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| The kit # BFM 708 „ATF Fleet Ocean Tug“ is
my first kit from Battlefleet Models. When I purchased it, I did not know
what I can expect. Opening of the small box really shocked me. Nicely packed
resin parts cast from light grey resin without any damage or airbubble,
perfectly flat and clean. Even my commonly applied light coat of Mr. Surfacer
did not show any hidden defects. I tried “dry assembly” of main parts and
I was so satisfied with the fit that I glued them together immediately
and after I did it, I started to think about choosing of real ship, which
will be modeled. |
Click images
to enlarge
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| I found on NAVSOURCE many photos of these Navajo Class
tugs and I started to like the USS Arapaho, photographed under the bridge
off Charleston Navy Yard. Three pretty clear pictures promised creating
of good replica and Measure 21 (overall Navy Blue with Deck Blue) promised
quick build without complicated masking during airbrushing. |
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| First step was to change square 20mm Oerlikons
flying outposts to rounded by using of thin brass strip. Than I shaved
off all the doors and replaced them by Lion Roar photo-etched ones. I added
ladders and some another small thing seen on photos. From brass rods (supplied
in kit) I made derrick support . After this, I sprayed light coat
of Mr. Surfacer to check cleanness of my build, because it would not be
possible to fix my “piggy marks” later. |
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| Then I continue with detailing and during the
checking of photos I discovered, that Arapaho was equipped evidently by
four sets of anti-submarine K-guns. Creating of this took whole evening.
I discovered too the fifth 20mm Oerlikon placed on monitor room platform.
I added ammo boxes (Lion Roar), railings (GMM) and boat davits. On the
port side I added 26’ Whaleboat from Paper Lab and for the starboard I
found bigger lifeboat from some Pit-Road set. Finally I created main mast,
3” gun, small derrick and searchlight platforms for my favorite Fine Molds
transparent searchlights. |
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| Painting started by airbrushing of Deck Blue on all horizontal
surfaces. Then I masked decks by using of Tamiya tape and sprayed lightened
Navy Blue (both Gunze). After the paints were dry, I retouched some problematic
areas by brush. For the small details I used Vallejo paints. And after
common “wash” and “drybrush” techniques I sprayed whole ship by light coat
of flat varnish. Then I added weathering by using of oil paints and at
this moment I stopped the work. I am planning to place the Arapaho anchoraged
on small wooden pier. Then I will add flag, ropes and figures. |
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| The “ATF Fleet Ocean Tug” kit made by Battlefleet is exactly what I
like – clean, sharp and well executed resin kit, ready for detailing. But
even built straight out of the box, this kit will bring satisfaction to
all modelers. |
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