A Type XXIII in Ireland

[The Boattrainman]

This build log will detail the building of an R/C Kriegsmarine Bronco 1/35 scale Type XXIII with working lights and attack periscope.

So after the almost two year build and research of U557, I'm starting a Bronco Type XXII, it won't be an exhaustive build log as there's a couple here already. I'm using Manfred's build as a guide (with his permission).

My target for this model is to finish it this year, use mostly items in my spares box, and use a WTC that can be moved around different models.

First impressions of this small kit are excellent, the detail and fit of the parts is excellent, but some small improvements can be made.

Here is my attempt at the nasty crank and linkage to the rudder that sits in a very small space, and I've used 3mm tube on the dive planes,




I made my own bearing for the small through hull shaft from a short 4mm shaft I had left over from U557, it's sleeved with a plastic tube and 10mm brass outer tube to fit the hole in the subs aft section.




A real bonus on this sub is the excellent tower, the scopes and radars can be upgraded.




A few extra details are added to the snorkel, including aluminium shafts, guide slides and the toothed bar from white metal




I epoxied a brass bush in the location for the attack snorkel so it will slide freely up/down.




Not sure how much I'll re-work the hull, it looks fine to me from photos.




The Boattrainman

[trout]

The first four photos do not show up for me.
The toothed bar, I did not put that on mine, but it is a good added detail. How did you make it?

[redboat219]

Same here...

Zip tie maybe?

[The Boattrainman]

I fixed the photos, hopefully they are visible now.

To make the toothed bar I used a length of white metal from fittings I had over from another model. I cut this down the L joint and filed the rivets off, then using a rat file I added the teeth.

Simple as the white metal is very soft.



Rob

[trout]

Very nice and simple. I will take notes for my next Type XXIII!

[The Boattrainman]

I'll make the upgrades as small modules or items to drop into the tower when the halves are permanently united.

Here's the front section with step, UZO cover and handrail (couple of bits of chequer plate/styrene/1mm brass rod) the hole is to allow water and air in/out.........




.......and the lifebelt holder from styrene.




The Boattrainman

[RCSubGuy]

Beautiful! This is looking awesome so far.

[The Boattrainman]

Thanks Bob!

[The Boattrainman]

I've improved the bollards by drilling out the originals and adding the lifting bars, and the hatches get a makeover.




The snorkel is probably the key feature on the sub so the improvements were crucial, I've done the basic shape of the handrails in 1mm brass rod, a bit flimsy, but the tower will be permanently attached to the upper hull so I'll manhandle that instead!





The Boattrainman

[The Boattrainman]

One slight problem with sealing the hull is that I need to add the torpedos and torpedo bay fully painted, as I want to model the sub with one torp door open.

To do this, I just need the front section of the torps and tubes, the rest of the hull is needed for my WTC.




I replaced the timer props on the front with brass for rigidity and the styrene strips around the bodies are so they will 'centre' in the tubes.




Painted from photos of the G7e torpedo in the National War Museum in London.

[The Boattrainman]

I decided to open the hull just cutting it with a craft knife, using the horizontal weld seams and masking tape as a guide. The four bulkheads I made earlier.




By using a knife and lots of patience instead of a rotary drill, there's less plastic removed so less filling after.........got it fairly straight.





The cranks for the dive planes are standard 3mm items cut down and wedded together...............




.......here they are in place...............




...................and broken down.




The Boattrainman

[The Boattrainman]

Here's the front of the torpedos and tubes finished, with holes to let air/water circulate.




Here's what I want, just a hint there's something lethal behind the door.......





The Boattrainman

[The Boattrainman]

Just a comment on the idea this is a 'beginners' project.

It's def not a complicated sub, just a bit fiddly as it's under a metre in length, however one of it's strengths is also a weakness and in my view will need experience to sort.

All the nice surface detail, some of it very fine, tends to get damaged during the build and will require a lot of remedial action to fix later. Def not for a Beginner as some of the seams and weld doublers are incredibly small.

Rob

[The Boattrainman]

By coincidence the torp tube was the same diameter as the section of hull where I needed to set the connection bolt.




Here is the power train, 45mm prop, through hull tube, thrust washer, 4mm mini shaft and the larger 4mm prop shaft with couplers at each end.




To set the through hull tube, I ran a 4mm brass rod through the centre of a bulkhead and glued the shaft in place.




I extended the prop boss a bit to meet the diameter of the prop, not prototypical!




Then I added alignment strips and strenghtners from 1.5mm styrene to the upper hull, it's very flimsy until this is done.





The Boattrainman

[trout]

Rob,
I think the Bronco is a great kit. For a beginner or a detail crazy nut such as yourself :-) it can beamed into a working sub. Plenty of hull room. I am just enjoying the details you are putting in!