ArnoldAmbrose Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 Gidday All, I've just completed my conversion of the Airfix HMS Hood in 1/600 scale. While the kit OOB depicts the ship at about 1932 I've modified the build to depict her in May 1941, at the time of her sinking by Bismarck in the Denmark Strait. I had to source some parts, such as twin 4-inch guns, UP launchers, Carley floats, quad .5cal machineguns and most of the ship's boats. The modifications included said 4-inch and .5cal weapons, the main turrets, most levels of all the superstructures, the shelterdeck, the spotting top and director on it. I also scratch built a lot of fittings such as the three octuple pompom AA guns, the three HACS, rangefinders, all searchlight and weapon pits, shafts screws and anchors, the chin plate at the forefoot, the main topmast and the radar on it, and small assorted stuff such as ammo lockers, winches, hawser reels, funnel grills, paravanes, bonnet covers and capstans, and bridge fittings. The build has taken me five months, and while no doubt I've made some errors and missed some mods I think I've come close enough, particularly for my average skill level. You may have noticed a distinct lack of aftermarket additions. While other modelers do superb models with them I prefer to make my own additions. I'm a bit quirky that way (a polite way of saying 'miserly' 😀). Anyway, here she is, my build of HMS Hood as at the Denmark Strait in May 1941. And an aerial view, with her main guns trained to starboard and her after turrets just beginning to bear on Bismarck. This was the moment, at 0600 hrs on May 24th 1941 that a shell from Bismarck's fifth salvo hit her. And the rest, sadly, is history. Of her crew of 1418 men there were only three survivors. Thank you all for your interest. Regards, Jeff. 19 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefy66 Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 Jeff you have done a fantastic job with this build some great scratch building and some great history references well done that man. 👍 Stay Safe beefy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancona Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 As said before, lovely work, cant believe its the Airfix one also I think you are probably the first out of the traps with a Hood sporting grey anti-fouling !!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longshanks Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 Congratulations on a fine achievement Kev 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 Super looking model, belying it's Airfix heritage. Well done Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArnoldAmbrose Posted July 8, 2021 Author Share Posted July 8, 2021 Gidday All, thank you for your comments and responses. Other than the shoddy turret faces, the shaft struts and the bow I didn't think it was a bad kit to work on, considering it's age and era. Of course it's not a patch on more modern kits regarding detail but it suits my bank balance (whatever a bank balance is?) and my average skill level. Again, thanks. Regards, Jeff. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Derbyshire Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Greetings Sir Lovely job recently got this kit as a gift but i think iwill cheat and go with some aftermarket , do like the old airfix . Splendid job sir. Cheers Brian. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adm Lord De Univers Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 When I saw this as an unread, I assumed my updates had broken, but you've completed! Quite sad I don't get to watch her getting built anymore... Remarkable that this is an an old kit, the scratched mods are v impressive and liking the paint job on hull and decks - the latter reinforces the slapdash nature of her 'upgrades'. Oh, and love the base too! Methinks she needs a companion, PoW next? In short: thumbs up, gimme more! David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertie McBoatface Posted July 27, 2021 Share Posted July 27, 2021 Yes, lovely work. I like the base very much. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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