The Revell VII Build using Brass Etchings

[Kazzer]

I noticed this thread today and thought it was interesting over on model ship world

[Outrider]

The build you linked to is well worth a look. It's a scale build that emphasizes accuracy and makes use of a lot of photoetch. The torpedo door cutouts in the photo come from AMP (http://amp.rokket.biz/index.shtml), though they are distributed by White Ensign Models. I've sent pointers to AMP's library (http://amp.rokket.biz/lib_instructions.shtml) in other threads here because it's a great resource for things like vent patterns on the Type VII or Gato torpedo doors. I think their best work is the photoetch for the Special Navy Type IIA, an extensive kit with superb drawings.

The point of discussion here is that there the tension between scale accuracy (desirable) and serviceabilty (essential) is different in RCs than in scale, where accuracy is essential and serviceability desirable. One thing that turned me away from scale modeling was that the obsession with accuracy quickly gets unhealthy, yet I still love to see a model that seems faithful to the prototype. What I like about RCs is that there are a few built in allowances made for the realities of engineering a dynamic device--something that should put unhealthy obsessions in check. I also like that the end-product does more than collect dust.

The Wiz hasn't weighed in much on photoetch specifically, but he clearly doesn't like fragility. But he also is a stickler for accuracy in many (most) aspects of his work. Some builds featured on the forum use photoetch and others don't. I don't recall seeing any of David's builds with photoetch, but others have used photoetch in ways that seem to be serviceable enough and that increase accuracy. If ever the Wiz gets 'round to the Type IIA, I hope he'll at least look at the AMP photoetch to see if any of it would make sense on a practical RC sub. (There are many fine detail pieces that would likely be a liability for RC, though.)

Type IIA diagram here: http://amp.rokket.biz/docs/amp7201_typeII_plan.pdf
Type IIA instructions (28 pp!) here: http://amp.rokket.biz/docs/amp7201_t..._parts_web.pdf