Many thanks for the kind words guys - especially about the painting. If you could see some of my previous efforts you would know why I appreciate that so much! There's obviously a lot to be said for Halford's acrylic spray. The lining, depth marks and flag are from
http://www.modelflags.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/home.html. Ordered via the internet and received 48 hrs later - couldn't get better service. The kit was bought on e-bay and had been started but had the odd part was missing so some fabrication was called for. The manufacturer is Small World Models
http://home.san.rr.com/swm/ and is to 1/96th scale. In my opinion this is a super moulding with very clean hull markings. Goes together well with not too much effort.
As Mankster says the ballasting and test dives will take a little care to get it right. My earlier attempt at a Kilo (not an SWM kit) certainly rolled - a great deal! I don't think this one will be as bad as the drive battery is very low in the hull and the topside weight is a great deal less. I think it will be possible to only blow part of the ballast as the valve control is proportional - time will tell! See picture.
Meanwhile the Typhoon is languishing again with the front dive plane retract system in bits as the micro switches used to limit the travel are playing up. One of these days I'll get it all to work right - and then I'll be wondering what to do with my spare time! Almost forgot - I've got one of Norbert Bruggen's UB10s to get started on next.
Andrew
