These 'fillers' weren't that strong or robust as they were so I added bracing pieces. The attached photo shows the first one in place.

From another angle.

I then made a 'triangular' shaped bridging piece to support the top edges

Filed to suit.

To get the upper deck to the correct height, a further 10mm has to be added to the bridging piece. I started by adding angled strip, 6.0mm square and cut to shape.

I added a second strip to the other side followed by filler.

Starboard side filler smoothed and levelled.

That concludes this weeks update, but before I sign off I have some more photos to share with you.

Ever since I decided to build this particular U-boat [U230] with the type IV conning tower [additional upper and lower decks], I have been conscious that I would have to source very specific armament to complete it; a 3.7cm single mount M42 flak gun for the lower deck and two x 2.0cm, twin barrelled C/30 flak guns for the upper deck.

Now, 1/48 scale isn't as popular as 1/35 scale, especially for military models and especially for 1/48 scale guns for U-boats.

Maybe 18 months ago i spent an evening looking for 1/48 scale guns of the type I mentioned above, but to no avail. More recently, as I've been working on the conning tower, they have got me thinking again. I came to the conclusion that I would have to buy them in 1/35 scale, of which Tamiya make land based versions of these guns and then measure, scale down and scratch build. A very time consuming process. Early last week while I was pondering all of this I thought 'i'll have one more look' on the internet and see what was out there, if anything. Lo and behold I came across a supplier making exactly what I was after in 1/48 scale! Amazing! The company is Shapeways; they supply 3d printed parts, produced from CAD by a team of designers. The designer of the guns also designs CAD for all types of submarines and ships in many scales. Have a look if nothing else! It's good to know what is out there.

Granted, 3d printed parts are a bit on the fragile side, not a problem for me anyway, as I will reinforce where necessary. I'm just glad I have the correct armament in the correct scale!!

Without further ado, I present to you the first of the guns; 1/48 scale, DKM, 3.7cm, single mounted M42 flak gun.

Thanks for looking in and your comments, have a great weekend and happy modelling,

Regards,
Phil W.

That gun looks the bizz and the towers looking good