I was looking for a submarine for my pulp gaming. It needed to be something that would work on the table and not be too big. It also had to look like it would work next to the figures. I found a few toys and model kits, but everything seemed off. I then checked out Brigade Games, as they had two different models. The first was a WWII type VII, but it was thirty six inches long! That was a bit much. The other was a nondescript WWI style boat and that was just right.
I had planned on getting it for a while, but just never pulled the trigger. I swung by the Brigade Games booth at a number of conventions, but they never had any with them or did not have a whole one. Well, last Christmas I decided to pick one up for myself. The one problem I had is that it did not come with a deck gun. I looked over the options from different companies and narrowed it down. With the release of some new packs from Pulp Figures, I decided to go with them (I needed to get to my six pack discount anyway!).
The model comes with both resin and metal parts. The mould clearly has some mileage on it, as there were a number of imperfections in the casting. The conning tower is separate from the hull and fits OK. The hull was warped, so I had to throw it into the oven to let it level out. The model comes with the antenna and periscope. I had to drill out holes to install these. I went with a slight variation on the layout, splitting the long antenna and attaching everything with super glue. The model comes with some dive planes and a maxim, but there is no real place to mount the former and the latter did not look right to me.
The deck guns from Pulp Figures are nicely cast, like all their stuff. They are metal and a couple of pieces that have to be assembled. I found very little flash. A little super glue and there were done. I decided not to glue these to the sub, as this would give me some flexibility in gaming.
I sprayed everything with gray primer. The resin did not take it as well as I wanted and had to hit it again. I put a black wash on everything and let that try. I then dryburshed up the models with a few shades of gray. I went back and hit the extensions and port holes with contrast black. I looked through my decal box and picked out a couple of airplane decals that I thought would work to add some character.
I sealed the model with Krylon flat finish (it gives a satin effect). Once again, I had some issues with crinkling finish. I think this was the resin again. I am going to try another seal to see if I can calm that down (it is now baking in the sun to make sure everything is fully dry before I tray that. Well, it has proven to be a little more challenging of a painting project than I had planned, but it will fit the bill!
- Manteuffel
It is a very nice-looking model but I would be wary of purchasing one, based on your comments re the curing of the resin etc. – and I probably don’t need one anyway, even though it would look pretty cool in a game!