Soluyanov Sergey

@soluyanovsergey

Military

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Project Summary

Shell Welder – a 1:143 scale coastal tanker model (Ark kit, individually built)

I built this model using an Ark-Models kit, but the quality of the original castings and the soldering of parts turned out to be so poor that the only thing I could keep from the kit was the plastic hull. Everything else – superstructures, deck equipment, fittings, piping, railings, ladders and doors – was either heavily reworked or completely scratch-built from brass, copper, polystyrene and wood. My goal was to create a museum-quality replica of the coastal tanker “Shell Welder”, faithfully capturing the look of a hard-working vessel from the 1950s.

For the railing, accommodation ladders and doors I made extensive use of photo-etched parts (from Atlantic Model), which I then carefully adjusted and fitted by hand. The bridge superstructure is fully glazed, and the interior of the wheelhouse has been reproduced with the helm, engine-room telegraphs and chart table – all of this goes far beyond what the original kit offered.

The paint scheme differs from the standard one: the upper part (superstructure and hull above the waterline) is black, the underwater hull is red, and all other elements – deck, cargo derrick, manifolds, railings, ventilator cowls and piping – are painted white. Light weathering creates the impression that the ship has honestly covered many thousands of miles but is still working dependably.

The rigging, cargo gear and the complex system of manifolds on the centreline deck have been copied from historical photographs and original shipyard drawings. I have built lighting into the model – navigation lights, interior lights in the superstructure and deck floodlights – so that in subdued light it literally comes to life.

At 1:143 scale the model is about 575 mm long. In addition to photo-etch, turned brass parts, an authentic anchor chain and windlass assembly, and many other hand-made details were used in the build. What you see is the result of hundreds of hours of research, painstaking work and painting. This model is my personal tribute to the classic tanker Shell Welder, and an expression of a striving for accuracy, craftsmanship and deep respect for maritime history.

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Military

93 days ago

Soluyanov Sergey

@soluyanovsergey | Military

Stage 4. Midship deck work

This week I started making parts for the midship deck. First, the hull received its final paintwork and a coat of semi-gloss clear varnish, which protects the surface and gives it a neat, restrained sheen.

I then moved on to the cargo winch, building it from scratch based on drawings and photos of the prototype. Next, the distribution pipeline was fully fabricated, with all joints and bends carefully fitted. After that, I made the hand winches / warping drums. The upper section of the funnel was also replaced: the original kit part was removed and a new, scratch-built one was installed in its place.

In addition, I fabricated a set of pipelines that will be installed on the deck later. They are made from Evergreen plastic rods — the material holds its shape well, bends easily, and provides a smooth, clean surface ready for painting.

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STUDIO93545 days ago
Great workmanship :p
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_modelowy_start_pl92 days ago
Wow, that's some crazy tiny details!
- SS
  Soluyanov Sergey84 days ago
  Replying to _modelowy_start_pl
  @modelowystartpl Thanks! Detailing is my top priority – I really enjoy working on the small stuff.
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faulk93 days ago
Great work on very tiny details.
- SS
  Soluyanov Sergey84 days ago
  Replying to faulk
  @faulk Thanks!

Biography

My name is Sergey, I'm 60. By trade I'm an automobile mechanic, but ship modelling is my true passion. My first profession was as a pilot — I know aviation inside and out. That's exactly why I chose ship modelling: to step into an unfamiliar world and discover something entirely new.

I was captivated by the complexity of marine engineering and the meticulous handcraft it demands. I work exclusively in 1:200 and 1:135 scales, striving not just to replicate drawings but to breathe real character into every model. My journey proves that at 60 you can take on a new pursuit with the excitement of youth, finding joy in every polished deck and every precise line of the hull.

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Builder's Toolkit

Milling machine Proxxon MF 70

Proxxon TBM 220 – Bench drill press

Proxxon TA 70 – Dividing head for MF 70

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