All in all the results looked very good but when compared to the original photo it just didn't look quite right.......

I noticed that my version wasn't long enough; It needed to reach further down the hull. The oblong slot also looked to low compared to the original.

This bugged me and eventually got the better of me and I decided to remove the plates, grind out a larger slot higher up, fabricate two more exhaust plates and refit the whole thing.

I'm glad I did as it looks much improved and in keeping with the original photograph. I can now look at it and feel comfortable!

The attached images show the new exhaust plates fixed in place. The first image shows the original plate held against the new version so you can see the difference.

Hi everyone, in the past week I've been adding modifications to the conning tower to convert it from a Turm 1 [U96 version - single 2cm flak gun on platform] to a Turm IV [modified U230 version - twin 2cm flak guns on upper platform by bridge and a 3.7cm flak gun on lower platform]. I have built up some plastic sections using 1.0mm and 0.5mm plastic sheet. The photos for this part of the build will posted in about 3 weeks as there are more posts, unrelated to the conning tower, to come before that.

The problem I have encountered when scratch building modifications for the conning tower, based on photos of U995 which also has a Turm IV tower, is that it won't be dimensionally accurate.

Here is a bit of a longshot; Does anyone on this site have dimensions for the Turm IV tower?

I've looked all over and can't find anything, any help would be greatly appreciated!

My only other option is to purchase a 1/72 Revell Type VIIC/41 kit at around £80 inc p+p purely to measure the conning tower as this has a Turm IV. Once measured I can convert the dimensions back to 1/48 scale. An expensive approach but I have to get this part of the build accurate.

If I do end up buying a 1/72 kit just to measure the conning tower I will be selling it as soon as I'm done, either on here or ebay.

Maybe you've never considered buying a 1/72 U-Boat until now but this has piqued your interest then let me know. There are loads and loads of AMP's for 1/72 scale, so plenty of opportunity for conversions for anyone wanting to attempt that.

Thanks for looking in.

Regards,
Phil W

Thanks a lot Phil. Glad you like the posts. I try and get as much detail on here as I can to act as a reference for myself and also to help out anyone else.

More posts soon.

Phil W

Wow you cerinly know what you are doing and all the additional detail looks really good.

You should have a fantastic model when its all finished.

Hi Phil i have the 1/72 type V11 C revell kit in my stash if you needed any help? regards Phil

well Phil i`ll sort it out for you and let you no asap ok regards Phil

have pmd you Phil regards Phil

To simulate the true inside of the U-Boat [or any submarine for that matter], I decided to fit the T-Frames [ribs] inside the Motor Room / Aft Torpedo Compartment. This also carries on the look portrayed by the Engine Room plastic parts supplied with the part-works.

The attached photo shows the T-Frames in place. This was before I had backfilled the gap between the Engine Room and Motor Room bulkhead.

The attached photo shows the T-Frames in place. These were made using 2.5mm square plastic strip. Pretty much the same dimensions as the moulded ribs found in the Engine Room.

I had to over-bend each rib so that it sprang back to form the same curve as the hull. This was a bit of trial and error until I had a system in place; using a mustard jar as a former.

I made a 10mm wide spacer from 1mm plastic sheet to check the gaps between the T-Frames. Obviously the MDF supports look too big in comparison but these are providing the super-structure with strength. When I start to add detail; pumps, pipes and valves plus the tread-plate a lot of these MDF supports will be hidden.

The next photo shows the bulkhead door opening filed and sanded looking towards the Engine Room.