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WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: kensar on September 18, 2023, 04:54:01 AM

Title: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on September 18, 2023, 04:54:01 AM
Well, maybe not completely different, but very different.

Takom 1/350 Zeppelin P Class

(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqjrXTwD/Zeppelin-LZ38-01.jpg)

Two things are very apparent to me already.  The details are small - extremely small.  Much smaller than I expected, so some different thinking will likely be needed.  The other thing very apparent is that if you have an aversion to PE, this kit will likely be the end of you.  There are many very small and delicate PE parts.  The scale is in millimeters.

(https://i.postimg.cc/k44xmkZM/Zeppelin-LZ38-02.jpg)

Here I have filled in the gun platform on the top of the hull.  Pictures clearly show it sits on top of the hull and not inset into it as it is in the kit.  I have also added the access passage to get up there.

(https://i.postimg.cc/fbLVvvjt/Zeppelin-LZ38-04.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/htMJxYxR/Zeppelin-LZ38-05.jpg)

I have modified the fins to be able to install them after the hull parts are assembled.  I plan to assemble the hull and paint it in one piece.
This should be an interesting build.

Title: Re: Now, for something completely different
Post by: Dutch522 on September 18, 2023, 06:06:50 AM
This is going to be a great thread, Ken... I was just looking at this kit a few weeks back, thinking "aww, no, I really shouldn't." But now at least I can follow your build :-D

Always had a great interest in Zeppelins, when I was a kid I loved hearing my parents tell about seeing this monster's lineal descendent, the LZ127 Graf Zeppelin fly over our little New England village on her famous round-the-world flight in 1929.

Dutch
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different
Post by: Rob Hart on September 18, 2023, 11:50:44 AM
I built one of the Q class kits last year and can confirm that it was a challenging project. Here's a photo of the upper gun position:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/mm236/rlhart13/zep_gun_position.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/mm236/rlhart13/zep_gun_position.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different
Post by: DaddyO on September 18, 2023, 05:17:33 PM
Look forward to seeing this one coming together. Just settling in with a cup of coffee and some popcorn  ;D

Paul
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different
Post by: WD on September 20, 2023, 08:46:52 AM
This is going to be great!  <insert picture of Flounder from the movie Animal House here.  ;)  >

Warren
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different
Post by: Tim Mixon on September 20, 2023, 10:01:53 AM
You have my full attention on this one!

Tim
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on September 26, 2023, 06:04:18 AM
I have the hull together and primed in gray with white splotches.

In many period pictures, it's easy to see the vertical sections, so I am trying to depict them.
I made a wooden jig to hold the hull making it possible to rotate it around.  This is why I modified the fins to be able to put them on after the hull was put together.

(https://i.postimg.cc/zfZM4zms/Zeppelin-LZ38-07.jpg)

I am marking the hull sections (32 of them) using a pencil.

(https://i.postimg.cc/wBXPpCg7/Zeppelin-LZ38-08.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bw2W6G50/Zeppelin-LZ38-06.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sDLb9PTD/Zeppelin-LZ38-09.jpg)

I may have to re-mark them after some paint is applied.


Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: Dutch522 on September 26, 2023, 06:21:53 AM
Very cool, Ken! And I love the rotisserie, at the old autobody shop I used to work at we actually had one you could put a 1:1 scale car on for frame-off restorations.

Looking forward to seeing how you indicate the different sections.

Dutch
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: lone modeller on September 27, 2023, 04:25:06 AM
Just found this Ken. Now that really is different and a real challenge given the size of the parts. I am intrigued by your method to represent the fuselage sections - and will be following more closely in future.

My grandmother told me about the Zeppelins passing over her home during the first world war - they were like giant sausages she said.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: NigelR on September 27, 2023, 06:23:35 PM
Amazing engineering on the jig! Looking forward to seeing this progress, I did the Hippo 1/144 scale Zeppelin years ago......
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: KiwiZac on September 28, 2023, 10:53:30 AM
Last week I visited a museum which has a 1/48 Zeppelin on display...this seems so much more achievable! I'm keen to follow along and see your progress.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on September 30, 2023, 08:29:00 AM
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Dutch, Stephen, Nigel, and Zac.

I have continued painting the hull.  Here I masked a couple of sections that will be darker than the others.

(https://i.postimg.cc/zfcjsjHy/Zeppelin-LZ38-10.jpg)

Then lightly spray painted some CDL color - Tamiya spray TS-7 racing white, and removed the tape.

(https://i.postimg.cc/R0Fdp8hr/Zeppelin-LZ38-11.jpg)

Then oversprayed with TS-7 again for some blending and fading.

(https://i.postimg.cc/K8QQNFZr/Zeppelin-LZ38-12.jpg)

I held the hull by the nose, so it was not painted at first.  Here, I caught up the painting of the nose.  The painting guide has the nose a lighter color than the rest.

(https://i.postimg.cc/pXfsmz4S/Zeppelin-LZ38-13.jpg)

I think it's time to add another color now.  Not sure what will be next - probably a darker shade of yellow on some sections.

Here's a shot of the gondolas.  I've already lost one of the hand rails.  I don't know why Takom didn't include extra PE parts.  Would be very handy.

(https://i.postimg.cc/XYnQdX0Y/Zeppelin-LZ38-14.jpg)

Thanks for looking in.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: NigelR on September 30, 2023, 10:17:13 PM
Good progress, with work these kits could look amazing......and you are headed down that path!
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: Rookie on October 01, 2023, 02:40:54 AM
I just love it!

Cheers,
Willem
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on October 02, 2023, 12:33:34 AM
Added in some darker yellow based color.  I painted heavier on the bottom surfaces and left the top lighter for a sun faded effect.  Some masking was done on selected panels.  In pictures of actual zeps it appears the panel discoloration is completely random, but the vertical panel lines are very visible.
The colors are a custom mix of AKI RC102 Syrian Republican Guard Desert Yellow, RC003 white gray, and RC298 RAF light aircraft gray.

(https://i.postimg.cc/x8TgcCrJ/Zeppelin-LZ38-15.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0nRgHkX/Zeppelin-LZ38-16.jpg)

Next will be re-tracing the lines of the vertical sections and then dabbing on some darker colors.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: lone modeller on October 02, 2023, 04:40:25 AM
Excellent progress on an unusual but very interesting subject.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: AngryJazz on October 02, 2023, 05:26:50 PM
Wow really digging this build! Fun and different! And ofc your work is excellent  :)
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: PrzemoL on October 02, 2023, 07:36:11 PM
Very interesting project with fine progress. I will be following it with interest.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on October 04, 2023, 08:37:12 AM
Thanks for stopping in, everyone.  I hope this is a nice diversion from more conventional aircraft.

I have re-traced the vertical sections with a pencil.

(https://i.postimg.cc/kGFj2jvT/Zeppelin-LZ38-17.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/G2DgC38w/Zeppelin-LZ38-18.jpg)

Now I have dabbed and rubbed on some dry pastel chalk with a dry foam sponge.  I mixed some dark brown and olive green with traces of dark yellow.  Also dry fitted the vertical fins for a test fit.
port side
(https://i.postimg.cc/8C9X9fCm/Zeppelin-LZ38-20.jpg)

starboard side
(https://i.postimg.cc/s2v0T432/Zeppelin-LZ38-22.jpg)

Here is a shot of the bottom.  I used more heavier colors since it would be in a shadow.

(https://i.postimg.cc/HkSh0hDK/Zeppelin-LZ38-21.jpg)

I think the hull is mostly done.  I may do some more weathering and streaking with oils later.  Next will be fitting the fins and other details.

Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on October 11, 2023, 08:27:04 AM
I have scratch built the gunner's platform for the top of the zep.  The platform is made from styrene and the planks were scratched in with a hobby knife.  Painted then an oil wash brought out the detail.  The railing and circular platforms are PE from the parts box and the canvas is tissue paper sprayed with lacquer to stiffen and strengthen it.

(https://i.postimg.cc/ht539v6T/Zeppelin-LZ38-23.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Sxsv2CTm/Zeppelin-LZ38-24.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Yq8PCbxX/Zeppelin-LZ38-25.jpg)

Now it's time move to the bottom for attachment of more parts.

Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: Tim Mixon on October 11, 2023, 09:15:27 AM
That is super cool!  You have me wanting one for myself.   
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: Dutch522 on October 11, 2023, 12:42:58 PM
Really enjoying watching your progress on this, Ken, and she's looking great, that M/G platform is a great addition. Now all you need is a 1/350 Morane Parasol dropping Hales bombs on her...

Dutch

(No, wait, that was LZ37, wasn't it? I actually stayed in a hotel a few streets over from Reginald Warnefordstraat in Ghent, where the latter ended up coming down)

Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: NigelR on October 11, 2023, 06:01:36 PM
This is looking absolutely superb! Great work on the fabric on the hull, and the MG platform looks really good.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: KiwiZac on October 12, 2023, 04:50:19 AM
Outstanding work on the MG platform, it looks like a far larger scale.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: osterkamp on October 12, 2023, 07:19:32 AM
unusual and superb, great work well done
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: GazzaS on October 12, 2023, 08:24:32 AM
Wow, I am impressed! I really love the top position.  Can't imagine what a horrrible place to be it must have been.  I've always been afraid of heights.  Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: PrzemoL on October 12, 2023, 06:57:33 PM
Oh my, that gun section is just amazing!
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on October 16, 2023, 06:14:05 AM
I haven't had much bench time in the past few days, but here's a couple of shots.

I have mounted the gondolas and applied the decals.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Y2LrjMMP/Zeppelin-LZ38-26.jpg)

And the fins.

(https://i.postimg.cc/mk9BnNm4/Zeppelin-LZ38-27.jpg)

So I'm still making progress.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: NigelR on October 16, 2023, 06:24:08 PM
This is looking fantastic. Have you thought about how you will mount it when it's done?
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: Tim Mixon on October 16, 2023, 07:23:38 PM
Wow!  Just beautiful work. You have convinced me to buy one of these.  I think it would look great mounted above a display cabinet shelf.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on October 17, 2023, 12:16:04 AM
Nigel - I will likely drill two holes into the aluminum colored strip on the bottom to accept two mounting wires from a wooden base.  The kit stands are far too low to get a good view of the bottom, where most of the interesting detail is.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: PrzemoL on October 17, 2023, 05:57:32 PM
That massive project is taking shape indeed. It will be a show stopper when finished, I am sure of it.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: Dutch522 on October 17, 2023, 11:31:38 PM
Brilliant work, Ken. I was thinking if I were to actually build one of these I'd hang it from the ceiling when it was finished, something I haven't done with a model in around 55 years... but then the realization set in that I don't think my heart could take the fear of something happening and having it crash to the ground—even granting the fact that it's not filled with a million cubic feet of hydrogen!

Dutch
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: KiwiZac on October 18, 2023, 04:52:48 AM
I was thinking if I were to actually build one of these I'd hang it from the ceiling when it was finished[...]but then the realization set in that I don't think my heart could take the fear of something happening and having it crash to the ground
To me that's the sensible solution, but with SO MANY redundancies in place because of potential failure!! Especially living in an earthquake-prone country as I do...otherwise nice big stands/pylons/posts sound like the answer.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: kensar on October 18, 2023, 08:50:03 AM
Final installment for this thread.

I have attached the PE structure for the propellors.

(https://i.postimg.cc/NGZCVWXZ/Zeppelin-LZ38-28.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/G34SXc4k/Zeppelin-LZ38-29.jpg)

I put together this base with an aerial view of London (St Paul's cathedral, I believe).

(https://i.postimg.cc/PrZVk2zJ/Zeppelin-LZ38-30.jpg)


Next stop will be the completed thread.  Thanks to all who followed along and commented.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: NigelR on October 18, 2023, 06:26:20 PM
Excellent work on the detail parts, this is looking great.

I love the display idea. One of my yet to be realised was to have a 1/72 Gotha in flight over a photo of London taken during a Gotha raid. One day....
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: lone modeller on October 21, 2023, 07:39:07 AM
This is outstanding modelling Ken. The gun platforms and propellor/prop shaft supports are extremely well done. I really like the contrasting shades on the envelope too - most realistic.

I am really looking forward to seeing the photos of the completed model.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Now, for something completely different - Zeppelin!
Post by: KiwiZac on October 21, 2023, 08:32:00 AM
Exquisite work, wow!