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HMS Victorious Detail Set + Airwing Set Atlantic Models 1:600 (ATEM60016 + 60017)


Julien

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HMS Victorious Detail Set + Airwing Set
Atlantic Models 1:600 (ATEM60016 + 60017)

 

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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. 

 

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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. 

 

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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. 

 

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Review sample courtesy of Peter Hall of spacer.png

 

 

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  • Julien changed the title to HMS Victorious Detail Set + Airwing Set Atlantic Models 1:600 (ATEM60016 + 60017)

Those sets look to be very comprehensive indeed Julien.  From what I can see of the P.E. sheets, the most important items for me would be the detailed Mirror Landing System, masts, outriggers and an actual British deck crane!

Highly recommended indeed! :clap2:

 

Mike

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