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Some years ago, I completed a Combrig HMS Monmouth kit and was intending to follow this up with the also unfortunate HMS Good Hope. A change of plan happened when I saw the image of HMS King Alfred in 1917-18 dazzle camouflage when she was used as an Atlantic convoy escort. I contacted the IWM Collections and purchased the photography/digitising of the Admiralty’s camouflage Order HMS 32 for this ship (then not available on-line). My local photoshop did a fantastic job of combining the port and starboard images and printed them at extremely high resolution on top-quality paper. All the tiny blue-ink stamps indicating the colour for the scheme (White, Black, No.1 Blue Grey, No.2 Grey) are there. The framed print is a great addition to the art on my living room wall. The kit is built more or less from the box but with some modifications that several of the Leviathan Class received during WW1, including the moving of the lower casement 6” guns to the main deck – these turrets are from AJM – and a reduction of the boat complement. A large element of the modifications can be seen in the profile of HMS Drake in Norman Friedman’s British Cruisers of the Victorian Era. The Perkins Identification Album British Warship Recognition Vol.III: Cruisers 1865-1939, part 1 is also a good source as are the images of the builders’ model of HMS Leviathan in David Hobbs’ Warships of the Great War Era – a history in ship models. Unfortunately, the only image of HMS King Alfred is small and not of good quality. I excluded the foremast derrick (as per HMS Drake) but replaced them with what appear to be two smaller derricks (for coaling/ammunitioning?) – only a guess at the correct placement. I left the aft-bridge wings as they were as the photo appears to show them – in HMS Drake they were removed. The fore-bridge on HMS King Alfred also appears to have been enlarged at the rear but I could not really see what needed doing. Two large rafts are added to the rear of the aft superstructure. I made some attempt at the cage aerials, but only in using three lengths of the thinnest Uschi thread. Painting was done with a variety of media but two of the dazzle colours were from the WEM range, namely GW02 #2 Grey and GW13 #1 Blue/Grey. I am not convinced these are correct if the Order’s colours are anything like prototypical – the No.2 Grey is darker and more bluish (GW02 #2 Grey is a medium grey, possibly slight greenish) and the No.1 Blue Grey is a more saturated blue (GW13 #1 Blue/Grey is hardly tinted blue at all). I chickened out of following the Order but added some NARN B5 blue to the blue grey – but not enough, I think. All in all, a great model from Combrig and I’ve got my eyes on their new Cressy/Aboukir/Hogue next. Cheers, GrahamB

This is a first for me - a resin kit. HMS Renown (together with HMS Zetland), will be my first steel ship - I've had a go at tall ship in the (distant) past, but never something this modern. The box: And, just to show how big this thing is, the hull HMS Renown was laid down in 1893, launched in 1895, and commisioned in 1897. In 1914, just before the First World War, she was sold for scrap. This build is to model HMS Renown as she was in 1905 ...

Greetings again all, Here is my other 'completed' ship build. This was originally started in the Non Injection GB but unfortunately time got the better of me and I didn't finish until just recently. This is HMS Renown around the turn of the century before the introduction of the Dreadnaughts. Although designated as a battleship she didn't have much wartime action but was a favourite of Admiral Jackie Fisher who designated her as his Yacht. This is the Combrig 1:700 kit which is quite excellent in my view although the construction instructions are very sparse (Just as well us blokes ditch them anyway before we start!). The moldings are beautiful and the fit is on the main very good. I have seen several pictures of the kit built up online and they all depict her in the later white scheme which is very attractive but I wanted to do something different. I then came accross this pic of her (allegedly) in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This being my adopted homeport, I thought I would go for this and also as a new venture for me I opted for a seascape, although it would be an easy one as she is anchored in a calm harbour! So here she is, the etch is from spare frets I have kicking around, Paint is Model Master Acrylics apart from the mustard yellow whichis Humbrol enamal, rigging is very fine black thread .....and to be honest a little made up along with the mast build up (artistic license if you please!). I have used the water colour method for the seascape, and painted on various shades of heavily thinned blue acrylic, this was then oversprayed with a (supposedly) gloss sealer. Depicted at anchor in a time period where she had her secondary armmament and torpedo nets removed (when exactly I don't really know!) with the first liberty boat of the early morning set off to collect the Officers from last nights run ashore. And for those interested, here is the build thread which contains a couple more pictures of the original http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234982491-hms-renownno-not-that-one-the-gin-palace/ Thanks for looking Bob

Dear Friends, I would like to notify all of you about latest new items that arrived in our shop's stock. - Sukhoi Su-17 from ModelSvit in 1:72 scale (MSVIT72018) - Sukhoi Su-20 from ModelSvit in 1:72 scale (MSVIT72020) - IP-1 from Avis in 1:72 scale (AV72015) - IP-1 on skis from Avis in 1:72 scale (AV72025) - Peruvian Huascar Ironclad Turret Ship, 1866 (Full Hull and Water Line versions) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG3598WL-FH) - IJN Fuso Ironclad, 1878 (Late Fit) from Combrig in 1:700 scale (CG70188) - IJN Heien Gunboat, 1895 from Combrig in 1:700 scale (CG70192) - IJN Takao Cruiser, 1889 (Late Fit) from Combrig in 1:700 scale (CG70193) - Stove oven with hob and dryer, #2 from DAN Models in 1:35 scale (DAN35511) - Stove oven with hob and dryer, #3 from DAN Models in 1:35 scale (DAN35512) - Fortifications LO 36E from ROP o.s. Samek Models in 1:72 scale (ROP-F72-140) - Monitor "President Masaryk" 1932-1936 from ROP o.s. Samek Models in 1:350 scale (ROP-S350-004) - Monitor "Udarnyj" 1941 SSSR from ROP o.s. Samek Models in 1:350 scale (ROP-S350-009) - Monitor "MBK 186" 1944 SSSR from ROP o.s. Samek Models in 1:350 scale (ROP-S350-010) - River tank "BKA 1125" 1942 SSSR from ROP o.s. Samek Models in 1:350 scale (ROP-S350-011) Sincerely, Alex Scale-model-kits.com - plastic scale model kits on-line shop

In case those of you in the UK haven't heard yet, I have started an online shop based in the UK for small scale ship modellers. Currently in stock are resin kits and accessories from Combrig, Samek, AJM, Orange Hobby, L'Arsenal, Niko and North Star, with etch from Lion Roar, Flyhawk and my own brand Starling Models. Other accessories in stock include 3d Modelparts, Master Barrel and Uschi van der Rosten's excellent rigging thread. Also in stock are kits from Flyhawk, I will be importing all of their new releases this year, all at very competitive prices. In time I hope to release some kits, some of these will be those formerly released under the Fine Waterline label with some upgrades. It is still very early days so in time I will hopefully be adding to the list of brands in stock but for those of you in the UK who are finding it difficult to get those much needed kits and accessories, stop by and have a look. http://www.starling-models.co.uk Mike

So I have been flicking through this GB since it started looking at the fantastic builds on offer and now I have finally succomed and been suckered into it! I managed to find a pure resin kit in my stash and this is the one I shall present. It is the very fine Pre Dreadnaught HMS Renown from Combrig in 1:700 scale. She is very small and very fine, I just hope I can do her justice! Any hoo here are the pics I also found the remains of a GMM 1:700 British Battleship etch fret. I was glad about this as it has railings ladders and also the admirals walk railings which will make alot of difference. I will mount here on a wooden slab that I have kicking around, and will also attempt my first sea scape. I have been umming and erring about seascapes for years so have now committed myself to it. I saw this pick of her on the web apparently off Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1897. As this is now my hometown I shall do a scene along these lines. She will be in her black scheme at anchor with maybe a couple of 'Liberty Boats' chugging around. During research I managed to uncover alot of pictures of both the black and white schemes. Also I have come accross a couple of builds in her white scheme but nothing of her earlier set up. This could be an web exclusive, the first build up of her in the black scheme! How many of you can claim a unique build like that eh? .............. then again looking at most of the builds in this GB that would be most of you More to come soon! Bob

Hi, Look at what has just arrive to my workbench! The Steregushchy (Project 20380) Russian Stealth Corvette produced originally by Gwylan Models, but now available through Combrig. The Combrig instructions sheets are usually poor, but this one is quite good and I think I have to “blame” Gwylan Models for the excellent photos and step-by-step guide provided, which is a very useful tool in order to build a good looking model. The first photo of this model at my workbench: http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/riquvU.jpg I won’t write any review of this model as there is already one very complete available here: http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/ru/ff/steregushchy-700-gwy/gwy-review.html At first glance seems to be a “quick win” project, and sometimes is what I need to provide extra motivation for the other on-going more complex and time consuming projects. A very nice ship with quite advanced and modern lines, and a must have model to all who are looking for modern model warships! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

- 508 CM Coloniale Italian light car from Ace in 1:72 scale (ACE72548) - Kawanishi H6K2 Mavis IJN Flying Boat, 1938 (1WL+1FH) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG-A35301) - Dornier Do 24 German Flying Boat, 1937 (1WL+1FH) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG-A35303) - Blohm und Voss BV 138 Flying Boat, 1941 (1WL+1FH) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG-A35304) - Breguet Br.521 French Flying Boat, 1935 (1WL+1FH) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG-A35306) - CANT Z.506 Italian Floatplane, 1938 (1WL+1FH) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG-A35307) - Aurora Protected Cruiser, 1903 (Full Hull version) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG3539FH) - Pallada Protected Cruiser, 1902 (Full Hull version) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG3540FH) - Diana Protected Cruiser, 1902 (Full Hull version) from Combrig in 1:350 scale (CG3541FH) - U.S. and German paratroopers, South of Europe, 1944 from Master Box in 1:35 scale (MB35157) - Hitching a ride. US Paratroopers and Civilians, 1945 from Master Box in 1:35 scale (MB35161) - Zombie Hunter - Road to Freedom. Zombieland series from Master Box in 1:35 scale (MB35175) - Mk II "Male" British tank. Arras Battle period, 1917 from Master Box in 1:72 scale (MB72005) - Sd.Kfz. 164 "Nashorn" Tankhunter from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV03148) - Lancaster B.III "Dambusters" from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04295) - Boeing B-17F 'Memphis Belle' from Revell in 1:48 scale (RV04297) - Avro 683 Lancaster Mk.I/III from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04300) - Eurofighter Typhoon single seater from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04317) - F-16 A Fighting Falcon from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04363) - Heinkel HE 111 H-6 from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04377) - SA 330 Puma "BGS" from Revell in 1:32 scale (RV04412) - Apache AH-64D / WAH-64D from Revell in 1:48 scale (RV04420) - Dassault Rafale M from Revell in 1:48 scale (RV04517) - Spitfire Mk. IXC from Revell in 1:48 scale (RV04554) - Junkers Ju 87 B-2/R-2 Stuka from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04620) - Westland Sea Lynx Mk. 88A from Revell in 1:32 scale (RV04652) - EC145 Polizei/Gendarmarie from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04653) - Gloster Meteor Mk.4 from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04658) - E-4B Airborne Command Post from Revell in 1:144 scale (RV04663) - Sukhoi T-50 from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04664) - Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6 from Revell in 1:32 scale (RV04665) - Heinkel He219 A-7 "UHU" from Revell in 1:32 scale (RV04666) - Antonov An-2 Colt from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04667) - F-16C "Tigermeet" 2003 from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04669) - Handley Page Halifax B Mk.I/II GR II from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04670) - Junkers Ju88 A-4 Bomber from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04672) - Stearman PT-13D Kaydet from Revell in 1:72 scale (RV04676) - Albatross D V from Revell in 1:48 scale (RV04684) - Eurofighter Typhoon "Twinseater" from Revell in 1:48 scale (RV04689) - Hawker Hunter FGA.9/F.58 from Revell in 1:32 scale (RV04703) Best regards, Alex Scale-model-kits.com - plastic scale model kits on-line shop