herrmill

Steve wasn't happy with the initial pulls off the mold & amount of repair work needed so has decided not to offer the kit at this time. However, that doesn't mean a kit won't be offered in the future; it just won't be be a a hand layup from him.

He's currently making one for himself & one for Dave Welch, while I assist him in locating a suitable FRP vendor to handle his hull & deck production. There is plenty of interest in the kit & Steve is planning to take it forward in a way that makes sense for him while offering the best quality to his customer.

You can follow his progress on the [link=http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4313]BK1125 Build Thread[/link] & expect see its maiden voyage at Hansen Dam very soon.

As they say in TV land... stay tuned.

ostketten

It would be freaking HUGE, something like 8 feet (a rough estimate) long[X(] It would sure be a head turner though, and like you said, more stable in the water.

herrmill

Yes, but a little hard to get in your car. If you guys complain about the cost of a Tamiya tank, wait until you see what your investment will be to build that beast!

If you want to see large scale ship models, look for my thread over in RCU's scale ship forum.

herrmill

Some new photos of Steve's build from the past week. He's casting the small parts today & then will proceed with final assembly & paint, with plans to be on the water by Thursday.

Chuck

herrmill

A few more from yesterday & today's work. All casting including the larger parts is done using Alumilite. Many asked how he can work with this to cast large parts due to its quick set up time:

"It just comes from years of working with the stuff. I cool it in the frig. On a piece that size I pour it in and brush up even until it starts to get thick and up end it and drain. I do this about three times for thickness. Works great a saves me having to do glass."

The kit shown is going to Dave Welch.

herrmill

More photos as Steve nears the finish. He'll finish scratch building the mast, flagstaff & some other parts out of brass today before starting final assembly, then start weathering this beast over the weekend.

He's using a 4ch radio for main turret rotation, & plans to eventually automate the three MG turrets.

Chuck

bowlman

It be huge in 1/16 and putting 1/16 tank turrets on it then adding a co2 system to fire 8mm paint ball rounds would be fun but the size would be a killer model but man would it make eyes big to just see it like that .

Thanks
Jimmy

herrmill

Not many customers / dealers Steve is marketing to would be interested in a 5' (1.5m) model that would cost upwards of $800-1000 retail.

It will work fine with VS' 1/24 Pro IR system.

bowlman

Ya I know just dreaming here .

Thanks
Jimmy

herrmill

Actually, I lobbied hard for a larger 1/16 scale but practicality prevailed... others wanted 1/35 like the MIG static model, but it would be too small & not stable on the with that narrow beam.

Actually, I see the VS IR system working well this; & possibly airsoft with a larger T34/85 turret.

Chuck

bowlman

I have plans for the HMS Triton type 135 frigate a vosper thonycrafts royal navy frigate proposal in 1/96 scale but no longer have the space to build it .Its a trimarican ship triple hull consept .

Thanks
Jimmy

herrmill

Cool, but probably best to continue this discussion over in the boat section. Don't want the moderator thinking us swabbies are trying to take over the tankers section!

herrmill

Getting down to the finish line.

fv432

it's got a T34 turret so your halfway there

cool build by the way and thanks for sharing the pics (could do with a landing craft for the tanks though LOL)

Rob

herrmill

Steve's finished for now & ready for the water. Main turret rotates & he's already thinking of future mods including working MG turrets along with heavier weathering & rust.

The beauty of this subject is the amount of customizing one can do as shown by another photo of the real thing to show that the Bronkater carried whatever guns were available at the time.

For anyone interested in a future kit, feel free to contact Steve so he add you to the list.

Chuck

herrmill

Rob,

A smaller LCT would be an easy build & one that I plan to do myself once I get Steve's BK kit.

Chuck

ManMachine

This is a impressive build! Fantastic work, it looks realy nice Thank you for sharing this build with us.

herrmill

Here are a few photos of Steve's pool trials after completing the build.

The waterline is perfect without any need for ballasting & the tunnel drive churns up a wake just like photos show of the real BK.

I'll post more once the Bronkater makes its maiden voyage at Los Angeles' Hansen Dam tomorrow.

Chuck

fv432

thanks chuck
that looks like a do-able job

would that be able to transport at least one tank??

Regards Rob

herrmill

You folks who have been following this thread & interested in this unique model might just be in luck.

There is a good chance that Steve's BK1125 will be offered as a kit by a local (as in US of A ) manufacturer/retailer who is well-known in the model boating community.

As they say in TV land... stay tuned! [sm=thumbup.gif]

971wright

Nice job (you have a pool) in the U.K. you would need a big hammer to go with the pool to break the ice.



regards pete

WhiteWolf McBride

My Feedback: (3)

Herrmill:

I think an LCM-3 would be a better subject than an LCT... though the 3's (asnd their 6' longer sisters the -6) could only carry a sherman, and even those only carefully.

I've finally got my copy of the plans scanned, and available for anyone thats willing to try cutting the hull frames and keel. I need to go back over the plans to see how much fudging it'd take to get the farious other tanks into the hull... and thats ignoring the simple details of 'will it float with the tank in question aboard' details. Some may just make it a bit too nose-heavy... though backing the unit up against the aft compartment might center its weight enough.

If anyone has the dinero, there is already a hull made that'll cary even the Leo 2A6 aboard... Kehrer Modellbau makes an ABS hull/superstructure but it runs a hefty 245 Euro a pop, and its recommended for 2 or 3x jet-drive units. Ifg you check out video #3, you can see him beach it completely with a Leo 1A4 aboard!

I don't think it needs enough power to get it planing like a damned PT boat... but thats my opinion.

Anyone game for making a kit? (keel & hull frames only, hull planking and all detailing supplied by buyer) I'd try it, but have no ability to cut wood in quantity. May see if the local college will do it...

herrmill

WW,

Am referring only to the BK1125 as a kit.

Regarding the LCT/LCM, I plan to make one in the same 1/25 scale as the BK once I get my hands on the kit next year. 1/16 is too large for me to play with in the pond.

ArmChairGeneral

Looks great, how about an airsoft gun in the turret

herrmill

The VS airsoft unit may just fit in a T34/85 turret. I've been considering the same but will probably go IR.