HMS Hood 1/200

[Dave65]

This is my first post.

 

I am returning to a hobby I last did about 30-40 years ago and also on this particular purchase moving outside my main area of interest (grand strategic bombers) to make this model. The model is no issue and is clearly a good one reading the various reviews.. However I would appreciate some advice on the upgrade kits. Namely do I buy the Mk 1 kit (which looks pretty well "an all in one") or the Eduard ones and others which it looks like cover the same ground? I would appreciate some advice on this from the specialists in naval modelling.

 

Many thanks in advance

 

(I will certainly not claim any expertise in this hobby now as it has changed out of all recognition since I was last actively involved.)

[Alan P]

Welcome back Dave and a really good kit to return with!

 

MK1 and Pontos sets for this kit are very expensive but equally comprehensive. If you want to go to town on the base kit and can afford them, they're the ones which will give you the most for your money with gun barrels, resin parts and decks to go with the copious PE parts.

 

If budget is less generous, consider the Eduard sets on an 'as desired' basis: railings, radars and AA guns to start with, maybe adding the superstructure, deck fittings, tops and boats/rafts sets later as these are already reasonably represented by the kit parts.

 

Good luck with the build,

Alan

[europapete]

Hi Dave, welcome back to modelling. On the detail sets, the Pontos set is the one to get. They worked closely with the HMS Hood Association when developing the set to get the details correct and rectify the kits' inaccuracies. The MK1 set did not. The Eduard sets are useful for  extra small bits that one needs along the way, or if one screws up a Pontos or kit part, lol. Check over on Model Warships.com in Picture post, works in progress, and look for Hood builds there. Particularly the one by EJ Foerth, his is a really good step by step build in 1/350, all of which is relevant to your kit. (btw, I am building the 1/200 kit also, and have most of the a/m sets for it) Be prepared for a long build, take your time and you will have a replica to be proud of. Also make sure to visit the HMS Hood association website. Regards, Pete in RI

[europapete]

The colour scheme in the kit instructions is wrong. Go to the Sovereign Hobbies.com and see their info. Colourcoats are the only accurate Royal Navy paints out there too. 

Edited June 6, 2021 by europapete

[Scooby]

Hi Dave, welcome back to the hobby. I’m building the same ship as I had a family member lost on her, my mother’s cousin.

 

I’d go with the Mk I set. The Pontos set is the granddaddy of sets for this kit and makes the most accurate model of the Hood. The Mk I set is fairly detailed and elaborate. The benefit I see for you is there is less cutting and replacement of superstructure parts with the Mk I set, I think that would be best for you given you have been away from the hobby for a period of time.

Even the Eduard sets have you cutting up large sections of the plastic in the kit. The Mk I set is more of a zoom set so to speak.

 

Just my suggestion though.

 

[Jerry L]

Hello David, and welcome to ship modeling. If you would like to see an in-progress build of the HOOD using the Pontos set, watch Steve on You Tube at

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkPhaBJc0F6h5F1FzAM32Q/playlists

I have the Big Ed sets and even those are intimating! Good luck, have fun and take your time to enjoy the build.

[europapete]

Also don't forget the one modification you MUST make is to make the funnels the same size. Trumpeter screwed up and made one smaller. There are replacement funnels out there, just google it. The Pontos set caters to either the correct sized funnels or the small kit one. Just specify which you want when ordering.

[Dave65]

Many thanks to all who replied on this matter on the question posed and for the tips on sources and the warning on the funnels. I now have bought the kit and will actively search for a British supplier for the Pontos upgrade kit as none appear on a Google search at the moment  (Unfortunately the FTA with the USA is not yet agreed!)

 

On reading through the instructions I am planning to do a couple of simpler ones first to get my hand in. (Really back to memory lane initially with the Renwall/Frog Deluxe Atomic Annie) This model of Hood could make almost a museum grade model if done properly and that is down to me.

 

I still do some military vehicle work at 12" to the foot scale so hopefully will be able to return the favour to members in that particular section.

[Jamie @ Sovereign Hobbies]

Hi @Dave65, I think I was the only Pontos stockist in the UK in latter years (Hannants had big stocks of very few items and still have some - but nothing recent, and White Ensign Models was the definitive ship modelling business in the UK until late 2014 when they went bust and they were Pontos stockists until I bought their paint brand and became the UK Pontos stockist) but we divested of all 3rd party products around Christmas time in order to downsize. The 3rd party stuff was all top quality product but it plays havoc with cashflow and despite having thousands' worth on the shelves it's always the set you just sold out of that the next person wants...

 

It was possible to buy direct from Kim via his Hobbydecal site/shop but it looks like he has ordering suspended just now.

 

Lack of availability is sad. I would have expected someone else to want to pick them up. Kinda surprised there isn't actually...