[Brophmeister]

Skip to page 2 for the first stages of construction!

I believe that all modellers can learn new techniques from each other, and I hope that by creating this tutorial/kit review there may be some budding (or even experienced) modellers out there that may be inspired to take their hobby to the next level and achieve increasingly high quality results. Additionally, I hope there may be some people out there with more experience than I that can hand out some handy techniques to assist me in my endeavours. I'm always open to learning new things! All criticism welcomed! - Brophmeister, 10/10/2009




Just got given this beautiful model for Christmas. Its Tamiya's 1/350 scale Tirpitz.

The photograph dosn't really do much justice to the size of the kit. Once complete, it will measure 717mm long by 103mm wide. I intend to paint the kit in the same style as you can see on the box art (1943 style dazzle pattern, I think?).

First impressions are good. The parts seem well molded, quite well detailed and well packaged (I have taken all the frames out of their bags in the photo). Th kit also has provision for a battery pack and motor in the hull should you wish to make a radio controlled variant, which is definately cool. Unfortunately I don't have the money for such an endeavour, so it will be relegated to the "dry dock" only (i.e. looking pretty on my bookcase).

I'll start this kit once I've finished a 1/35 Sopwith Camel, which is proving to be a real bastard BTW.
Will update once started.

[Pirate]

Have fun building that one Broph. I'm just getting towards the end of making a Tamiya 1/350 model of the Yamato, which has been good fun. Its at least 2 1/2 feet long, so quite impressive.

On a different note, are you planning on using the tamiya paints? I started with them but I'm really not impressed. There are no metalic tamiya paints available here in the UK because they were apparently toxic (made in China...) and the normal colours give a really poor finish unless you are using an airbrush - and the colour is different when painted on (something to do with the thinners you have to use) which makes it difficult to touch parts up for finishing. I don't know if anyone else has experienced these problems - just a word of warning :wink: Maybe I'll post a picture when I'm finished...

[Brophmeister]

Yep, I've been using Tamiya acrylics a long time and never had an issue. I actually rather like them, I find I can achieve a nice even finish irregardless of how thick or streaky I layer the paint on. Mabey you got the crappy paint left at the bottom of the vat?

For metallic paints my local hobby store retails an Italian paint called "Plata Liquido" manufactured by Vallejo. Its certainly not a cheap paint but holy crap it looks superb.
http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/

Please do post pictures when youre done! I saw a Tamiya Musashi at my hobby store the other day which I might consider getting once this is done.

[RAF_Magpie]

hehehe, when I was 16 I built a Tamiya 1/350 USS New Jersey (BB-62). Very fun build, and looked spectacular when done - had the options for building her in WWII Spec or Lebanese spec; chose WWII Of course, with tiny little Kingfisher's on her stern...

Very envious of you Brophmeister, looking forward to watching her progress

[Brophmeister]

I used to have a 1/300 scale Missouri, but I was only 7 when I built it and did an absolutely terrible job. If I can get my hands on the same kit I'd definitely give it another shot.

I'm also in the market for either an aircraft carrier or submarine kit. Can anybody reccomend one?

[RAF_Magpie]

Well, if you'd asked 10 years ago, I would know where one was for ya, lol. I know there is an USS Enterprise floating around in 1/350... And perhaps some others. Nearly brought myself that kit, but decided I'd rather make a 1/350 RMS Lusitania... Couldn't pass her up, as I'd been hunting for her for a while. The local model store in Christchurch had them both side by side... Can't remember the brand of the Enterprise however... sorry...

Out of interest, Pirate, how is the Tamiya Yamato kit? I've been tossing the idea of getting me one of those kits to help kit out the new house... Recommended? If its anything like the Big J, she'd be a sweat build. Good molds, etc?

[Pirate]

I think you are probably right, I think it was a supply issue - given that for most of the last year the model shops were saying that they wouldn't be receiving any new Tamiya paints until the supply problem was sorted out, so they only had a few colours in each shop (really old pots I guess). I ended up having to mix black and white to match the proper grey I already had used. The whole painting process turned out to be a complete nightmare - So I shelved it nearly 6 months ago to wait for the new paints to show up, though havent checked for a while.

Really looking forward to see how you get on, keep us updated mate. And thanks for the advice on the metailcs - I believe they have some locally, but I was put off by the price originally.

edit:

Out of interest, Pirate, how is the Tamiya Yamato kit? I've been tossing the idea of getting me one of those kits to help kit out the new house... Recommended? If its anything like the Big J, she'd be a sweat build. Good molds, etc?

Have no fear the quality was absolutely perfect, I was really impressed with the model. Although not so much with the aircraft it carries, I guess they are just too small to mold acurately?

Is quite a unique looking beast as well, with the wide deck and flat bottomed hull. And those 18 inch guns are very impressive. The ship really took my imagination, it turns out there isn't much actually known about her or the sister ship Musashi - all/most of the documentation was destroyed, and there are only a few photographs.

[Brophmeister]

It isquite an expensive paint, Pirate, but a little does go along way. Give it a try, youmightbe pleasantly suprised!

Magpie, I have a huge ass USS Enterprise thats nearly 1.5 meters long (box dosnt give the scale) but just like the Missouri I was very young when I started it and inevitably stuffed itup. Its sitting in the box rightnow, I've been too ashamed totouch it since then and I fear that its beyond the point of repair. Want it?

[wheelsup_cavu]

I may be stating the obvious for you guys but I found a Tamiya 1/350 scale Enterprise.
Since Tamiya is who made the Tirpitz that you are building I thought I would provide the links anyway.

eHobbies-Tamiya 1/350 Enterprise

Tamiya 1/350 Ship Series

Wheelsup

[Brophmeister]

Thanks wheelsup! Once I have some funds in reserve I might see if mylocal store can get this one in!

[Carts]

Looking forward to watching this project come to fruition.keep us posted Brophmeister!

[Brophmeister]

For those of you wondering whats happening with this it is very, very slowly coming together. Unfortunately the construction has been hampered by our house going on the market. The first stage (hull) is almost complete and I will post an update hopefully within the next few days.

[wheelsup_cavu]

Here's one that should be moved to the Scale Model Forum ??

Did you ever finish this build Brophmeister ?


Wheels

[riffraffv8]

yes it should, thanks wheelsup_cava......now moved

and yes Brophmeister any news?

[Danz_Von_Luck]

I have the Bismark version of that kit its a fantastic kit