1/72 scale polish tug 'taurus'

a380

New Member
Nov 16, 2012
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los angeles
after the 1950's 'klimek', started another more modern tug. based on the pro-model 1/100 scale taurus. since the approach on this one is to use the kit as template, i enlarged and printed out a b&w copy on 140lb/.42mm cardstock. scoured the internet and luckily found many photos including two really useful panoramic ones, as well as a general plan of the boat. intention is to add as much detail as possible. the goal for this project is a clean crisp build (learned a lot on the 'klimek'). hope to keep this thread going. all comments welcome. anyway this is what i have so far...

the actual vehicle
taurus 1.jpg
the pro model kit
001.jpg
all set to go

the spine is 3 layers of .42mm card, the ribs 2 layers, all hardened and glued with thin ca

the fit is nice and tight after sanding and filing the slots

the hull sides. i find the flex ruler useful for cutting gentle curves. won't work on sharp curves and the knife tends to dig into the soft plastic if not careful. anyone have a better ides?

chopped off the bottom of the hull since i like waterline models

cut out the deck. on this part decided to try minwax wood hardner to harden the card. 2 layers of .42 mm card glued together. minwax is wattery so soaks into the card very well but requires multiple coats. has toluene so i use a respirator to be safe. didn't turn out as stiff as ca but works. much cheaper than thin ca. 1 pint about $10.00

assembling the anchor housing. wanted to try lego bricks to build a jig. first attempt worked well. the parts fit nice and square. don't know if this method will work with all parts but was fun playing with the bricks, i must admit
smile.gif
. by the way my home-made glue applicator in the background.


the glu applicator is an ordinary sewing needle with the eye ground off

sides attached to the hull. using squadron green putty to fill in some gaps. anyone know the difference between the green and the white?

next episode to follow...