@royalboney

Evening everyone, More progress on the U-boat this afternoon. The new and improved anchor has been installed in its pocket and looks much better after its appointment with the surgeon. Back at the conning tower, the bridge machine gun (not sure what the German variation was but it's a 50. Cal type gun) has been assembled and painted with the addition of a few extra P.E details which include a new hand wheel and ammo magazines, one mounted to the gun and the addition of a magazine holder which holds another 4 ready to go. The tower itself has received a few extra details which include the foul weather shield, new brackets for the life rings and an improved air vent guard for each side. The antenna has also been fitted and the whole bridge top has been fitted to the main conning tower. And the whole thing has had a first coat of a bluish grey paint. (According to the colour scheme of an early Atlantic u-boat) Finally, work has started on the guard rails for the aft conning tower which have had the brackets replaced with P.E parts. Next step is to paint them anthracite black. Stay tuned for more updates. 😊👍 #sub #shipmodelling #shipmodeling #Revell #uboat #shipmodel #model #scalemodel #WW2 #ship #modelboat #modelkit #builddiary #boats  #diorama #scratchbuilding #warship #naval #history #maritime #navalhistory #navalwarfare #German #navy #battle #kriegsmarine #modelspaceuk #builddiary #hobby #project #submariner

Howdy shipmates! 😎 I've spent most of this evening building the display box for my U-boat diorama. It's got to be deep to depict the sheer undulating nature of a stormy squall at sea. Made of 9mm plywood glued, pinned and sprayed gloss black. You will also notice that it has a sheet of expanded polystyrene in the bottom, this has been shaped according to the bottom keel plate of the sub. There will be a few more like this stacked on top of each other, each cut and shaped to the curves of the hull and the shapes of the waves seen in the box art. After several coats of paint it will receive several layers of 'deluxe materials' solid water resin mix but more on this later. 😉 Elsewhere, the hull has received it's main deck, this has been adorned with many photo etched detail parts with more yet to come, notably the anchor cable cleats atop the fore and aft tread plates, inspection/access hatches, drainage hatches and the deck gun treads. The anchor body has also received some attention, as it comes, it seems very bulky and disproportionate... so after some surgery involving a scalpel and a file it looks a lot more convincing. The flute on the left is as it comes with the right being the reconditioned offering. 👍 Stay tuned for more updates, thanks again for your continued support and welcome to all the new folks that are joining us for this new project! 😊🙋‍♂️ #sub #shipmodelling #shipmodeling #Revell #uboat #shipmodel #model #scalemodel #WW2 #ship #modelboat #modelkit #builddiary #boats #diorama #scratchbuilding #warship #naval #history #maritime #navalhistory #navalwarfare #German #navy #battle #kriegsmarine #modelspaceuk #builddiary #hobby #project #submarine

Evening all! 🙋‍♂️ Tonight I'm making a start on the Revell 1/72 type V11C U-boat! 😎 As mentioned before, I'll be building this model with a slight twist to the build instructions in that I will be making a mini diorama depicting the model as she appears in the box artwork. For this I'll build a display box and build up a scene around the model. More about that later though, in the meantime let's do some model building! What better way to start than to glue the two halves of the hull together. I'm using MEKPAK Instant plastic weld for this and I hold the two halves together with elastic bands, clamps and using wooden spacers to hold the shape together on the upper side. The first image is the hull size compared to that of the Titanic model (which is 1:250 scale) Painted in primer to show up and molding defects which I'm pleased to say aren't many. 👍 Next job was to fix in place the torpedo tube covers. In the instructions there was the option to have these open or closed but as the diorama will be her underway in a squall they would have remained shut. Had a couple of fitting issues but nothing major that a small bit of filler later on won't cure! I've also made start on the conning tower, the main section is in two halves which were held together by hand and mekpak brushed on. The two periscopes were then assembled and pressed into the floor plate which was then attached. The periscopes remain free to move but will stay down once the model is finished. The access hatch and compass platform were then installed. At this point I'll also mention that I'm building this kit with the addition of the 'Eduard models' detail-up photo etch kit for this model which comprises of several sheets of etched brass detailing parts which are additional to the kit and sometimes replaces certain parts. I've added some of the parts to the conning tower replacing the molded details of the storage compartment doors, hinges etc. And also adds the hand wheel to the access hatch.

Well done to all those who correctly guessed my next model project! 👏👏 It is none other than the Revell 1:72 model if the Type VII C U-Boat (German submarine) Designed and built during WW2 from lessons learned from older designs of U-boat and those of WW1 they were one of the most perfect designs and most common types of U-boat built by the German navy. They wreaked havoc in the Atlantic targeting allied convoys south to the Mediterranean and north to the arctic circle. Known as the 'grey wolves' due to their colour and sinister appearance and nature, they commonly hunted in groups of several at a time nicknamed 'wolf packs' they decimated the allies ability to resupply their offensives and very nearly starved the allies into submission! Only the ever improving anti-submarine warfare technology and the growing tactic of escorting convoys and the ever present air cover eventually turned the tide of the so called 'battle of the Atlantic' but even so, individual U-boats remained a hidden and a threat until the last day of war and even for weeks after as a lone U-boat without radio communication may not have been given the news that the war was over! The plan for this model is to build it into a mini diorama depicting as she is seen on the box artwork. More about this as we go on. 😏👍 Stay tuned for more pre-project photos and subject information. 😊

A few teaser photos of my next model project... can you tell what it is yet? 🤠🙈 Partially started but only just and a bit of a twist to the standard model. Should be good fun and to try a few techniques that I've not had a go at yet. Stay tuned to find out! 😊 #followforfollowback #shipmodelling #shipmodeling #Revell #mystery #shipmodel #model #scalemodel #WW2 #ship #modelboat #modelkit #builddiary #boats #diorama #scratchbuilding #warship #naval #history #maritime #navalhistory #navalwarfare #German #navy #battle #kriegsmarine #modelspaceuk #builddiary #hobby #project #seascape

On August 4th, a huge leap forward in the restoration of class 37 37023 as the old power unit (engine and generator) was lifted out with the aid of a 95 ton mobile crane. This allows the engine bay to be cleaned, degreaced and painted ready for the new overhauled power unit to be dropped back in. And then, after a marathon of connecting it back up it will be a case of testing it out to see what other issues may be lurking unseen in this veteran of the uk rail haulage industry. Exciting times ahead! 😊👌👍 #pontypoolandblaenavonrailway #heritage #heritagerailway #railwaymuseum #railways #diesel #britishrailways #class37 #restoration #steamrailway #maintenance #work #railway #engine #overhaul #Blaenavonheritagesite #steam #volunteer #mainline #englishelectric #traction #trains #vintage #trainspotter #enthusiast #dieseltraction #locomotive #blaenavon #pbr #trainspotting

A selection of stationary engines from the Blaenavon transport rally event in July, the first time that a rally has been held at the railway and it seemed to have gone down well, so much so that another one has been organised for the end of September. Stationary engines is a growing passion of mine (one of many I know) but it's a great hobby that saves and restores these wonderful pieces of engineering history for future generations. 👌👍 #pontypoolandblaenavonrailway #heritagerailway #railwaymuseum #railways #diesel #Lister #restoration #enginerally #repair #maintenance #work #railway #engine #overhaul #Blaenavonheritagesite #piston #stationaryengine #mechanical #engineering #traction #machinery #vintage #stationaryrngineenthusiasts #enthusiast #dieseltraction #power #blaenavon #pbr #rally #hobby

Hi all, I thought I'd give you all an update on my big Lister winch engine that has been a long term project for me started just before lockdown. The engine itself is now fully repainted and the front half of the bed plate where the engine mounting is has been painted as well. The fuel tank has recieved one coat of Lister mid-Brunswick green and is waiting on a second coat and its decals. All that remains is for the other half with the winch drum on it and the drum itself. This bit also needs a bit of repair as one of the support stays has been sheared off! In other news, she's had her show debut at the Blaenavon transport rally (it helps when the rally is on your doorstep as is raves hauling nearly 2 tons of engine around! 😉) where she performed faultlessly all weekend. Hopefully the first of many! 😊 #pontypoolandblaenavonrailway #heritagerailway #railwaymuseum #railways #diesel #Lister #restoration #winch #repair #maintenance #work #railway #engine #overhaul #Blaenavonheritagesite #piston #volunteer #mechanical #engineering #traction #machinery #vintage #trainspotter #enthusiast #dieseltraction #power #blaenavon #pbr #trainspotting #hobby

Hi folks, apologies for the extended break between posts and my usual content but this is one of the reasons... over the last few weeks I've been having my decking completely replaced and improved. We now have a beautiful outdoor space with new under decking storage and a lovely fire pit to enjoy those summer nights. It's not quite finished yet needing a bit more painting and finishing touches but I'm pleased with the progress enough to break back into a few hours each week for modelling activities... 🤞👍 stay tuned for a new project reveal in the coming days. It's an older project that has been started but still in its infancy with the exiting bit yet to come! Until then... Take care one and all! Tom

First light of the new fire pit! 😁 one happy man! 👍

Hi folks, it's been a long time since I've posted anything on here but that's because I've been busy with replacing the decking in my garden and with the longer days it's all hands on deck while the weather is good to get it finished but not long to go now, In the meantime, I've been working on my Lister HA3 winch engine again. Over the last week, it has been removed from it's frame and brought into the shed for a repaint. First a rub down and then 2 coats of primer and top coat. Still got a bit more to do on it like picking out the black flywheel rim and the throttle control in black and the flywheel edge in red... but she's starting to look the part now. 😏 Soon I'll be starting on the frame to get it ready for the engine to be remounted.👍 In other news, a new modelling project has been chosen for when my other works are completed, more on that nearer the time though. 😎👍 #pontypoolandblaenavonrailway #heritagerailway #railwaymuseum #railways #diesel #Lister #restoration #winch #repair #maintenance #work #railway #engine #overhaul #Blaenavonheritagesite #piston #volunteer #mechanical #engineering #traction #machinery #vintage #trainspotter #enthusiast #dieseltraction #power #blaenavon #pbr #trainspotting #hobby

My current large scale model ship collection, #HMSHood #Bismarck #Titanic Just waiting on a purpose built display unit that I need to design and build. But quite happy with how they're looking. 😊 #followforfollowback #shipmodelling #shipmodeling #Hachette #shipmodel #model #scalemodel #WW2 #amati #modelboat #modelkit #battleship #builddiary #boats #woodenship #woodenshipkit #woodenmodel #scratchbuilding #warship #naval #history #maritime #navalhistory #navalwarfare #battle #partworks #modelspace #builddiary

Evening friends! So now that I've finished my HMS Hood build I've got some time to go and give some attention to some if my other projects... so I spent the day tinkering with some of my engines, I got my Lister D running again... a grubby spark plug was to blame. Now on for a bit of a repaint. 👍 In other news, I've started stripping down my Petter AVA1 to find out why it isn't running... I found a couple of broken piston rings and a load of gunky crap in the exhaust and around the compression chamber. A good clean up and new rings is the order of the day! 😊👍 #Lister #builddiary #engine #engineering #heritage #engines #petter #winterproject #project #hobby #ListerD #stationary #stationaryengine #enthusiast #trolly #restoration #diesel #petrol #petrolengine #repair #oil #mechanic #machining #barnfind #stationaryengineenthusiast #oldstuff #heritageengineering #dirty #piston

More photos of my completed hood build. Enjoy.

It is with mixed feelings that I post this today, both of great joy tinged with a bit of sadness that my HMS Hood build has finally drawn to a conclusion, the mighty Hood is finished, on the 81st anniversary of her day of infamy at the battle of the Denmark strait when many a life was changed forever. I have thoroughly enjoyed building her, she has been a pain in the butt occasionally and we have been through some tough times but here she sits proudly looking glorious and beautiful as she was so well designed. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through her build from the very first frames to her completion. We have built her together! But the most thanks and respect goes to all those brave men that served, lived and died with her throughout her career! You are the true heroes and this model is dedicated to them on this the anniversary of her sinking, we will remember you all for your brave sacrifice, and in particular, I have dedicated this model to a relative of one of my followers, Able Seaman Reginald James Kitchener. Long may the story of HMS Hood, the KMS Bismarck and all those brave men who served in the conflict no matter which side they were on be remembered and respected. Lest we forget! 🙏⚘