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  1. The Ark Models (ex. Frog) kit backdated to her 1918 fit. Lots of scratchbuilding and extras added including real wood deck, Atlantic Models photoetch set, MicroMaster Shapeways 3D print turrets: Depicted on patrol in the North Sea.
  2. Back after a bit - attempting to build my first resin model: Atlantic Models 1/350 HMS Laforey but being built as HMS Loyal. Paints are/will be Sovereign Hobbies Colourcoats series - also a first step away from Acrylics. I washed the hulls and glued them together with loctite super glue, and attached the rudder and propellor shafts. I've primed the hull and deck with Mr Surfacer 1500 and painted the deck NARN-54 RN Dark Deck Grey. I might highlight some raised parts of the deck later in RN Green. Taped off the upper hull and applied NARN 42 anti-fouling red. Pulling back my Tamiya tape and I see some of the primer has lifted. Oops. I guess I didn't clean it enough. Might need to rethink my taping of the hull lower hull again (I was going to have a black line around the hull. TBC.
  3. I bought myself a Christmas present but unlike @Dmitriy1967 didn't wrap it up. The eagerly awaited (at least by me) new offering, from Peter at Atlantic Models of the River Class batch 1 HMS Severn. There'll be a Batch 2 along soon. The novelty being that the Royal Navy some 80 years after WW2 have taken to painting these modern vessels in schmes paying homage to their forebears. Rather like @JohnWS's HMCS Regina. And the first impression is just how big it is. Here compared to the Flower Classs Corvette The second impression is just how fine a moulding the hull and superstructure pieces are. They are exquisite. Far superior to the G class destroyer that I've built previously. There were no moulding flaws and the detail is remarkable The main body /hull comes as 2 pieces in that you cna model with the whole hull or just a water line version. A beatiful etch fret accompies together with smaller resin moulded pieces and rather incongruoously by todays standards, a small bag of white metal detail pieces. A nice decal sheet completes the package. Instructions are line drawn and there is a colour profile of HMS Severn. (Other ships are available). My only dispaointment was that up to receiving the kit I had assuned that the hull was white with Northern approaches green and a darker blue. The photos are misleading, careful examination confirms that the hull is in fact Weatherwork grey. Let's not forget that these are colour photos and it took me quite some time to work this out not having seen Severn inthe flesh. what hope do we have really - when we pour over B&W wartime photos and conjecture the colour schemes when it's this hard with multiple colour imiages easily available I've been working on this for thee last 2 weeks whilst waiting for paint to dry on Eyebright. I've decided to model this on a stand, and FWIW, all my modern RN vessels will be mounted. The upper and lower hull pieces fitted really well and needed a minium of filing before joining. I used epoxy glue and then filled with putty and spent happy hours sanding to hopefully an invisible join And whilst all this was going on I started on my 3rd vessel (who's retired then ) in the form of the diminutive P200 Archer Class Fast Patrol Vessel, again from Atlantic modles and released some months back to no rel fanfare. Think of this as an "amuse bouche" or more properly a proof of concept exercise to test out some ideas before commiting to Severn. Hard to think of a simpler model - resin hull and superstructure with some resin rafts, RIB and an etch set of railings. Sadly no decals but Peter advises using his 1/600 set of pennant numbers. I've chosen to model HMS Puncer P291 And whilst not Puncher, here's a good ariel shot to get the idea of the deck layout These have been in service some 20 years plus so that there are several iterations and layouts. I'm modelling with the square rafts on the foredeck Construction is simple. Sadly the etch doors provided sit over the opening rather than within it - so I used some alternate doors from an Infini set that sat more naturally That left me a spare door for the rear hatch/doorway (which is not provided) You can see it here together with a RIP and a scratched outboard. Most recent shots show the Archer Class carring a large rectangular raft rather than the RIB on the rear deck, the RIB is more appealing Most also carry a Casualty cradle that is well illustrated in this photo I scratched that Primer Weatherwork Grey from colourcoats applied and then I'd like to thank @andrewa for an excellent tip in one of his historical WIPs that suggested using "marker pens" - Yes!! You can get fine detail - it's impermeable and I think it works. In fairness @Chris Hewitt also mentioned at Telford that he uses them for modern vessel windows, more on this later. The Deck colour is slightly elusive bt this 50 : 50 combo gets close. And YES those decals do work and really are the right size More soon on Puncher and Severn Thanks for looking Rob
  4. Well after a bit of gap in builds ( DIY and decorating for the offspring ) going to make a start on this before I restart my York build. HMS Gorleston Banff Class Sloop 1943 I used the hull on this as an explanation on how to add some hull plating for a build of @Faraway A nice small one to get the MOJO kick started. Hull plating added using a build up of primer and masking tape. This was all sanded back and joint lines filled and re-primed and plated after my quick example was a bit rough so hope this will be a quick one. Stay Safe beefy
  5. I keep seeing posts suggesting that people are reluctant to build resin kits and/or keep wishing for kits to be available that actually are available - only in resin. As with injection moulded plastic kits, not all manufacturers are equal. Some plastic kits are absolute gems whilst others are abominations that are not worth the time and consumables to build. Likewise, not all resin kits are equal. Some negative common perceptions of resin kits include the following: - They're really expensive. They are more expensive than a plastic kit, but resin makes it financially viable to even consider some subjects like an S class destroyer. Perhaps more importantly, look at the contents. A basic plastic destroyer in 1/350 might cost around £30 (typical UK prices for 1/350 Tamiya destroyers like Yukikaze and Kagero are nearer to £60). If happy with what's in the box, I'm delighted for you. A sizable number though will then spend the same again on detailing to replace unrepresentative clunky plastic. With a kit like that featured in this thread, it's all included in the box. You don't need anything else to make a very nice model. - But nothing fits, right? Wrong. Not much else to say on that. As with plastic kits it depends who made the tooling and the casting technique. This thread will not omit any flaws in the kit's parts fit. You can see for yourself how it compares to most plastic kits. - Resin parts all need to be sawn off casting blocks. It's tedious, messy and I can't cut straight and it'll be ruined. Not an issue here. There are very small bits to remove, but in discrete places and can be done with a scalpel or modelling chisel. Less work that cleaning sprue gates from injection moulded plastic. - The dust from sanding is harmful to breathe in. Who in their right mind doesn't sand wet anyway? Dry sanding just clogs your abrasives regardless what you're working with and keeps all dust out of the air. It's just the correct way to sand. According to the time stamp on the photo, everything was as-new in its box at 18:18 this evening here's what's inside That's a set of instructions identifying and providing the correct name for all parts, diagramatic assembly instructions with notes, a full colour painting guide, pressure cast resin hull split at the waterline, bagged resin smaller parts and cast white metal small fittings. Here is the preparation needed to join the hull. There are some very small protrusions to clean off with a blade. The bigger one is a locating pin. That was 18:23. I hadn't done anything to change the condition of the kit contents from as-new yet. So, I trimmed those off and glued the hull together with medium CA. The fit is better than many injection moulded plastic hulls I've joined but not perfect. I will now point out the flaws and how much of a non-event it is to fix them. I wouldn't normally bother but to help the flaws and sanding stand out in photos for this thread, I gave it a quick blast with Halfords primer then had some food while it dried Off to the kitchen sink with an Infini Model sanding sponge I smoothed down the hull join. With a good abrasive like the Infini sponge and water, the whole lot took around 10 to 15 minutes. I got a bit careless and took some material off one of the strakes. Before remembering I was going to set this in water like Imperial, I fixed it with plasticard I then filled the waterline seam with putty. I keep getting educated by people who know better that I can't use normal modelling putties on resin because it doesn't stick, but none of the resin things I've ever worked with got that memo. The time stamp on that photo was 19:24 tonight. One hour and one minute including a dinner break to get to a joined, filled hull. And that's with me repairing self-inflicted damage (that will be hidden underwater anyway).
  6. Now I have finished practicing my skills with the Dodo Models Armidale resin kit it is time to turn my attention to my next project. I was given (at my request) the Atlantic Models HMS UPTON kit at 1:350 scale as my Christmas present. This was influenced by the kit review on this fine forum back in November 2015: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234992178-hms-upton-ton-class-minesweeper-1350/ This is my first Atlantic models kit and I am very impressed with its quality. I have always had a liking for the TON class ships and I have fond memories spending a weekend on HMS BRERETON sailing to Douglas on the Isle of Man from Liverpool when I was a Sea Cadet. HMS BRERETON was at the time assigned to Mersey Division RNR and not surprisingly I am going to model BRERETON as she was in 1985. I shall get the controversial bit over and done with now so that it does not detract from a very crisp and detailed kit. The name on the kit box of HMS UPTON is deceiving, for those who know the history of the TON class, the ships underwent a number of conversions over their long lives with some ships becoming Mine Hunters and others remaining as Mine Sweepers. HMS UPTON was a Mine Sweeper retaining the original bridge superstructure. The Model in the kit is a Mine Hunter with the modified bridge superstructure and mast; In fact the kit mouldings match the Jecobin Drawings for HMS NURTON. To be fair, HMS UPTON was the lead ship of the class and by the time of their retirement no two ships in the class were identical. However anyone wanting to build HMS UPTON from this kit would need to do some serious conversion work as the bridge superstructure and mast are entirely different let alone the inclusion of the Influence Sweep drum on the sweep deck. That said with 119 ships in the class, a 30 year plus life and service in 9 Navies there is plenty of scope to build a unique model for those daring to build something different. This is not my first attempt at building a TON having scratch built HMS BRERETON in 1:144 nearly 30 years ago (and is now a bit of a wreck): I also have a part built Deans Marine kit at 1:100 scale which I am intending to finish (eventually) as HMS Iveston.: As a consequence I have a reasonable source of research material to help me with this build. I have 1:96 Scale drawings for HMS NURTON by Jecobin: 1:48 Scale drawings for HMS IVESTON from MAP Publications: And I have an ancient copy of Model Boats magazine with drawings by Eric Dyke for HMS WOOTON. Having said all that I am not anticipating that I will have need to refer the scale drawings as the detail provided in the kit is very good. There are some minor changes that I will need to make to the kit and I will address those as I advance through the build. First up pictures of the box and contents: I have also bought some extras to enhance my build, some 1:350 Scale Non slip deck PE by Fly Hawk and Brass Barrels for the 40mm Bofors. One of the things I like about this kit is that there is an option to produce a full hull or waterline model without the need for surgery and I will be presenting my model HMS BRERETON in her element in a similar manner to my other models. That’s it for the introduction hopefully I will be posting pictures of progress soon. I hope you all enjoy.
  7. HMS Cumberland Type 22 Frigate (Batch 3) Atlantic Models 1:350 I must admit straight off that I have a soft spot for the Type 22 Batch 3. I was present at the Launching of HMS Campbeltown, and worked on fitting her out as part of my apprenticeship. The Batch 3 Type 22 Frigate had developed a fair way from the original Broadsword Class first ordered in 1974. The Class were primarily designed as anti-submarine ships to protect convoys under the UK's commitment to NATO. The length at the time was dictated by the dimensions of the undercover Frigate Refit Complex at Devonport Dockyard. As well as sonar system they were fitted with torpedo tubes and would carry the Lynx Helicopter. Offensive armament was provided by 4 canister mounted Exocet missiles on the foredeck. The primary defensive armament was 2 sextuplet Sea Wolf missile systems. By the time the four Batch 3 vessels were ordered a more general class of ship was needed, it had been released by the RN that ships really still did need a Gun and the bow space again was taken by a 4.5" turret. The ships did not loose their missiles though as the 4 Exocets were replaced by eight Harpoon missiles on two quartet launchers mounted up behind the bridge. The defensive armament was enhanced by fitting a 30mm Goalkeeper CIWS. Extra accommodation space was also fitted in allowing the ships to host a flag officer and become command & control centres. Propulsion was obtained from 2 Rolls Royce Tyne Engines and 2 Rolls Royce Spey Engines, the Speys replacing earlier Olympus Engines. These gave the vessels a top speed in excess of 30 Knots and a better sea keeping ability. Names for the 4 batch 3 ships were a mixture, though all celebrating different parts of RN history. a mixture: Cornwall and Cumberland, revived County-class names previously carried both by First World War-era cruisers, and by Second World War-era County-class heavy cruisers. The other two Chatham and Campbeltown, were Town names, the former reviving a 1911 Town-class light cruiser name, and the latter commemorating HMS Campbeltown famous for the St Nazaire Raid in 1942; the name for HMS Chatham was also selected as a salute to the Medway town, where the Chatham Dockyard, established in 1570, had closed in 1984. While most of the earlier Type 22s were sold to overseas Navies all 4 Batch 3 Ships were scrapped well before the end of their projected service lives The Kit The kit comes in the standard sturdy Atlantic Models box filled with plenty of poly chips to protect the contents. The metal, and resin parts are contained in zip lock bags stapled to a piece of card. The upper and lower hull sections are further protected from damage, by being wrapped in bubble wrap. There is a long envelope found at the bottom of the box containing a large sheet of etched brass, whilst a separate zip lock bag contains the sheet of decals. When the impressive 42cm hull is unwrapped the first thing that strikes you is the cleanliness of the resin. It is really smooth, with no sign of deformation, bubbles, or other imperfections. The upper and lower hulls are joined together by several pips and holes, but I find that it’s easier to remove the pips and align everything by eye and by feel as they tend to leave a large gap whereas by removing them, the gap almost disappears and there is very little need to filling, just a light touch with a sanding stick. The rest of the resin parts are just as well moulded, although the large sections of the superstructure do appear to have small pips on their undersides that may need to be removed. As seen in the photos, some of the smaller parts have a fair bit of flash, but it’s very soft and easily removed. The white metal parts don’t have a lot of flash, but there are seams that will need removing, again, a fairly easy job. The large etch sheet is what we have come to expect from Atlantic Models, beautiful clean relief etching, great design and lots of parts, and is probably the area that makes these models more for the experienced modeller than even the resin. Before any construction can take place, make sure you clean all the parts in warm soapy water to get rid of any mould release agent that may be attached. Naturally for these kits, it’s sub assemblies first. This is mainly the main deck house The bridge goes on at the front with the foremast at the rear. In between these goes the forward Sea Wolf tracker and the Goalkeeper CIWS. Behind the main deck house sits the intake housing for the engine room and behind this the funnel. Between the funnel and the hanger goes the rear mast. Now these main parts are on its time to make up a whole host of smaller parts for mounting to the ship. The 4.5" turret gets its gun. Then the main mast top antenna array is built up. The Goalkeeper gets its barrel and to the 30mm Oerlikon DS30 guns. Two quad Harpoon launchers are built up from a PE frame with resin missile tubes, the PE blast shields to go behind them. The type 911 Fire Control Radar is built up as are the Sat Com platforms. The DF antenna for the bridge roof gets built up, and if you are fitting them the mini gun enclosures. Last up are the decoys and their ejector racks. The gun goes on the fore deck and the forward Sea Wolf launcher behind it in front of the bridge. The main fore mast is next with the main radar on top followed by the many PE arms and other parts including a navigation radar being fitted. The Sat Com antennas are fitted to the Engine intake block, here there are PE railings to fit and also ladders which go on the front of the intake covers. The rear mast is next with the main antenna pole and antenna array being fitted to the top. Here again there are many PE arms to the mast and smaller fittings. To the front of the hanger the crane for the ships boats is fitted, and the boats in the landing area there. Along all the main decks PE railings are fitted with netting type areas next to the 30mm deck fittings. There are also life raft canisters to fit to the deck. There are also man overboard life ring ejectors to fit. Moving aft the rear deck goes on, and to the starboard side of the hanger the ships gangway. Above this go additional life rafts and the fuel can stowage racks to the inflatable boats. Above the hanger and on the rear Sea Wolf Radar platform more railings go on. Forward of the hanger deck there is another small boat crane, and forward of that the two triple torpedo tubes. Moving back to the flight deck the harpoon grid is fitted to the centre, and around the outsides the flight deck netting is fitted. If you want to close the hanger then a PE door is supplied for this. The aft Sea Wolf launcher is fitted to the hanger roof. Next we move to the lower hull with two stabiliser fins being added to each side. The propeller shafts go on, with the props on the ends and the ships rudder behind these. We now jump back to the main deck. Davits are made up for the main ships boats. There is also a late fit RHIB platform to be fitted on the port side of the funnel These are for the late fit Pacific 24 RHIBs which replaced the Cheverton on the starboard side. The data link radome is now added to the front of the hanger deck. For Campbeltown use the solid mast, for other ships cut the radome off and use the PE lattice mast. Decals The single decal sheet contains the main pennant numbers and ships names for the 4 ships as well as Ships Crests, Flags, Ensigns, draft marks and helicopter landing markings. Conclusion Well, Atlantic Models have done it again, producing a kit that fills another hole in the Royal Navy Cold War story, that of the last of the Type 22s. This is not a kit for the novice but it will with time and care build into a great looking model. Very Highly Recommended. This last shot shows the main upper casting with the main parts added as a dry fit to show how well the fit and to give an idea of how the kit will end up looking even without all the detail parts fitted. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  8. I've finally taken the plunge, and bought my first resin ship kit. I have too many models already in other genres (many of which I am clearing out as this place has widened my horizons beyond just car models) and my marine stash is growing slowly with a 1:144 Das Boot, a pair of 1:50 sailing yachts, two 1:18 sailing dinghies, a 1:72 Sunseeker gin palace, and about six unbuilt 1:700 liners & warships, and two unbuilt 1:350 warships. However, the only ships I have actually completed so far are three of Meng's 1:700 pre-coloured snap fit ones... It will also probably be the last 1:350 ship that I buy due to the cost and display space required, however, HMS Apollo is a ship that I have wanted a model of for a very long time, and so is one that I am going to take my time over not only to build it properly (I am new to using PE & am yet to try rigging anything...) but also as accurately as possible. I did consider converting the ancient Airfix 1:600 Leander, but everything I could find out about that kit just didn't inspire me. And why Apollo? My late grandfather joined the navy aged 13 and retired in around 1984/5. He served on Apollo in the late '70s, and of all the ships that he was on, she was the one that we remember him talking about the most. I can't remember all the other ships, but I know he was in Coastal Forces early on, then later on HMS Ulster (or Ulchin as she was nicknamed by that point, having been cut & shut with HMS Urchin's stern following a prior mishap with a dockyard wall when the bridge telegraph jammed full astern), HMS Ark Royal IV, then HMS Apollo and lastly HMS Diomede. It is essentially being built in memory of him. I am starting with the Atlantic Models 1:350 HMS Cleopatra F28 kit (thank you @bootneck!), which as best I can tell is the nearest start point, as it has the foredeck gun unlike the other two Leander kits from the same source, and also includes the correct witch's hat mast and all the necessary marking decals. However, if anyone can advise on any info which would guide me as to what equipment Apollo should have in her late '70s fit-out, compared to the instructions for Cleopatra that would be amazing! I have quite a few photos that I have found online of Apollo, which show some of the obvious differences, such as no transom cut-out, and of course her mast, but much of the other weaponry and equipment means little to me. One of the main queries that I have not been able to find answers to relates to her aft deck. Was there still the drop down (well deck?) immediately forward of the transom which on Cleopatra (along with the cutaway transom) was for the variable depth sonar, or was it fully flush? Whilst I won't be starting the build for a while (I want to practice on a few expendable plastic kits first!) any tips or tricks for this kit would also be very appreciated! Many thanks!
  9. With the 8 month long build of County Class Cruisers coming to an end, it's time to move on. HMS Griffin - H31 will be the next, using the Atlantic models HMS Glowworm as base kit. HMS Griffin was one of 8 "G" Class destroyers, the most famous of which is HMS Glowworm due to it's fatal David and Goliath encounter with Admiral Hipper. Griffin was launched in 1935 and took part in the Norwegiain campaign early in the war before being transfered to the Mediterranean. She was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in early 1943 and renamed HMCS Ottowa, seeing action at D-day and surviviing the war only to be scrapped in 1946. The G-Class was similar to the D and E classes before and the H and I classes that came after. Here are some pre war pictures that highlight her graceful lines She'll be portrayed in a paint scheme that she wore in lat3 1939/early 1940. There's a profile in Raven's "Warship Perspectives - Camouflage volume One". I've not been able to corroborate this profile with any wartime photographs. I have presumed that the colours are 507C and 507A (darker). There are pictures of her sister ships Garland and Grenade for a similar time period that closley resemble the type of scheme and this rather simple 2 colour scheme was common at early war. If anyone does have pictures - I'd be delighted to see them. Raven mentions that HMS Garland wore a visual IFF symbol on her foredeck consisting of a Type C1 RAF-type roundel. He postulates that others may have worn similar and this is a conceit that I'll use - Griffin will have a C1 roundel. It will add visual interest References will include the aforementioned book , my favourite of the whole series and the hardest to currently come by. I do hope that Dick @dickrd and @Jamie @ Sovereign Hobbies will have a go at a more up to date publiction at some stage to highlight their wealth of research and re-interpretation of many wartime colour schemes. So let's examine the kit first which comes as HMS Glowworm. I'm not aware of any major structural differences between the 2 vessels. Glowworm comes with Pentad torpedo tubes which she alone trialled. Micromaster supply quad tubes. It's my first Resin kit and my first Atlantic models offering. The moulding is top notch and the hull comes as either water-line or full-hull - your choice. I'm going for waterline and like Berwick - she'll be at anchor There'll be a Micromaster 45ft launch alongside for visual interest - Thanks to Tom and Richard E for pointing me the way of steam tug Simla which is tempting but I feel will detract from the overall impact of Griffin. Those of you who are familiar with Peter Hall kits will appreciate the style of line drawn instructions and comprehensive Photoetch.... The superstructure parts are resiin and the smaller detailed parts - white metal Micromaster will have a big look-in including with more detailed replacement 4.7in guns Pennant numbers will come from the Atlantic models decal sheet And I obtained an Xtradecal sheet of C1 roundels - the only one that does a "C1" roundel that small. Sadly the C1 roundels are significantly out of register. I've ordered another sheet to see if it's replicated and if it is I'll have to think of an alternative There are some immediate problems apparent with simple dry- fitting - the Micromaster turrets impact the superstructure overhang........ And the first order of business will be to shave and remove the bulwarks on the superstructure as they appear on the bridge part - the reason being that the superstructure spans across several generic destroyer classes I don't expect any other major problems. If anyone has any serious qualms about the (unsubstantiated ) colour scheme or the IFF roundel, now's the time to shout! Thanks for looking Rob
  10. Well calling this one done it has not turned out as I had planned some mistakes crept in as I lost my inspiration of late. The thought of no shows to display for another year and the loss of some old work mates that had not been retired that long so it has got me thinking of other things and my mind has not been to focused on building models. Maybe I need a break work, eat, sleep repeat is not good for anyone 😱. But did get some good news today for a change our local model club can start up 20th May with limited numbers so something to look forward to. Anyway enough of my mooning on I present my take on this kit I have seen some delightful versions done lately and a BIG thank you to Michal @socjo1 for the mountain of reference he shared with me and the effort he and others have put in trying to keep me on the straight and narrow. WIP below link https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235086089-hms-portchester-castle/ Name it name plate to the rescue again
  11. Finally got my hands on a 1/350 HMS Brave which I've been wanting since I got back in to modelling. This project is another of personal significance as my Dad was posted to Brave when I was born and I was the first person christened on the ship. Life at the minute means this one is probably going to sit on the shelf for a little while longer, but I'm so excited to have my return to modelling lined up after a bit of a hiatus starting a business.
  12. Modern Royal Navy Ship Decals Atlantic Models 1:600 (ATDec13) Modern / Cold War RN ships dont carry that many markings but they are there in form of Pennant numbers and other markings. Upgrade Set This small sheets provides markings for Royal Navy Pennant Numbers and Deck Markings in 1/600 scale. These are Modern style Pennant Numbers, Flight Deck Markings and Warning circles in Red and Yellow for the Airfix 1/600 scale range of ship kits, including HMS Amazon, HMS Leander, HMS Daring, HMS Devonshire, HMS Tiger and HMS Fearless etc. Conclusion Its good to see set being produced for replacement, or additional decal needs for the older 1:600 scale kits. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  13. HMS Victorious Detail Set + Airwing Set Atlantic Models 1:600 (ATEM60016 + 60017) HMS Victorious certainly had an interesting history. She was built as the third Illustrious class carrier being laid down in 1937 and launched in 1939 her commissioning was delayed until 1941 as there was greater demand at the time for escort vessels. She took part in actions against the Bismarck and several Artic convoys before taking part in getting supplies to Malta and operation Torch. Following US Naval losses she was loaned to the US Navy until returning for a refit in December 1943. During further convoy duties she took part in no less than 4 attacks on the Tirpitz in Norway. In June 1944 in the company of HMS Indomitable she sailed to join the Eastern Fleet for operations against Japan. She returned from Australia in late 1945, but undertook 3 more trips back to collect returning servicemen. After a short period in reserve she was deployed to the home fleet until sent for refit. This refit from 1950 to 1958 this was probably one of the most extensive refits undertaken as it encompassed new carrier technologies coming in, and in effect created an all new ship. Her hull was widened, deepened, and lengthened; her machinery was replaced with Foster-Wheeler boilers; her hangar height was increased; new armament of 3 inch (76 mm) guns was installed; a fully angled flight deck of 8 degrees and steam catapults were added. Her radar equipment was extensively altered to include up to date equipment, and included the first type 984 3-D radar system to be installed on a ship. Due t a decision halfway through to replace the steam turbines the flight deck was actually replaced twice! She was designed to serve until 1970, however a small fire during a 1967 provided a political excuse to decommission the ship early. The ship served from WWII through operations in Kuwait and Indonesia in the 1960;s and carried all naval aircraft fro the Fulmar to Buccaneer. A truly remarkable history in which she even played the part of HMS Ark Royal in the the 1960s film "Sink the Bismarck". Upgrade Set This A5 sheet of PE from Atlantic Models gives a fairly comprehensive upgrade set for her post refit fit. It is designed for the Airfix kit, this has been re-released over the years and some of the details are starting to become a bit soft. One of the main features is a complete set of railings for different parts of the ship. new forward catwalk assemblies port angled deck extensions, and catwalk life raft pack assemblies. For the 1960s fit there is the Alaskan Highway deck extension & Island modifications. Towards the rear there are the internal weather deck assemblies, and the aft boat deck railings as well. For the AA fit there is the large sextuplet 40mm bofors mounting and platform. The 3" twin turrets get their radar mountings replaced and there is a new deck crane. The starboard forward antenna assembly is also replaced. The funnel gets a new cap and the platform is included for the later platform. Moving to the island there is a new aft antenna platform. The railings are all replaced as are the platforms including the DF antenna platform. There is a new landing mirror system. Detailed plans show where all the island modifications take place. The main lattice mast is replaced along with all its platforms and yardarms. New platforms are provided alongside the flight deck for the whip antennas, the modeller will need to supply their own wire for the actual antennas. Air Wing Set This approx 4" square sheet of PE from Atlantic Models gives a fairly comprehensive upgrade set for her air wing. There are 5 seats including the tails, tailplanes, landing gear and wing pylons for the Supermarine Scimitars. There are 7 seats including the tailplane, landing gear and pylons for the de Havilland Sea Vixens. There are 4 sets including tailplanes, landing gear and propellers for the Douglas Skyrainder AEW aircraft. There are Two sets for the Wessex Helicopters with a choice of folder or extended rotor blades, tailrotors, and the tail wheel. For the deck there are also 5 deck tractors, a deck crane, and the flightdeck crash barrier. Conclusion Its good to see set being produced for older kits which can still hold their own and can benefit from the extra detail. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  14. HMS Suffolk Detail Set Atlantic Models 1:600 (ATEM60015) HMS Suffolk was a Royal Navy County Class Heavy Cruiser. Laid down in 1926 and commissioned in 1928. Originally serving on the China Station she returned home in time for WWII where she served and was damaged during the Norwegian campaign. After repairs she was engaged in the fight against the Bismarck. after firing on the Bismarck she was able to track her on radar to vector in additional units, After the loos of the Hood and damage to the Prince of Wales Suffolk continued to track the Bismarck until her fuel situation dictated she break off. Following this she served with the home fleet until 1942. A refit followed where she lost X Turret to gain much needed AA Armament. After this she was sent to the Eastern Fleet, operating in the Indian Ocean until the end of the war. Following the surrender of Japan she was used to transport military and civilian personnel from Australia, and the Far East, back to the UK. On her return Suffolk underwent repairs at Chatham Dockyard between November 1945 and January 1946. On completion she sailed to Australia again, returning in April 1946. Her final voyage was to Singapore arriving there in May, and returning in July 1946. later that year she was placed in unmaintained reserve until 1948. With the post-war economic difficulties of Britain hitting hard the reserve fleet was quickly sold off, and Suffolk was decommissioned in March 1948. and scrapped later the same year. The Set This slightly smaller thanA5 sheet of PE from Atlantic Models gives a fairly comprehensive upgrade set for her wartime fit before the removal of X Turrett. It is designed for the Airfix kit, this has been re-released over the years and some of the details are starting to become a bit soft. One of the main features is a complete set of railings for the ship. After that there are two 8 barrelled and two quad 50 Cal guns for for AA defence. For the antennas & radars you get a 285 AA Radar Yagi antenna, a 279 radar antenna assembly, and a 284 gunnery radar unit to fit to the director. There are new access doors for the turrets, and new foot ropes for the main fore mast. Starting at the bow there are new ships anchors, then working our way back aft new supports for the bridge deck, and a new shelter deck house assembly below this. There are new deck fittings and railings for the shelter deck and new Pom Pom bulwarks. There are new funnel grills and siren platforms, toped of with a new funnel cap. New decks are provided for the ships boats. There are new lens caps for the searchlights, new foot ropes for the main mast, a new accommodation ladder and rear depth charge rails. New hatches and doors are provided. ne of the main areas to be addressed with this set is the ships aircraft. As well as parts for the Walrus itself, there is a new aircraft crane assembly, a new catapult, and new parts for the aircraft hanger including the doors, deck railings and additional fittings. Conclusion Its good to see set being produced for older kits which can still hold their own and can benefit from the extra detail. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  15. HMS Royal Sovereign "R" Class Battleship Detail Set Atlantic Models 1:500 (ATEM50008) The R Class were a class of5 ships designated superdreadnought battleships built for the Royal Navy from 1910. Only Revenge and Royal Oak were completed in time to see action in WWI. The ships were not modernised during the interwar years and at the start of WWII Royal Sovereign was assigned to the home fleet on convoy protection duties. While then assigned to the Eastern Fleet she was withdrawn to again escort convoys in East Africa. On here return to Britain in early 1944 she was transferred to the Soviet Navy, who renamed her Arkhangelsk. She then again escorted convoys in the Artic until the end of the war. The Soviets returned the ship in 1949, after inspection she was found to be in such poor condition (all the turrets were seized) that she was broken up for scrap. The Set This A5 sheet of PE from Atlantic Models gives a fairly comprehensive upgrade set for her wartime fit. It is designed for the Fog kit, this has been re-released over the years and some of the details are starting to become a bit soft. One of the main features is a complete set of railings for the ship. After that there are two 8 barrelled and two four barreled Pom Poms, plus eight 20mm single Oerlikons for AA defence. Platforms are provided for these guns where needed such as the one on B Turret. For the antennas & radars you get a 285 AA Radar Yagi antenna, a type 282 Radar Yagi Antenna, a 279 & 281 radar antenna assembly and a 284 gunnery radar unit to fit to the director. Starting at the bow you get new focsle deck fittings. There is a shield for B Turret. On the shelter deck there are splinter shields for the 4" turrets, and a new shape aft deck section. The fore mast gets extra details, platforms and supports, as well as a new DF antenna, as well as the main starfish assembly. The main mast gets platforms for the 20mm guns, and a new platform and main radar unit. There is a new deck house for behind the main mast. At the rear there are shields for X turret and the Sea Plane catapult which sat on top of X Turret. A crane for recovery of the sea plane is also included. Other areas of note are new decks for the ships boats as well as davits for them and carley raft racks. Conclusion Its good to see set being produced for older kits which can still hold their own and can benefit from the extra detail. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  16. Type 23 Frigate Sea Ceptor Upgrade Set Atlantic Models 1:350 (ATAC35022) The Sea Ceptor missile is a next-generation, ship-based, all-weather, air defence weapon system, it is the replacement in the Royal Navy for the Sea Wolf point Defence system. This was developed by MBDA under the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) series of missiles which included the ASRAAM missile. The Sea Ceptor is capable of defending against missile and air threats not only to the firing vessel but in a wider envelope. It is also claimed to have a limited capability against small surface targets. The system has been retro fitted to the Royal Navy's Type 23 Frigates and will be built into the new Type 26 Frigate. The Set This set from Atlantic Models is an upgrade to Trumpeters 1/350 Type 23 kit. The kit contains resin, white metal and photo etched parts. The white metal parts are also cast in resin so the modeller can choose which to use. The main resin part in the set is a new vertical launch cell on the foredeck. While on the front of the vessel a new Kryten turret is included. The set also provides a new Artisan Radar array for the main mast, with a PE mast head and platform combined with a new resin radar antenna. There is a new mast sensor assembly for the main mast. For the top of the bridge the Type 911 director is replaced with a new resin data link radome, one of these is also fitted to the top of the hanger requiring the the radar deflector fences to be removed. Als well as this another larger radome is also installed on the back of the hanger, and railings are provided for this area as well. On the quarter deck a new 1087 Towed sonar is included in the set. Two new 3D printed Atlantic 24 RHIBs are included to replace the older Atlantic 22s. For the funnel a new Radome and mounting platform is included. The last item in this updatre set is a new resin & PE Wildcat Helicopter to replace the Lynx. Conclusion Well, Atlantic Models have done it again, giving the modeller an option to produce the latest Type 23. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  17. 4.5" Barrels for Mk 8 Mod 0 and Mod1 Gun Turrets - Modern RN Atlantic Models 1:350 The 4.5" Gun has been used by the Royal Navy since 1938, the current 55 calibre model replaced the wartime 45 calibre model. It was designed in the 1960 to emphasis reliability and a quick response to the first round firing due to the perceived need to be used against incoming missiles. The gun was designed to be semi automatic needing no personnel in the gun mounting. The Mod 0 turret was upgraded in the late 1990s to one with complete electrical system as opposed to the previous electro hydraulic one, and most notably a reduced radar cross section which was quickly nicknamed the Kryten turret after a character in the popular TV Series Red Dwarf. The Gun has sop far been fitted to RN Type 21, Type 22, Type 23, Type 42 and Type 45 ships. It looks like this will be the end of the line for the Gun as the new Type 26 is to be fitted with the BAE 5-inch Mk 45 naval gun. Conclusion Well, Atlantic Models have done it again, giving the modeller an option of using the brass barrels. Highly recommended for your Modern RN build Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  18. 4.7" / 60 Gunbarrels for RN Destroyers & Secondary Mountings Atlantic Models 1:350 The 4.7" Quick Firing Gun was used in all Royal Navy Destroyers and on larger ships as secondary guns. This set from Atlantic models which are made by Master Barrels contains 6 of these barrels. The brass will always be more accurate than either white metal or resin, but at a cost hence why they are available as seperate parts should the modeller wish to use them. Conclusion Well, Atlantic Models have done it again, giving the modeller an option of using the brass barrels. While not listed on their site yet, just give them a shout and im sure they will get you a set. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  19. HMS Musketeer 1943 British "M" Class Destroyer Atlantic Models 1:350 HMS Musketeer was an M Class destroyer built for the Royal Navy during WWII. The M Class were an extension of the pre war L Class. Lessons learnt from the Spanish Civil War persuaded the Admiralty that better anti-aircraft capability was needed for new vessels. The vessels would have six 4.7" guns housed in twin turrets, the QF Mark IX mount threw a heavier shell weighing 62Lb over the previous 50lb, however the gun was only able to elevate to 50 degrees which made it a compromise for anti aircraft operations. Turrets were made with an elevation of 80 degrees as fitted to HMS Ark Royal but these were to big for destroyers. The Ships were the first to be fitted with enclosed turrets which were supposed to the waterproof for the crews (however use showed this not to be 100% true). Musketeer was ordered from Fairfield's on the Clyde in 1939 and launched in 1941. The ships were designed for the Artic as featured steam heating for the turrets and torpedo tubes. The aft bank of torpedo tubes was removed to allow fitting of a high angled 4" AA mount. Additional AA guns added were 4 x 20mm Oerlikons, 1 x 4 barrelled Pom Pom , and a pair of quad 50 cal machine gun mount. Anti submarine weapons were stern rails for the depth charges as well as two throwers. HMS Musketeer would fight in the Artic, Western Approaches and finally the Mediterranean. Post war the surviving M Class were transferred to the Turkish Navy except Musketeer, she was sold for scrap and broken up in 1955. The Kit The kit comes in the standard sturdy Atlantic Models box filled with plenty of poly chips to protect the contents. The metal, and resin parts are contained in zip lock bags stapled to a piece of card. The upper and lower hull sections are further protected from damage, by being wrapped in bubble wrap. There is a long envelope found at the bottom of the box containing the sheet of etched brass. When the hull is unwrapped the first thing that strikes you is the cleanliness of the resin. At just a tad over 12" long it is silky smooth, with no sign of deformation, bubbles or other imperfections. The kit is a WEM kit which has been re-released by Atlantic models and updated. The kit has 3D printed patterns cast in resin with the twin MkXI gun turret that has the 4.7"/50 gun barrels fitted separately so that they can be elevated as required. The new torpedo tube sets are unique to the L & M class having the centre tube removed from the standard quintuple bank. The 4" HA single gun mounting that replaced the aft set of torpedo tubes only needs adding its gun sight. The kits hand rails are now done in PE. The ships boats were also 3D printed and then cast in resin the normal way. The result is a kit where modellers should not need to go out and buy anything (except decals, see the note on decals) to produce a great looking model The upper and lower hulls are joined together by several pips and holes, but I find that it’s easier to remove the pips and align everything by eye and by feel as they tend to leave a large gap whereas by removing them, the gap almost disappears and there is very little need to filling, just a light touch with a sanding stick. The rest of the resin parts are just as well moulded, although the large sections of the superstructure do appear to have small pips on their undersides that need to be removed. The white metal parts don’t have a lot of flash, but there are seams that will need removing, again, a fairly easy job. The large etch sheet is what we have come to expect from Atlantic Models, beautiful clean relief etching, great design and lots of parts, and is probably the area that makes these models more for the experienced modeller than even the resin. Before any construction can take place, make sure you clean all the parts in warm soapy water to get rid of any mould release agent that may be attached. Naturally for these kits, it’s sub assemblies first. The two PE quad 50 Cal mounts are first, followed by the Pom Pom, which is a mix of resin, white metal & PE. The resin Turrets get their white metal barrels and the OE 20mm Oerlikons are built up. The last weapons system to be built is the HA 4" the gun is white metal (or resin) with a resin & PE base. Next up the ships boats get attached to their PE Davits. Next up all the sub assemblies and deck structure can be fitted to the main hull. From bow to stern; A & B turret go on, followed by the main deck house and bridge including the gun director; then the funnel, pom pom mount, torpedo tubes, twin 20mm deck mount, HA 4" mount and then finally X turret. Next up smaller parts can be fitted, the ships boats (2 each side) and under the bridge two carley float stowage racks. A pair of 20mm mounts go on the bridge wings, and two signal lamps on the signal platform below the gun director. Moving further aft the wireless house goes in front of the deck for the X turret. Two further carley float stowage racks go on near the aft 20mm mounts, and another two beside the X turret. On the quarterdeck are fitted the depth charge rails, the two throwers and a single 20mm mount on the centreline. Next up the fore mast is assembled and added, the funnel cap grill can go on, and the 285 & 286 radar antennas are fitted. If building the ship after 1942 the type 286 needs to be replaced by the 291 antenna (both are in the kit). If making a full hull model the the twin screws, shafts and single rudder can go on. The PE sheet also supplies a whole host of smaller fittings including; railings, accommodation ladders, anchors, splinter matting, and ships name plates,. Decals These ships carried few markings except the Pennant numbers. WEM did not provide the decals in the kit when they had it, and the logistics of printing a very small decal sheet for each kit would have been time consuming and expensive so Atlantic models have produced a generic sheet ATDec02. This is an A5 sheet and provides the Flag Superior Letters and Pennant Numbers for all classes of Destroyers and Escort Vessels in Royal Navy and Commonwealth Service during World War 2. It contains letters and numerals in four colours, (Black and White and Light and Dark Grey) There are sufficient of each numerals to be able to place a double numbered pennant on each side of the ships hull(eg. H177 or F112) plus smaller sets for the stern numbers. The light and dark grey letters and numerals can be cut to shape and laid onto a light and dark camouflage pattern as required to give the two tone effect seen on several wartime era ships. A colour plan is included with call outs in Colourcoats paints. Conclusion Well, Atlantic Models have done it again, upgrading the kit to provide the modeller something which will look great direct from the box. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  20. Those of you who know me (largely from prolonged builds in the aircraft section - notably a 1/48 Seaking HAS5, as yet unfinished) will know that I recently got a new job after 2 very frustrating years of unemployment. Though this is a Very Good Thing by any standard, it has meant that I have not touched a model of any sort in about 2 months - also partly because of the hot weather, which made my man cave barely habitable. The job is in London, which means that I am staying up here 2 or 3 nights per week. Aha! Modelling time. The Seaking is much too delicate in its current state to be moved up to the Smoke, so I have decided to start something new. I joined the RN in 1978, straight from school, but was lucky enough to get a university cadetship (paid to be a student; what’s not to like?). In the long Summer holidays you were sent to sea for about 8 weeks - I assumed that we’d be doing fishery protection in a Ton, or similar (which would have been fine), but for some reason best known to the Admiralty, even my Summer 1979 training came into the Jammy Sod category; I joined HMS Dido. In Perth. As in Western Australia. She was part of a task group (I think led by Norfolk, and I remember a Type 12 and a Tribal being with us, among others) that deployed for 7 months - I joined her in Fremantle and left to fly home from Sydney in mid-trip. It was rough, I tell you (actually it really WAS rough crossing the Australian Bight, but that’s another story). So Dido was my first ship, and since I have a long term plan to build every ship in which I served (Dido, London, Norfolk (both DLGs, not the later 22 & 23), Fearless, Boxer, Ark Royal, Broadsword & Blackwater, in that order), she wins. The kit will be Peter Hall’s (Atlantic Models, for those who don’t know him) 1/350 resin, white metal & PE kit - and if you have never built an Atlantic kit, do yourself a favour and do so, because they are stunning. In due course, Norfolk & London will also be from the same stable. While I was away from the forum, Flickr seems to have followed Photobucket into oblivion / flithy lucre (it won’t let me in without signing up for Yahoo, and since I’d rather poke out my own eyes than go back to Yahoo, I’m looking for my 3rd picture host in 9 months). I seem to have settled on Village.Photos...but have yet to work out how to post from there onto here using an iPad... [Any tips gratefully received!] So pictures will follow in due course. Thus far nothing much to see anyway; just cleaning up parts and poring over references. But it is nice to be back. @perdu, @Martian Hale and my other friends, you’ll find me over here in the watery section for a while. More soon Crisp [Test photo - showing the work done to remove the 4.5” turret base and 2nd breakwater, and fettle the Ikara handling room etc to fit onto the front of the bridge screen. Plus the Jecobin plns of Euryalus, Dido’s sister. This is all dry fitting at the moment]
  21. It has taken some time but here are some photographs of my build of HMS Brereton a Ton Class mine hunter as she appeared in 1985 when she was attached to the Mersey Division of the Royal Navy Reserve. I managed to spend a weekend on board sailing from Liverpool to Douglas in the Isle of Man when I was a Sea Cadet. The model is based on the Atlantic Models kit and this is the first kit I have built from this range. I have made some improvements to this kit by designing and having manufactured some Photo-Etch detail. There is a complete build log on forum here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235001978-ton-class-mine-hunter-hms-brereton-and-minesweeper-hms-wotton-1350-scale-atlantic-models-kit/#comment-2348495 This gives some details about my build and about the Ton class that might be useful for anyone wanting to build one of these fine ships. So here is my model of HMS Brereton: I designed my own Photo Etch to enhance the model: As a post script, I have a spare set of the Photo-Etch available if anyone is interested. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I will back soon with my conversion of the same kit to a Mine Sweeper. Thank you. Paul.
  22. Well I have really enjoyed this build first full resin kit for me some very fine details in the cast parts I have added a couple of crew figures from L'Arsenal and finally managed some daylight photos Thank you to everyone who has helped with information and encouragement. Stay Safe beefy
  23. While I am waiting for base parts to dry on another project thought I would make a start on this it will be my first full Atlantic models kit I have used plenty of the WEM PE sets before so this should be quick and easy The kit is of HMS Peacock there where 5 of these patrol craft used in the 80s and early 90s but when the handover of Hong Kong came about the Royal Navy sold them off 3 to the Philippines and 2 to Irish navy I will be attempting to do as HMS SWIFT one of the two that went to the Irish Navy If anybody has some information on these ships please feel free to add I know some on here have already built this kit so any help appreciated. first few bits glued together and some small amount of filler used on the joints Stay Safe beefy
  24. HMS Relentless Type 15 Frigate Atlantic Models 1:350 The Type 15 Frigates were conversions from the WW2 Emergency Class Destroyers made to fill the need for fast anti submarine vessels. These ships were introduced to the fleet from 1951 and filled the role until replaced by the new Type 12 and Leander class Frigates, the last being withdrawn in the early 1970s, as such HMS Relentless started life as an R class destroyer, commissioned in November 1942 and carried out her duties as an anti-submarine escort, both in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean throughout the war. After the war she was placed into reserve until 1949. She spent the next two years being converted into a Type 15 anti-submarine frigate. Placed in reserve again from 1956 to 1964 she was once again called to the front line, but only for a year, as she was put up for disposal, finally being sold for scrap in 1971. The Kit The kit comes in the standard sturdy Atlantic Models box filled with plenty of poly chips to protect the contents. The metal, (8 pieces), and resin, (20 pieces) parts are contained in zip lock bags stapled to a piece of card. The upper and lower hull sections are further protected from damage, by being wrapped in bubble wrap. There is a long envelope found at the bottom of the box containing the sheet of etched brass, whilst a separate zip lock bag contains the sheet of decals. When the hull is unwrapped the first thing that strikes you is the cleanliness of the resin. It is silky smooth, with no sign of deformation, bubbles or other imperfections. The upper and lower hulls are joined together by several pips and holes, but I find that it’s easier to remove the pips and align everything by eye and by feel as they tend to leave a large gap whereas by removing them, the gap almost disappears and there is very little need to filling, just a light touch with a sanding stick. The rest of the resin parts are just as well moulded, although the large sections of the superstructure do appear to have small pips on their undersides that need to be removed. As seen in the photos, some of the smaller parts have a fair bit of flash, but it’s very soft and easily removed. The white metal parts don’t have a lot of flash, but there are seams that will need removing, again, a fairly easy job. The large etch sheet is what we have come to expect from Atlantic Models, beautiful clean relief etching, great design and lots of parts, and is probably the area that makes these models more for the experienced modeller than even the resin. Before any construction can take place, make sure you clean all the parts in warm soapy water to get rid of any mould release agent that may be attached. Naturally for these kits, it’s sub assemblies first. These include the Twin 4” HA/LA gun, consisting of the resin turret, metal gun barrels two PE seats and a pair of rocket rails, one for each side of the turret. Next is the twin 40mm Bofors Mk5, which is made up from the resin turret, metal barrels, and PE shield, seats and sights. The resin funnel is fitted with PE cap, four platforms and two sirens. The rest of the sub-assemblies are all PE, and include the two whip aerial masts, the two piece Type 277 radar antenna with IFF, the five piece foremast top and the seven piece foremast, which once assembled is glued into place on the bridge structure, along with the Type 277 radar, railings, foremast top and bridge wing supports. The mainmast is then assembled from six PE parts and is fitted to the superstructure aft of the funnel, along with the MCDF antenna and bracket which is attached to the starboard side of the structure. The aft superstructure is fitted with the 4” gun director and railings. Aft of gun mount you have a choice of either a pair of Squid mortar mounts, or a pair of Mk.10 mortars. The instructions then call for all the ships railings to be glued into position, but I would generally leave these off until last. The anchors can be fitted though, as well as the ships boats, davits, both gun mountings, as well as the whip aerial masts, PE signal flag lockers, Dan buoy, fuel can rack and cable reels, for which the modeller will need to provide some plastic rod from their own stock. If you are building this as a waterline model then you can miss off the next bit as it’s the fitting of the rudder, propeller shafts, A frames and propellers. Decals The single decal sheet contains the main pennant numbers and ships names for the entire list of Type 15 conversions as well as the bridge windows, depth marks, Union Jack and the White Ensign in two sizes. The decals are very nicely printed, with very little carrier film and are quite thin, although I understand they aren’t as thin as Atlantic's own HMS Leopard and HMS Puma kits, which were a little too unforgiving. Unfortunately the review kit decals were quite badly damaged on arrival, as you can see in the accompanying photograph. So it would be wise to check yours before starting the build. Atlantic have confirmed they will replace any damaged sheets as they are aware of the issue. Conclusion Well, Atlantic Models have done it again, producing a kit that fills another hole in the Royal Navy Cold War story. It may not be on everyone's wish list, but seeing how it’s quite a simple, (relatively), kit to build, it might be a good second or third resin model in preparation for one of Atlantic Models big destroyers. For me it is another winner from Peter. The mouldings are superb, the etch amazing and even if you don’t like the use of white metal, there is still a place for it if it helps produce amazing models, which with a bit of care this kit can be done. Just a shame about the decals in this case. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of
  25. Last year at Scale Model World at Telford I took one of Peter Hall's H-class destroyers off his hands for a project: The kit is Atlantic Models ATK35058 HMS Hesperus, a Brazilian H with the later design of bridge. Due to a family connection, I wish to build the I-class destroyer HMS Imperial, pennant number D09, which was built by Hawthorn Leslies in Tyneside in 1936. The I class was a continuation of the Brazilian H making Peter's kit a very good starting point, however there are some differences to be addressed. The easiest problem is that the I-class had 4 of the 4.7in QF Mk.IX single mounts. The Hesperus kit provides 3, lacking Y-turret. Peter kindly supplied my kit with a fourth mount knowing my plans for this kit. Next up, the H-class funnels were unequal height but both had oval cross sections. On the I-class, the aft funnel was taller, approximately equal in height to the forward funnel. The forward funnel was circular in cross section. Armed with a set of plans (again, thank you Peter!) I set about extending the aft funnel and replacing the forward funnel. This is the aft funnel from the H-class in situ: I cut out a piece of modelling board the correct thickness to insert into the funnel, then chopped the aft funnel in two. Unfortunately the steam pipes had to go to enable shaping of the insert. The modelling board was glue in between the two resin parts: The fit of the upper and lower parts of the hull is excellent. I will go as far as to say that Peter's resin kit fits together far better than any injection moulded ship kit from Trumpeter that I have assembled. I have purchased some photographs of HMS Imperial for reference. Whilst well photographed before the war, I know of only a single image taken during the war. I have ordered (for £21) a high resolution copy of this image from the Australian War Memorial: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/133585/ I hope that in high resolution it can offer some clue as to how HMS Imperial was painted in the Mediterranean in 1941. If not, then she shall be painted in 507C in pre-war guise. There is a good reel of footage on Roland Smith's Royal Navy in Colour DVD taken from HMS Ivanhoe which appears to show some of the 3rd Flotilla in all-over Mediterranean Grey (507C) whilst others look to have Home Fleet Grey hulls with Mediterranean Grey upperworks. I cannot make out HMS Imperial's pennant anywhere on the footage, but all of the destroyers in the footage clearly show the 3 bands on the aft funnel to be in red. The neutrality stripes on B-turret are in the usual red, white and blue. I have started work on the deck painting. Those who have been steering me on paint research have also been helping me more recently with deck coatings. What a minefield! The I-class were trialled with 3 comparable latex-based trowel-on deck coatings from 3 different manufacturers. Semtex Ltd was one supplier. The trouble is, that the three products were different colours, one described as "the colour of dry asphalt", one green and one brown. There may have been 9" high bands of contrasting colour around the base of superstructure items the troweled on stuff butted up against. So far, I cannot determine which manufacturer's product was which colour, nor even which groups of 3 I-class ships received the products from each of the 3 suppliers. Whilst I am keen on getting things right, I am also pragmatic and in the interests of actually building this model rather than pontificating until I depart this world, I had to make a decision. There is reasonable evidence to support the bridge and platforms being linoleum covered, which gives us some brown colour, so I chose a grey that looks like the roads around the North East of Scotland, on the rare occasions when they are dry. I have sprayed the main kit parts accordingly. At this point, I realised that the little platform at the back is surplus to requirements, as Imperial carried two pentad 21in torpedo tube mounts. The H-class kit provides a single quintuple torpedo tube mount. I could scratchbuild them, but am exploring alternatives presently.
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