by Mathias Carl
1/400 Z31 Zerstörer 1936a (Mob) (Heller)
As an enthusiastic fan of the small combat units of the Kriegsmarine, it was obvious I would have to build the destroyer Z31, from the Heller kit for my collection.
Because of the known weaknesses of the kit some rather extensive modifications were carried out.
On the forecastle the PE chains, as well as the complete anchor equipment were replaced and PE cable-drums were fitted.
At the 15 cm twin turret the rungs were complemented on the front; the covers for the optics as well as bulkheads on both sides and fixtures from PE rail for the kit rafts. I also added some blast-bags, made of filler and a 2 cm Flak-Vierling from Eduard.
On the mast the whole radar-equipment was refined and added to.
The navigation lights as well as the crow's nest were scratchbuilt.
The front superstructures area had doors and portholes of PE added as well as ladders, radar and railings.
The rafts were provided with the same fixtures as those at the turret, as well as adding life buoys and position lanterns.
Compass binnacle and torpedo targeting equipment was also made and installed. In the forward funnel the ladders as well as conduits were added and the interior grid was built up from sheet.
The ship's whaler was hollowed out and provided with details made of paper infused with CA glue, along with a rudder. The ropes are made of wire.
Amidships the torpedo tubes received some more details made using wire and sheet of various sizes. The place for the “Rohrmeisterâ€( Tube commander) is a scratchbuilt construction, as well as the clear domes.
Cable drums, depth charges and 3.7 cm anti-aircraft-guns are from WEM while the 2 cm anti-aircraft-guns are from a Mirage kit.
Internal funnel ladders were likewise addedas well as the conduits in the aft edge chimney cap. The rescue rafts with fixtures on the aft edge of the front superstructures are likewise selfmade. The swan necks of the bunkers and cells were made out of wire, along with the fire fire-fighting-hoses and vents distributed everywhere on the upper deck.
The aft superstructures and the quarterdeck received doors and portholes, ladders and rail from PE. The 15 cm Guns were opened and an inner life was made. The tarpaulin was made of rolled filler. The supports of the platforms were made of from heat stretched sprue and the Flak-Vierling is again from Eduard, whilst on the quarterdeck the winch, davits for the Otter- devices and the mines themselves are of my own construction.
The model was painted using Revell Aqua colours and rigged with 0.1 mm fine fishing line
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