RPG 1/35 MK-15 MOD.31 SEARAM CIWS

Steve Brodie

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I have had this in the stash for a while, was going to start on it in the summer, but as i now have to work from home for a couple of weeks (Works contingency plan), i have a few points where i can get bits done on it.
So what we have is RPG's 1/35 model of the MK-15 Mod 3.1 SEARAM CIWS (Close in Weapons System) . Its a 'last resort' autonomous weapons platform made up of a radar and optical tracking system, as used on the PHALANX, but bolted onto an 11 shot missle system containg 11 RIM-16B Rolling Airframe missiles, designed to shoot down incoming anti shipping missiles or even aircraft, small boats up to a range of 9km. More details can be found here here and here.

The model comes in a sturdy cardboard carton, encased in a glossy thick card cover. The box art shows the system launching one of the missiles in the scheme i will probably go for. Side of the box shows 4 colour schemes, all very similar and the back shows the etch and decal sheet included.

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Inside are 5 plastic runners, 1 flexible material runner, two pieces of etched metal, decal sheet and the manual, the parts are all clear of any flash and sink marks, the detail is very crisp and sharp

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Etched fret looks very nice, some very small pieces on here though, Decal look to be in register and the signs are readable

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Instructions come in an A5 booklet printed very nicely onto glossy paper, the steps are laid out all nice and clearly, and parts identified well with arrows if needed.

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Steps 32 - 35 shows how the steps are to be glued to the housing, using a template from the manual, i have an idea as to how i will use them later.

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Steps template

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Colour 'schemes'

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two of the tubes are recessed so may drill them out and put some brass rod to connect both ends for a launched missile empty tube, and may add a RIM Missile just as it departs


RPG Models website is WWW.RPG-MODEL.COM and they also have a facebook page
 

Jim R

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Hi Steve
Well I've not heard of RPG models or this weapon so I'll follow along with interest. It does look a really nice kit.
Jim
 

Steve Brodie

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A few hours work, gets you to this point, mind i have stepped out of sequence, just cause i wanted to.
The brass corner plates are very nicely detailed with hinge lines, talking of the brass, I didn't realise at first that it was encased in fine plastic film, couldn't work out why it wasn't coming away from the fret, so a scalpel blade soon removed one side and i left the other side in place, as its sticky so stops the etch flying off into oblivion. Plastic is nice and strong and no fit issues yet, only a couple of minor errors on the instructions, but nothing that cant be worked out;

Turret base section

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Radome and sensor suite

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Auxiliary cabinet

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JR

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Looks interesting and different Steve.
I'll sit with Chris and Jim
 

Steve Brodie

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Brass tube ordered and will need to get some 1/32 sidewinders to butcher to make the RIM-116-RAM Missile, just need the front and will build a blast from the rear of the unit;
a -RIM-116-RAM-032.jpg
 

JR

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Thanks for that clip Steve, it certainly is .
 

Steve Brodie

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an hour spent removing these bits of brass (steps and a couple of handles) from the fret, tidying up and bending into shape;

brass steps.jpg
 
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scottie3158

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Steve,
That is an unusual build I will tag along. Are the missiles reloaded individually or is it a box full?
 

Steve Brodie

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Spent a couple of hours, doesnt time fly when your'e cutting, bending and gluing etch bits together - steps for the side vertical rotation housings;

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Cabinet finished as well;

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boatman

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HI Steve this is outstanding such a model with a difference an the detail is out of this world I only wish I could have done this type of detailin on my CIWS on my Nimitz model but In 1/144 scale well it would hardly be seen keep up the good work as im enjoyin lookin at the detail on your build

chris
 

Steve Brodie

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Hi Steve
Looking good under primer.
Jim
HI Steve this is outstanding such a model with a difference an the detail is out of this world I only wish I could have done this type of detailin on my CIWS on my Nimitz model but In 1/144 scale well it would hardly be seen keep up the good work as im enjoyin lookin at the detail on your build

chris

Many thanks chaps.
 
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