1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

more progress today! i decided to do something a bit differant. i started on a few detail pieces tonight. i took some styrene i had and started building conning tower parts.







i think im going to have the radar mast up, the search peirscope and the mast furthest back.... the one with the four loops on it, not too sure what to call that one. enjoy!

[redboat219]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

Beautiful work! Wish I had your skills, patience, time and resources to make one.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

thank you sir! i spent around 4 hours last night messing around until i got the shapes that i wanted. i almost gave up, but im glad i kept at it. its mostly trial and error. i know that the hatch you see in the conning tower probably is in the wrong spot. the hatch is a modified hatch from a 1/32nd scale MkV panther tank kit i have. not accurate, but it will do for now.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

more progress today. built the free flood doors for some extra detailing.







i also started installing the ribs to support the WTC. it wasnt easy to get it to be level, but with some trial and error i managed to get it very close.



and here is a shot of some alignment tabs i made to keep the hull together. you can see the lower rail i installed in the above photo

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

i went ahead and cut the control surfaces free of the rudders and dive planes. that apoxie scuplt is some tuff stuff, and my dremel had trouble cutting it. none of my other saws seemed to cut it. they will be tough!



there is a few spots i need to fix, a few boo-boo's but nothing bad!

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

i cant believe i am here! i thought id never see this moment. i have the dive planes and rudders attached!!!!! i checked, and triple checked to see if they were square. they appear to be, but the true test will be how they look with the upper hull attached. i will see in the morning.







i used some fiberglass resin i have from building the hull. in theory it should work i hope. more soon!

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

not too shabby! work will continue today! she will be in the water very soon!

[redboat219]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

You made the stern appendages free hand correct? Will you be glassing them up?

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

yes, they are free handed. i have coated them in resin as an insurance policy to protect them. the package of apoxie sculpt claims its waterproof, but im not gonna risk it. bondo is on! im soo glad this part went off without a hitch.







they are close, however when V 2 is done and molds are made i will make a more accurate set of planes and rudders out of fiberglass for that one.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

well, i started filling the control surfaces for a nicer fit. i also started on the creep motor housings.



i also finished fiberglassing the rib cage into the hull.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

well, i built the search peirscope earlier this week, along with the other mast. last thing i have to do is the radar mast. i also extended the stern and poured it. its curing in the garage as i post this.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

here the stern is with every thing mocked up. i will start sanding the tail in the morning

[redboat219]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

Dark knight
Where did you get those drawing and plans for the alfa? Any chance you can provide me some copies, want to build one myself too.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

i will ask the source if i can share. its a really good set, if he says yes ill shoot them to you.

[chuck chesney]

Re: 1/72nd scale alfa class ssn

I've been following your build...great job ! The hull paint is the most realistic that I've seen. What paint did you use, both type and color?
The whole thing is a first class build, congratulations on a fine job.