I’m about to buy the Revell kit this afternoon with some Andrea Figures Bridge Crew and Deck Gun Crew sets.
I’m looking at maybe getting some aftermarket kits to go with it. Let me just start by saying that I’m not really a fanatic on authenticity, but I do like detail - I’m more concerned with the finished kit looking good, not necessarily 110% correct !
With that being said, what are peoples opinion with how detailed the kit is out of the box ? My main concerns with what I have seen is with the detail of the guns and the conning tower fittings.
If it is recommended to get some aftermarket - I was looking at getting the Nautilis Wooden Deck, has anyone used this ? How is the fit and the finish ?
And finally, I would be looking at getting 1 photoetch set - either the WEM or Eduard set - which would people recommend out of the two if I’m only getting one - which one would give me the most bang for my buck ?
I highly reccommend you visit uboat.net. There are tons of info on this kit and it’s aftermarket parts. There are a lot of people that have asked the very same questions as you have and also some “experts” on u boats that have offered some very informative answers. Just click on ‘forums’ then click on ’ model and schematics’. The amount of info there is mind blowing.
I’m currently working on one right now for a series of upcoming articles. I’m using the Nautlius deck, White Ensign and Yankee Modelworks brass sets, Yankee Modelworks Pressure hull, and Steve Nuttall’s barrel, scope, and prop shaft set in turned brass.
Having reviewed everything before installation, all of the above mentioned products look to be very nicely done, and you can’t go wrong with any of them in my opinion.
for photos/purchase of most of the aftermarket stuff- go to modelsbymickster website.
I found photos of many of the products- figures, warhammer, etc. there. plus, he seems really easy to deal with. he’s got a link on his sotre page specifically for U-boat and Schnellboat parts.
A question for Jeff- I’ve been debating purchasing the brass work from Steve- I think I want the scopes and barrels, but do you think that the prop shafts in brass are worth exchanging for the plastic ones in the kit?
I compared the two, and the brass is definitely nicer than the plastic parts. Sharper definition all around , especially at the flange that connects to the support strut.
Steve sells the whole set, including the barrels, so you might just as well go for it…
Hey, Jeff! haven’t you looked at the Eduard set? I’ve got it, it’s exquisite!
It’s a “Must Have” for the forward and after decks, and the intakes and discharge fittings, alone. And there’s abunch more stuff, as well.
And, YEP! The price is approaching that of an R/C boat. I know! I’ve got two, already
Mike
Yes, I looked at the Eduard set, but found that between the WEM and Yankee set, I had everything that was on the Eduard set. Odd logic, I know, but that’s how it happended…
barrels, scopes and shafts are on the way from Steve… [:D]
I did a test fit with the brass deck from Jason, and it fits like a glove. I just gotta get some shim material for bringing the deck to the correct height…
I guess I went at it bassackwards. I liked the Eduards set and nothing better was on the Yankee set. But, WEM, had parts I liked better then the Eduard set. So I ordered both.
This brings up another question.
On the WEM torpedo loading set, the hull top, and loading hatch, are held in place by a grillwork, that glues to the deck. The question is: since I’m also using the Yankee hull top, is the grill work valid? In other words, was there really a grillwork surrounding the torpedo loading area, under the deck? Or, as on the US boats, was it open all the way around?
Mike K
Tough call…I really don’t see a reason why there’d be a grille surrounding the trunking for the torpedo loading area below the deck…that’s one of those gray areas where the only way to find the answer would be to talk to someone at U-995 (Laboe), a vet (who probably won’t know) or find a period photo showing the loading process.
Either way, if you use it or not, I don’t think anyone is going to call you out on it.
