HMS Hermes, Broadsword and Yarmouth 1/350

[andrewa 1,006]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic May 1982...

This is my 1/350 build of three of the ships in the RNs Falklands task force, there are two scratch builds, and one minor conversion, plus huge amounts of detail on all three. I don't want to think about the amount of time I've spent over the past 5 1/2 years...

Starting with the complete scene:

From left to right: HMS Broadsword, HMS Hermes and HMS Yarmouth

HMS Hermes and Yarmouth are both scratch built from plans

Weathering on both was closely based on photos from the time to get the weather worn look of two of the oldest ships in the fleet.

Many of the details are from WEM and Atlantic Models etched brass sets, but I also learnt to etch at home for unique pieces including H's mast, crane, davits and some antenna.

Around 230 figures are spre​ad across the 3 ships, mostly on the flight deck

HMS Broadsword was a conversion of the OOP WEM HMS Brilliant kit, the main change being the funnel, plus a wealth of detailing.

the seascape is modelling clay plus acrylic medium and teased out cotton wool for the foam and spray. The base was lined with plasticard to get a mid-ocean swell adding a bit more interest and action

Finally for this post a couple of overhead shots, Broadsword is approaching to start taking on fuel from Hermes' starboard quarter, Yarmouth steaming past on the port-side. Both escorts are really a bit close, but the base is the largest I could fit in my cabinets (to the millimetre) and the navy have been known to bend ships every so often so it's not impossible.

Next up some detail shots.

If anyone has missed the WiP and would like to see the history on this one, here's the thread: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234927178-operation-corporate-carrier-battlegroup-1350

Andrew

Edited October 29, 2014 by andrewa

[Richard E 949]

One of the most interesting and inspirational builds I have had the privilege to follow - to describe your work as "excellent" would probably be an understatement.

Any thoughts on what you will build next to follow it yet?

[andrewa 1,006]

Part 2:

I tried to add lots of interest to the flight deck, and get things as accurate as possible within scale. All the aircraft are lashed down and chocked apart from the SK and Harrier being marshalled on deck

total Airgroup is 12 Sea harriers, 4 Harriers (converted from SHARs) 4 Sea King HAS5 & 3 HC4s all converted from SK AEW2s. 2 Lynxes all from WEM. 2 of the SHARS have tiny Sidewinders

One SHAR is about to be refuelled, and the two SKs are about to depart. All the flight deck crew have correctly coloured surcoats and hopefully are in a sensible location for their role.

​SK being guided onto the deck edge lift and two armed Harriers.

Again, lots of photos were used to position the aircraft and vehicles realistically, matching many of the parking spots used at the time.

Most of the vehicles are also scratch built, plus a few items from the WEM HMS Illustrious Air wing brass set. the massive 10p piece should give an idea of scale.

Finally, the ski ramp and more parked aircraft.

I'll finish up with Part three right after this...

Edited October 29, 2014 by andrewa

[andrewa 1,006]

Part three:

Both the escorts also feature crew, but in much smaller numbers. Everyone is in anti-flash gear, not sure if that made painting easier or harder. But painting 100 in a sitting gets a bit dull.

Broadsword is painted to show some of the action damage the real ship received, in particular the patched flight deck and stern following a bomb hit.

Yarmouth was showing lots of rust after a long time at sea:

Just visible in this shot is H's crane with fuelling hose and the work party on Broadsword's waist ready for the RAS to start.

Finally, most of the photos taken at the time were black and white, so I thought I'd try a couple of monochrome shots.

I've enjoyed this build hugely, I've learnt a load of new techniques along the way, taken a few big breaks and resorted to an Optivisor to see what I'm painting!

As daffy duck once said;

That's all folks!

Andrew

Edited October 29, 2014 by andrewa

[Nick Belbin 488]

That is just incredible! I doff my hat, sir!

66 months' hard work has really paid off there.

Any chance this model might be at Telford?

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Nick

[Paul Bradley 1,555]

Wow..............................

[Dave Fleming 2,008]

Words fail me

[gishuk 113]

this is one of the best builds ive ever seen, of any type of subject, love it

[JohnT 2,455]

That must be one of the best models dio I have seen ever, full stop, period. Thanks for showing and congratulations on those long years very well spent.

[Michael louey 567]

Absolutely suberb!

Cheers

Michael

[heloman1 2,554]

Fantastic build and fantastic seascape and all the better for the realistic backdrop. Congratulations.

Colin

[Foghorn Leghorn 989]

[kev67 1,589]

Brilliant build, I like how you have done the sea, reminds me of another modeller, I think his name is Costas Katseas, his model ships just like yours showed the ships being battered by the waves in a very convincing way

[longshanks 6,908]

A superb ' Museum Piece' this should be in a shrine so all can worship this stunning creation.

Please say its going to be at Telford

Kev

[wyverns4 997]

Museum Quality and not a penny short of it! Outstanding!!

Brings back some 'pleasant' memories and its amazing how big the flight deck looks on the model compared to how small it looked when viewed from above in a helicopter!

Christian the Married and exiled to africa

[RNoAF Aerobatic Team 505]

That's the BEST diorama I have ever seen!

You have shown some incredible building skills during this build.

I'm just in awe!

Thanks for the ride!

Regards Ørjan

[JasonC 655]

Stunning and evocative. That's amazing work!

J.

[adrianm2 330]

What a great modeller you are!

It`s absolutely amazing what you have done.

What can be seen in those pictures speaks so high of you.

Your attention to detail and wide set of modelling skills are second to none.

I think it is a brilliant idea perfectly executed.

Inspiring... great tribute to those who won the Falklands.

Adrian

[beefy66 5,211]

Beautiful work such fantastic detail and painting skills

Beefy

[SimonL 3,321]

Just fabulous!

[Ayrshire David 33]

Brilliant! The finished product has fully justified your efforts!

[AntPhillips 683]

A fantastic piece of modelling art, I aspire to results like that.

[Orion 850]

This artwork can go straight into the Yeovilton museum

Absolutely superb.

Dirk

The Netherlands.

[moaning dolphin 3,264]

An outstanding work of art, seems almost a shame that it will be in your own cabinet, it deserves a tour around the country!

BZ!

[Guest]

I have watched this from the beginning,just superb work,the quantity and attention to detail is outstanding.Perfect 10 from me.