Alan

That etch set is well thought out. I really like how they have supplied drilling templates for the ladder rungs.

You certainly have lots of parts to build with this one so good value in terms of the build time it gives you.

Hope it all continues well.

Tony

My thanks to everyone who looked in and for your kind comments, always appreciated… .. The build progressed a little by firstly modifying the forward listening array. Ensured all the holes were filled before taping the drilling template in place. This is a single template that is simply reversed to drill the holes on the opposite side. Drilled out the new holes then did the same on the other side.

Assembled and fitted the Screw Savers, then fitted three tiny rigging loops and the swing booms. Next task was to fit the Magnetic Self Protection System or MES along the side of the hull. This system was used as defence against magnetic mines and torpedoes. This is not part of the kit but a modification I decided to add by using 1m lengths of 1mm brass rod.

Finally, the pics showing the wooden decking has been added to show the difference between that supplied with the Pontos kit and the Scaledecks version I’ve managed to get my hands on. The difference is quite striking and as a result I’ll be using the Scaledecks set. The first 5 deck pics are the Pontos set and the last 6 pics are the Scaledecks.

That’s it for now so until the next update, happy modeling…

Regards

Alan

Beautiful work Alan, the detailing on this is stunning. As for the decking, the difference is staggering. A very good investment going for the Scaledecks.

Mark

Great work Alan. I'm envious of your patience, skill and above all, eyesight.
Look forward to seeing much more.
Chris

This is a masterclass in building Alan. The finished model will be spectacular


Carl

Wood decking is a stunning addition to any plastic ship kit.

Will look bang on.


Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Alan,
Your build is just getting better & better!!!
All the PE makes such a difference.
Kind regards,
Garth

Thanks to everyone for looking in and all the kind comments. As usual it is very much appreciated.

A little more progress made but this was actually quite time consuming. The steps covered in this post are either additions to the actual build, ie, not covered in the instructions or the Pontos etch set. It also set me my first attempt at remodelling plastic, during which I will have to say put my heart in my mouth a few times. Happy to say am happy with how its going so far.

First I added the anti-corrosion strips to the two propeller shaft support struts using 0.5x1mm wooden strip. Added three tiny rings under the stern section, these I believe were used to assist in aligning the propellers during fitting.

The next task was to remodel the bow section. The lower bow section is missing the forward and side sonar transmitters. First I marked out their positions then, using my trusty Dremel with a fine dental burr, I set about carving out the three transmitter housings, a slow and delicate task as I didn’t want to go all the way through the hull. Cleaned everything up then glued the wooden transmitters in place.

Last task was to reposition the forward anchor hole, it was actually too low and of the wrong shape. Filled the old hole earlier in the build but here is where I drilled the new one in place. Think once everything is given a coat of primer it should all look ok.

Next, start working on the inside of the hull to see what needs to be done to eliminate potential light bleed for when the lighting goes in. So with that, until next time, happy modelling.....

Regards
Alan

Excellent work Alan. . That’s what I like about this hobby, a lot of research is done to pick out all that detail that would otherwise not exist in the model. Keep it coming Alan.

Mark