Topic: My build of HMS Solebay.

[paul swainson]

Well after some time I have now completed the HACS tower and now it requires to be primed ready for painting.  I do not know what the material the tower is made from from but I could not get items to bond to it.  But I think I did a fair job.  Not my best but I do not think I can improve on it.  So with some primer and top coat of paint it should look the part.   I have put some extra detail on which is not in the model kit but is on the ship I hope it looks OK.

[paul swainson]

I still have to mount the two rear ladders to the rear of the bridge and the door, but it should now look the part.

[radio joe]

Hi Paul, I think that should look fine, as you say paint makes things look better I know I got away with a lot thanks to a coat of it.

[paul swainson]

Yes very true, the first coat of primer is on and will wait to dry for a few days before I put on the second coat.  Its looks a lot better.

[mikearace]

Looks just what is supposed to be so a fine job there and as you say once the paint is on it is surprising how much it adds to the look.

[paul swainson]

Thanks for that Mike, I tried hard and now the first cost of primer is on its not too bad at all.  Will put photos up once the primer has dried and the second coat has been applied.  Paul

[paul swainson]

Well I have finally built the torpedo tubes and added the detail and placed on the deck to see if they will fit.   I hope to be able to have them sitting bow to stern and then be able to turn them on the pivot base I think that will be tight.

[paul swainson]

They are now primed and fitted onto the deck and they all turn.   I made a small adjustment to the layout by turning one set of tube the opposite way to the other.  That will let me turn them and also have firing position to each side of the ship.

[paul swainson]

The forward 4.7 guns turrets have been positioned and the base bonded and in position to allow me the fit small servos to allow the guns to turn.   I hope also to ling up the HA range finder to the same linkage so that it turns as well as the guns.  So here is a few photos to show how she is looking now.

[radio joe]

Looking good Paul, I decided not to turn the torpedo racks on mine ,mainly because the operator pod on the aft rack would not pass under the gangway for some reason, I could have cut the pod off and lowered it but in the end didn't bother,,probably a silly question but did you remember to fit the captive bolts in the turrets.

[paul swainson]

I fitted the bolt (2mm) and then heated  it into the base and then bonded it with more plastic melted to ensure a secure fit, then bonded the under side of the bolt with Q-bond to ensure the tread was bonded to the base.  Hope that makes it secure.

[radio joe]

Well done Paul, I said it was a silly question.

[paul swainson]

Your questions are never silly Joe,  Your help has been great and really appreciate it.  Paul

[mikearace]

Its all coming together very nicely.  I must admit round about now in a build is the time I start to feel a little satisfied when it is resembling the actual ship its meant to be rather than just a hull and some box structures.

[paul swainson]

Very True Mike, I am feeling very satisfied just now the ship is beginning to look like a ship and the one think in my favour at the moment I still have not bonded the decks so can still do work very easily with out having to work in confine spaces.