Assembling the Zero Bubble Model Design 1/120 PAPA Kit

[JHapprich]

Hello! This is the build log dealing with another kit from Mr. David Hughes' Zero Bubble Model Design from Australia. It is the RC model of one of my two all-time favorites, the Soviet Project 661 PAPA class SSGN (the other one would be the NOVEMBER class SSN). I actually purchased that kit back in 2018 and just recently began working on it seriously. It is actually the second hull that David produced right after his prototype on which he already implemented improvements in the layup after having to solve some issues with No.1.

[JHapprich]

In comparision with his earlier MIKE kit, David greatly improved the quality of his products, i.e. the "out of the box" fit of the specific parts is much better, resulting in less time need to prepare them for installation. I also found some good detail plans on the 661 class that i found invaluable for building that kit. As with my MIKE model, i would not assemble the kit as aquired, but would do several changes to it i found necessary. I will deal with that later on. Do after checking the overall fit i started comparing the model parts with my blueprints as well as pictures of the original vessel. Next i painted orientation lines on the hull prior to starting any invasive action on it.

[JHapprich]

First thing to do was trimming of the hull halves:

[JHapprich]

Afterwards the z- cut :

[JHapprich]

As visible in the last picture i also cut the conning tower in half after discovering it is 15mm too short. Furthermore, originally the model sail would have slightly inward angled sides.I found several pictures showing sharp 90 degree edges so i would change that as well. So i cut at the widest diameter and made a simple papercard jig to maintain symmetrie. Covered the gap with sticky tape and glassed from the inside ( thank you for the hint, Davidh !). Then filling and sanding. Modified the front contour, too. Still need to work on the details.

[JHapprich]

An overview of the small parts provided with the kit:

[JHapprich]

I continued with opening up the floodholes on the lower hull. The topside will receive a a floodhole pattern different from the provided one after comparision with old detail photos from K-162.

[JHapprich]

Greetings. I recently continued working on the PAPA after finishing up the MIKE kit. The remaining floodholes were openend up:




I did a mockup of the hull and Sail. Unfortunately i found the stern to be a little asymmetric, so i determined the right spots for some "surgery", cut and taped the parts to proper shape after checking some measure marks on my general plan and pinned everything with CA. Filled the gaps, will reinforce with glass layed up from the inside.



The lower bow had been installed


The modified sail was installed with CA as well



Every part in need of glueing will later be permanently attached with polyester resin/ - glass filler / glass sheets.

As of now, the boat has been installed into my assembly jig i made for assembling the MIKE. The jig had been modified in order to accept the twin shaft stern.



As you can see, spring has arrived at our place again!

TIME FOR GARDENING!

Jörg

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

You are a very courageous model kit assembler, sir. This PAPPA effort boarders on scratch-building in my book. Well executed, appropriate techniques applied skillfully. Most instructive.

David

[JHapprich]

Thank you, sir! I learned a lot while building the MIKE and the new kit is not that much different. However as David Hughes stated before, i put a lot attention towards precision and symmetry. I am someone who will always find something in need of correction, not only at rc modelling. Therefore, my procedures applied to the Zero Bubble kits may not represent the standard effort to bring those kits to life. David Hughes, correct me in case me beeing wrong.

Jörg

[Das Boot]

Making a sows ear into a silk purse. Thumbs up.

[JHapprich]

I think i should point out again, that the way i put the Zero Bubble Model Design kits together is not at all the standard procedure you should expect when you buy one of David Hughes' products.

I do not want to present a false impression here.

I own almost everything of his line of products and can say that the kit quality has always improved with each new project. I know David improved the Mike kit, same goes for the Resolution that i have ordered, too. Both my Papa and my Delta IV are the first sets of kits he made for sale besides his own prototypes and the Delta kit is great. I know laying up the Papa initially caused some problems. Also, both MIKE and PAPA arrived damaged despite good packing, as they crossed half-world. My ZB 1 is the first production model and my ZB1/2 is an early one as well and both work well so please keep in mind you see me assembling or modifiing prototypes.

The brand new U-23 Uboat kit (mine might be no.2 or 3)is superb and should cost more imo. I could strap everything together with tape and things sat in place.

Those are good kits at a fair price, support is great. You receive a well-descripted building instruction. They are not for unexperienced modellers (as DavidH points out) and require real handwork, but youll end up having a real eye-catcher at the pond!

Jörg

[mloo123]

Hi JHapprich,

Would you be kind to measure the ID of the beam at its highest point?

[JHapprich]

Hi! Around 90mm!

[mloo123]

Hi! Around 90mm!

Many thanks!