Kookliks 1/72 U-Boat Type VII C North Sea Camo - Dave Winfield Repaint

[jagolden01]

Model:1/72 U-Boat Type VII C North Sea Camo
Designer/Publisher: kooklit
Repaint: Dave Winfield - North Sea Camouflage
Scale: 1/72
No. of Pages: Instructions 14 Parts 26
Purchased from: ecardmodels.com
Cost: 14.95 (USD)
Delivery: Direct download
File Size: 20 megabytes

I purchased the original model published by kooklit last year on disc and have drooled over it ever since. This repaint in North Sea camo was something I couldn't resist. There were a myriad of camo designs used on the u-boats and this repaint is an extrapolation of them.

Compared to the original publishing, this release is "clean". By that I mean it does not (need to) include the almost overwhelming number of post-release revisions as the original did. Nice.

The file contains the model in one paint scheme, a weathered North Sea camouflage. The weathering is nice and the color scheme looks good. May be a little bright in the PDFs but sure that will tone down in the printing.

Both editions of the model are works of art and are interesting just to look at. I'm usually behind the curve of building current release models but I'm going to start preliminary work on it.
I still need to complete my Marek Marathon model and continue work on the Arnoux flying wing.

The screenshots below give a good look at the graphics.

[jagolden01]

I will be building this at 1:32 scale. The pieces scale up very well, even the raster parts.
This will mean splitting a few of the pieces across two sheets. I'll make the breaks along the bottom of the hull since much of this is covered by another structure and any other misalignments will be mostly out of sight.

I will also have to hunt around for the particular stock I want to use. I love the Hammermill 110# Index stock. If I can get that as 11" x 17" that will be great.
If I have to get stock from a local printer I'll have it cut 13" x 19".

The picture below shows the difference when the parts are enlarged. This is the largest former, just about midway of the hull.

[airdave]

not as familiar (as the rest of you) with some aspects of your builds...
but I am worried about the scale up you are proposing.

is the print quality good enough to handle that amount of increase?

yes, that Sub does have a little better quality resolution ...but you are talking about a pretty big increase!

I hope it works well and I cant wait to see pics of that build!



you commented on the "brightness" of the colouring in the model.
YES...I do have a tendency to increase the overall contrast (on purpose),
which is a result of my own experience with home based printing.
I find that ink jet printers, while giving high quality, tend to tone down the contrasts
(I'm sure it has a little to do with the card/paper absorbancy).
so, I keep this in mind when doing repaints and I attempt to compensate for that tonal/contrast loss.

thats a good point to explain.

[jagolden01]

airdave, I ran a test print containing part of the camo hull and part of the darker hull, all with lots of rivets.
The results/resolution looks MMM, MMM, good! I wouldn't go much bigger, though. Probably 250% max if someone was inclined to do that.
Obviously this will be quite large on completion, something like the 1:100 Arizona that was recently complete on the groups.

I'm going to scale the formers this week. Not sure what I'll mount them to. keds_girl_lala has been using basswood for her Potemkin build. She likes it, the formers look and fit great, and she says it's easier to cut than laminated or thick card board. She's also been using florist foam between the bulkheads. sands easily (messy though) and can be pushed into the formers for a tight fit.
Man, she's been giving good advice.

I'll check the hardware store and Lowes. If it's easier to cut and will do the job correctly, I'm all for it. My hand cramp and tire quickly.

[airdave]

I have to admit, the layers in Kooklik's files were quite nice to work with.
I also did my best to keep the resolution and file sizes up
and I am really really happy to hear that the overall quality is that good!!

Good luck with your build!

Wait till you see the next version of Kooklik's Uboat!!!
Should be in the shop soon!!(ecardmodels.com)

[Papercut]

Just bought a copy myself. I was soooo pleased w/the original version, had to have this one as well. Now I can build a completely stock version and a tricked out, by that I mean using 1/72nd detail items to dress the sub up. Now to decide which one to build first? Will be watching your progress. I believe for the money, this has to be one of the best download models out there on the net and I can not get enough of kooklits artful designs/work. Now when will he release that Monster train engine he has been showing off. Rick:D

[jyduchene]

Your repaints are stunning. I am have been collecting resources and will be ordering some version of this kit. I would like to suggest that a flag would be good to include. The revell kit shows a red and black period correct flag. Is this something that could be included?

Nice work, John

[airdave]

Originally Posted by jyduchene

Your repaints are stunning. I am have been collecting resources and will be ordering some version of this kit. I would like to suggest that a flag would be good to include. The revell kit shows a red and black period correct flag. Is this something that could be included?

Nice work, John

actually, thats a great idea!
and I could update the files with a flag or two.
shouldn't be a problem.
I'll talk to ecardmodels about updating the model files asap

(Chris you read this?)

could you send me some flag art?
or post something here that would help me find the correct flag(s)

[airdave]

okay, heres the deals with flags.

if anyone has a suggestion for particular flags, I need to hear them.
hopefully some reference images too please.

I'm not gonna change the current kooklik repaint
(I do have another Uboat repaint coming out soon, and I will add flags to that model)

I am going to do up a "flag package"
primarily for the Uboats, but I guess they could be used for other things.

I'll do a number of Uboat flags, in various scales
and I'll let Chris release it through ecardmodels.

jagolden...I apologize for the small sidetrack (of your thread), I will start a new thread for this "flag" topic"

please pm me with your flag suggestions or requests
or post your requests in the new thread.
...otherwise wait for the release at ecardmodels

[jagolden01]

Originally Posted by airdave

jagolden...I apologize for the small sidetrack (of your thread), I will start a new thread for this "flag" topic"

Doesn't bother me, Dave. Glad the topic was brought up!