I’m about 1/4 through building the Colombo Express (Revell 1/700). The deck was just dry brushed today and I am working on the superstructure. It took a few times to get the face plate lined up with the decks. I can see that some gap filling glue or putty will be needed for the side seams. I purchased White Ensign’s ladders and rails for the decks. It definitely needs something. When you look at the completed model it doesn’t look right without rails, ladders and some stretched sprue “holding” the reefers on the deck. Is anyone else assembling this model?
This is on the shelf getting ready to be built. About the only thing I’m really waiting on is to see if somebody will come up with some different container markings. I ordered the rails from WEM as well. Revell in Europe has released a PE set for the rails. Please post some pictures when you get a chance.
I don’t have the kit yet, but DO intend to use other container markings, with homemade decals. I have been downloading images from model railroad sites. Containers are big cargo for model RR guys, so there are some nice ads, square on to sides. Should make okay decals.
I built the model for FSM’s Workbench Reviews. It’s an interesting build (nice to have something a little different) but you’re right about it needing some extra detail like railings, etc. Revell Germany announced at Nuremburg that they are producing a photoetched-metal set for the kit.
I actually read your review in last month’s FSM Review. It was nice to read that you also had to sand down the superstructure joints to get a smooth edge. I just applied some putty to the sides to close the seam. Your video content on the tank treads cracked me up. I liked the comment that some AC/DC will make the process go faster. Very funny. I have added some pix of the hull.
going of what mfsob said, you definitely have to paint a bunch of different colors on the containers. i was stationed in Norfolk, Va for 5 years and saw a lot of container ships steam by while we were in port, and never once was there a full load of containers anywhere close to all being the same markings.
I received some detail pics from a Puget Sound Pilot friend who docked a Hapag-Lloyd ship in Seattle recently. Several of the crew had been on the Colombo class ships and gave him these:
I just finished ANOTHER containership for a client . It was the "CONTI BELGICA " in “PAPER” ! This ship when done is about 171/2 inches long . I would guess then it,s close to 1/700 ? Anyway this thing came with 48 containers and you could order extra sheets of them from WILHELMSHAVEN SCALE MODELS through Papermodels International in OREGON .I have heard they are out of business . Anyway I did a parts count (remember YOU the builder has to make the parts) and it comes out to over 345 .Hows that for a parts count ?That,s for the ship only ! The containers are another 200 parts . so overall with the extra containers and the ones included you have a lot to put together .I think , as I am wont to do , I will add a plastic version in " N " scale for my clients . I really enjoyed building the “CONTI” and YES it was a challenge .If you like leeetle teensy tiny 1/700 scale stuff then this ship should be in your fleet .I had to use my neighbor,s tv magnifier rig to put it together ! Can,t beat the price though $14.95. Mailed directly to you ! have fun dreaming about the old tankerbuilder doing this model (The COLOMBO EXPRESS) and converting another to a modern tanker . yup , that,s what tankerbuilder likes to do . Catchya later tankerbuilder as if no one knew .
