HMAS Canberra - fit as of Aug 8, 1942

[Vladi]

Hello, I am now building HMAS Canberra in 1/700 as she appeared just before the time of her loss at Savo Island on August 8th, 1942, based on the Kombrig resin kit. My questions at this moment are related to details of the following:

• Bridge equipment - there is a well-known photo showing HMAS Australia´s open bridge details during wartime, but her modified bridge was very much different from her sister´s at that time. Would anybody have some photos showing other Kent-class cruiser´s original-style bridge layout and details?
• Type 271 radar was housed in a typical lantern, that had either octagonal or circular shape. Unfortunately, neither of the few photos I know of showing Canberra´s final fit (photo 1, photo 2) including 271 radar is clear enough to be able to see it clearly enough to tell which type it was. Would anybody be able to tell e.g. based on the type likely to be installed in that period?
• She also carried a Type A290 radar on her foremast. To depict the radar however I would need more details that I was not able to find yet, especially dimensions and ideally clear photos or even a drawing of the set. The best I´ve got so far is this photo of HMAS Warramunga with A290 but anything better would be highly welcome.

Thank you!

 

(For those interested, there also is an interesting discussion regarding Canberra´s Walrus colours at this forum)

Edited January 4, 2017 by Vladi
links to photos added

[Forlornhope]

G'day Vladi,

Have a look through this Flicker album, lots of RAN photos here with plenty of Canberra mixed in

https://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/

 

Also there may be WW2 RN radar sets available in 1/700 scale which may have the sets you are after on them. 

Look forward to seeing what you finish up with 

Cheers 

Callum

[Vladi]

Hello Callum,

 

thanks for your reaction! I know the Kookaburra collection, it´s really amazing.

I checked PE sets in 1/700 for WW2 RN radar but I did not find the A290. The LionRoar one contains both types of 271 lanterns which is great.

 

As there were no reactions for some time here I asked the same question at http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=6188&start=220 (starting with 4th post at that page) and I got some interesting replies, so I suggest that to anyone interested in this topic to move on there.

 

Thanks!

[dfqweofekwpeweiop4]

Model Monkey aka Steve Larsen makes 3d printed bits including the radar lanterns. I have a set and they are quite nice and save you rolling and folding etch.

 

http://www.shapeways.com/product/4NGM3SHEK/1-700-lanterns-type-271-273-radar?optionId=59156920

 

I got the idea for Chicago Blue being close to B15 from John Snyder and there is a completed Combring Canberra on Modelwarships from a few years ago painted in B15. http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery/ca/hmas/canberra-700-ji/ji-index.html

 

thanks

Mike

[Vladi]

Hello Mike,

thank you - I will definitely check the B15. I´ve been in touch with Jon regarding his very nice build, he explained to me how he straightened the aft section of the Kombrig hull .

I like the 3D printed lanterns by Model Monkey but I would not make use of more than one of them as my primary focus is IJN and USN, so I will use my PE. But I have worked with Simon Percival (Micro Master) on 3D printing of better main gun turrets for her, now I´m nervously waiting to have them delivered in approx. 10 days! I will then take some photos of them and post a review at shipmodels.info.

Vladi

[Vladi]

Hello,

I just wanted to let you all know that I finished my 1/700 HMAS Canberra in her as-lost configuration. I posted an article abou her at the Shipmodels forum http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=165672. I took advantage of the latest findings by fellow RAN researchers as well as my own research of available reference, some of which were discussed in this thread.
I am really happy I managed to finish her just in time for the 75th anniversary of her final battle.

Once again, many thanks for all your ideas!

[dfqweofekwpeweiop4]

That's quite a nice model, I'll be noting things when I build mine, although I probably won't go into as much modifying and scratchbuilding.

 

thanks

Mike

[Vladi]

Thanks, Mike! Feel free to get in touch with me when the time comes for your Canberra, I can help you with providing the 3D prints I made.