Mike McCabe

Lovely job Mike

Rob You'll want those new L'arsenal LCAC's to go with it. Under £28 for that kit is a bargain, I can tell you, it's as nice a resin kit as I have seen. Mike

I use plastic pipettes to do the measuring as I tend to use fairly small amounts Mike

Welcome to the Unknown Pleasures of ship modelling, it's just as dark and mysterious. Firstly I think it's an excellent first attempt, although my personal preference is ships on a seabase, but that is just my taste. I consider myself a reasonably experienced ship modeller so on that basis I'll offer some constructive criticism, as I assume that's why you have posted here. A couple of things to consider next time - 1) I'm guessing they are the kit and plastic masts, if you bought brass barrels I suggest get the masts as well, they will look finer and are also stronger. Same goes for the yardarms which are a bit thick in plastic, you could replace with brass rod and taper the ends on sandpaper just to take the square end off. 2) Rust is a tricky one, I think you have done a good job on the hull but be careful on the superstructure, you do see it on ships but not all that often, it's easier to clean off than the hull. 3) The anchor chain is a little thick, you can get smaller especially in 350. 4) The flag at the stern staff would be rigged on to a line rather than onto the staff itself. 5) Rigging would normally be black on ships other than the signal lines, which were left as the natural fibre colour. Just a few little tips so your next model will be even better, but this is a fine job Mike

Great, should be a fairly cheap model, will attract loads of aftermarket details, plenty of references available so lots of extra details to be added. Delighted to see major companies producing new and original ship models. Mike

Will I can recommend Jadar in Poland - http://www.jadar.com.pl - used them many times without any problem, good reliable company with an excellent stock especially of eastern European products. Mike

Ray Good luck with the build, just a matter of taking your time and being accurate with these little ones. Some tips on water which might help Fine waterline tips page Mike

Thanks for all the tips, i'll have a go as I have a good stock of model colour, I've a feeling I may have used isopropyl alcohol when I tried. I've always found them a little grainy though when hand brushing but certainly worth a shot cheers Mike

Steve & Phil I tried it a while ago and it just clogged up the airbrush, but on second thoughts it was before I really got used to airbrushing acrylics so perhaps it was just bad technique. In any case, certainly worth a go, thanks for the tips Mike

Looking at this and sorry to mention the downside, but all of these (or at least the RN matches I looked at) are not from the Vallejo Air range, so you can't airbrush them Mike

Very pleased to hear that, any update on the 0/400? Mike

I heard that Sram has now closed, can anyone confirm this is the case? Thanks Mike

Stanley Nice work on Mazur, I have the kit in the stash to do as well. Welcome to the world of ship modelling, hope we see many more from you. Mike

Iain It's a common question in terms of the best order to build in, but the answer is really that it is down to the individual. I would recommend though assembling all the major components before painting, on the basis that it is easier to paint then touch up compared to paint again after filling and sanding. One of the challenges of ships in particular is planning and it differs a reasonable amount for each ship. My preferred plan of attack is assemble main parts and superstructure, prime, paint overall colours by airbrush, hand paint the decks, touch up, add small details. Fine as long as you remember to paint the small parts at the same time as the rest! Cheers Mike

Malcolm You beat me to it! Where are you in North Wales? Mike

Iain Always pleased to see a new convert to the dark side! Have a look at the Fine Waterline SIG website www.finewaterline.com where there are a few models of icebreakers in the gallery section under merchants, also some ideas for making water and a few other things. Have fun Mike Iain Always pleased to see a new convert to the dark side! Have a look at the Fine Waterline SIG website www.finewaterline.com where there are a few models of icebreakers in the gallery section under merchants, also some ideas for making water and a few other things. Have fun Mike

I agree, I've used Jadar many times and they are very good Mike

Personally I would recommend the Tamiya Prince of Wales or King George V. They are good kits, can be had for a very resonable price, aren't too crowded as smaller warships can be and there are loads of accessories available so you can make the model to suit your level of desired finish Mike

Nice job Carl! Mike

The website for the Fine Waterline SIG has recently been upgraded and revamped with some new features already online and a few more to come. For those interested in maritime modelling in smaller scales, drop by and take a look. Even if your modelling doesn't usually extend to watery subjects, I'm sure you will find something of interest and our tips and tricks section might give you some useful advice. So drop in and take a look at Fine Waterline Mike McCabe

May be some of the same in this gallery, from memory there is Mauretania II, Leasowe Castle and a few others, though I'm not sure if they were Laird's. I've heard that the Prince of Wales is in Birkenhead Town Hall but not had a chance to look. There are still a number in the Maritime Museum in Liverpool though hopefully a few more once the new museum of Liverpool opens and they can move out the various pop music and associated exhibits and return it to doing what it says on the tin. Mike

I don't believe that a wooden deck in presumably 350 scale looks good personally. I've seen them and the wood grain is hopelessly out of scale, you will get a far more effective representation just by taking your time with the painting. Mike

For anyone in the Merseyside area a hidden gem is the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead, this has a number of builders models which are well worth seeing. Mike

How annoying, I drove past it two days ago but was with a group from work so wasn't able to stop. Not sure when I will be that way again... Mike

Very nice tidy work Dave, coming on really well Mike