After a long absence from modeling, I have started backdating a 1/72 Five Star Models 26cm railway gun to a WWl version of Bruno.
I have started by adding the one of the two undercarriage mounts for placing the gun on a stationary mount. I had to modify the length of the crank shaft as I had made it too long. You can see the before after effort in the photos.
Secondly, I have added the camouflage net supports on the gun's counterweight. Again, my first attempt had both sides being identical. On second review of photos of the actual railway gun I realized they were asymmetrical.
Next up is scratch building the second stationary mount and reconstructing the operator platforms and railings. The kit's are too over scale and incorrect for the WWl version.
I have commenced working on the crew platforms and supports. Here are several photos of the Bruno as it stands now. The two ovals are for the elevating crank staff I need to obtain the proper thickness of rod for the railings.
I have this kit as well, and it's conversion to a WW1 version is still on my 'to do'-list, so I am following your progress with great interest. Keep up the good work!
More work detailing the railgun. I have finished the two trucks. Added loads of rivets and break lines. I've also added the circular emplacement pedestal under the carriage mounts.
The kit is missing the circular elevation gear. I made one out of plastic and fine solder. It will be attached to the barrel.
Comments welcome.
-- Edited by rkpost on Monday 23rd of October 2017 04:31:39 AM
I very much doubt that there are kits available of the support cars, but seeing how well you upgrade the kit, scratchbuilding an ammo car shouldn´t be a problem for you...
I have finished the construction of the 1/72 Five Star Bruno 28cm German railgun. A few minor details to add, but calling this one done. Next up will be painting and weathering.
Arie, this one will be the standard Imperial Grey. I picked up some WW2 Leopold decals that I will modify to resemble the markings I've seen on original photos.
After looking at the kit supplied track work, I decided to make mine from scratch. I used HO stock rails (blackened), basswood for the ties, Evergreen plastic strip and punched sheet lead for the hardware. Took forever, but I think the result was worth it.
Definitively a great work!
It seems it needs some work but I'm not surprised, the 5stars models are always interesting but as far I've seen on both Zaamourec and 340 St Chamond with a lot of accruacy problems!
Thank you Lostiznaos. This kit is modeled as a WWII configured gun so there was quite a bit of scratch building needing to be done. I think the most out of scale items in the kit were the railings.
I have considered buying the 5 Start 1/72 WWI French 305mm railgun. However, I am not sure I want to go through so much detailing work - especially the tracks.
I've got this kit in my collection with exactly the same plans for it so it's great to see someone else actually doing it, as you say it's a good kit to start with but with some backdating and upgrades it really shines.
I've also got the 5 Star 305mm Schneider railway gun and can confirm that it's also a very nice kit.
I've attached a couple of picture that show the ammunition wagon for the Amiens gun if they help.
Great work I have this kit and after seeing your conversion to w w 1 version think I will build the same as most of my railguns are based on w w 2 version
