you for the kind words, it's nice to think that your loved one looks at you and smiles at you from up there, it's nice to think it and even more to believe it ... but the condition of those who remain is made of loneliness and despair, every day .... I talk every day with Margherita, with words full of love, but hoping that she can hear them is really difficult, that she can somehow respond even more difficult ... the wound is too deep to heal, and the scar will remain forever ... no one can imagine the pain of losing one's life companion, if not trying it on one's skin, it is a painful experience that leaves you empty and with no desire to go on ... only time can relieve pain, it's my only hope ..