AntPhillips

It sure does have a completely different take on how to build up the superstructure, having already got an Airfix Daring underway I'll wait for better photos or a build review before deciding which route to go for the next one.

Ooh, she's coming on a treat, the deck markings look the biz. What brand of paint and what colours are you using?

Very nice build indeed, and very subtle paint job too I actually prefer the look of the Spruance, but the Tico's do have a certain 'presence'.

Simply stunning

Looks like the mighty Ark could be the the naval equivalent of a Beaufighter lol. Chippy you might be interested to know that WEM have a Battle class in the pipeline.

Great review and having got one myself I can only echo your comments, it's an expensive kit but the quality is awesome and when you consider that everything you need to produce a very detailed replica is in the box, all you just need to add is paint and a job lot of time to do it justice.

Taking in to account the latest votes, it looks like we have a definite favourite pulling away from the pack, and it's no surprise to find it's Ark Royal IV with her Buccaneers and Phantoms. Still plenty of support for a Type 42 destroyer running strongly in second and the Leander class frigates and Fearless are neck and neck for third place.

Hi Andrew, Stunning workmanship, every part of this project has filled me with awe. Can I ask what photo etch you're using or are you doing your own? I assume your using Jecobin plans or similar for the hull lines? This is the sort of project I aspire to, I just wish I had the time and skills to do it half as well as you are. Can't wait to see more. Ant

We can but hope eh!

I was in the Swansea store today, they've been told they won't know anything till 26th or thereabouts. I had a £10 voucher to spend, and of course had to spend another £10 in cash to redeem it, I picked up an Airfix HMS Trafalgar at 20% off and a can of Tamiya Xtra fine primer, a bottle of Humbrol Clear and the guys were very helpful in finding me a little something to make it up to the £20 value needed. Wish them all the best for the future.

Good review, it will be interesting to see if Trumpeter include the Merlin helo and Kryten turret options in the forthcoming Westminster and Monmouth kits. I like the sharpness of some of the parts in the Trumpy kits compared to similar parts in the Airfix Illustrious and Daring kits.

Oddly I had a similar concept in mind, but mine is in 1/350 using the original warped hull halves from my Airfix kit with a donated hull bottom from 'bootneck'. I thought about lengthening the hull an inch or two, the result wouldn't be much shorter than the Centaurs or Victorious. I do think the island needs to be cropped in length but that's my personal preference. Looks good though.

Tragic end, she could have soldiered on for years more.

It is a lot of cash for a kit, but it is a lot of kit too, just remember you will not need any aftermarket stuff, it's all in the box.t I wanted one, there was only one way I could justify it and that was to sell other items from my stash to pay for it, luckily I had a lot of 1/600 scale kits and as I'm now only building 1/350 ships it seemed the logical route. Thankfully the plan worked and Glamorgan will one day adorn the shelf, but I think a bit more practice on etch parts first.

I can only echo what's already been written above, my Type 23 is firmly packed away until I finish either Illustrious or Dragon, but once either one of those is on the shelf, it will leap onto the bench.

Thanks for the heads up, I rarely buy mag's these days, but will give it the once over with a view to buying.

Hi Ray, Welcome to the challenge that is the Airfix Illustrious, a thoroughly rewarding challenge all the same. I had serious warping issues with my kit and got a new set of hull side sprues from Airfix, I've recently ordered the WEM set, but they're waiting on new stock. I was hoping to get some progress with it while we have the hot summer nights, but it's difficult to find the time when there's a shortly to be 3 year old running you ragged. Will be following with interest. Ant

I'll second that and normally Orangehobby keep their pricing competitive too.

Don't get me wrong, the Airfix kit is fine, I have one on the go at the moment, but if you've seen the Trumpy Type 23, the moulding looks that little bit sharper, it will be interesting to see how Trumpy break down the parts. As to the logic of duplication of subject, we have to remember, the Airfix kit does not make any money for Trumpy and vice versa.

Another Type 45, will be interesting to compare this to the Airfix kit, a shame they duplicate the subject matter, I just think they would have got better mileage with a Type 42, but if the quality is similar to their Type 23 I'll probably get one anyway, at least it shows that Trumpeter is keeping up their interest in British ships, old and new.

With this recent rash of LPD's and LHA's is it too much to hope for a kit of Albion, Bulwark or Ocean in 1/350 scale. Airfix or Trumpy are you listening?

Not really my cup of tea, but there have also been kits of the Queen Mary, can't remember who by now though.

I would concur with you on this point Geoff, and who knows I might even have got around to finishing my HMS's Illustrious and Dragon by then. I would love to think that Airfix might give us a Type 42 to mark the retirement of the class, but I suspect we are more likely to have to rely on WEM or Atlantic Models to do one.

Hi Peter, Kit received today. I haven't really had a chance for a good look yet, but my first impressions are WOW ! It might be the most expensive kit I've ever bought, but it is possibly also the best kit I've ever bought. For everyone else I'll try to put some pics up later.

Excellent news, just like Mike, I'm eagerly awaiting receiving mine, but I have promised to complete both the Airfix Type 45 and Illustrious that I'm working on at a painfully slow pace before I make a start on this one. Glad to hear that you're working on the masters for the Leander class too, that's going to be another must buy, at this rate you'll make my collection of Airfix 1/600 kits obsolete. Thanks for the update. Ant