thekz Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Hello, guys! I would like to present you with a model of the Heavy Cruiser HMS Berwick as of the end of 1940. This is about the size of the cruiser that took part in the Battle of Cape Spartivento. The model is a conversion of the HMS Cornwall from the " Trumpeter". In addition to parts from the kit, photo etched leers, winchs, ladders, oars and flywheels from Aber, Microdesign and Alliance were used. Using these, as well as homebaked parts, the Cornwell is transformed into the Berwick and the detailing is improved. The figures of the sailors in their jackets are self-carved from a sprue. Details of the build are covered here: The model turned out to be somewhat surrealistic for two reasons: firstly, the lack of plausible prototype drawings and the paucity of legible photos. That's why a lot of details and even the paint scheme were a result of guesswork and deduction. And it turned out that I have chosen perhaps the most poorly documented period of service of this ship. I can recommend to future builders of the HMS Berwick to choose the period of late 1941 - early 1942. At least the painting is more or less clear at this time. But I wanted high masts and a wood-coloured deck... Secondly I understand that in fresh weather the dinghies and small guns have to be covered with awnings and the plane is in a hangar. I might learn such restraint at some point, but I'm a novice ship modeller and I want everything at once - waves and planes. After all, the author does have a truth to some artistic generalisation, doesn't he? Another point of discussion: could the autumn storms in the Mediterranean have so ruined the paint on the boards? But one can assume that the paint which was applied in Alexandria in the summer was not of the best quality. The work on the model lasted 1 year and 1 month and on the whole it was a very pleasing experience, although it was not without some tactical problems. The carpet monster was steadily increasing its collection (I do not have a carpet in my workshop, but the Monster is there). Only in the last week of work two figures of sailors and the antenna of the direction finder were missing. Of the large and important parts I lost 2 deflector funnels grilles in one day. One was found later, the other (on the central funnel) ended up standing homemade. But all in all, again, it was fun and ended happily. I love this game! I would like to thank everyone who followed the construction and left encouraging comments. I am especially grateful to @robgizlu whose work inspired me to start building and to @dickrd who helped me sort out many tricky historical questions. Dick is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable person in Royal Navy history who has condescended to speak to me. I would be grateful for any criticism. Happy builds to all! 51 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArnoldAmbrose Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Gidday Thekz, this is a great model of a ship that's been worked hard. I think the water cascading from the hawse-pipes is a nice touch but the model has many very good features. Very well done. Regards, Jeff. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Super model - sucha dynamic scene. I really like the detail and the crew figures just add that final touch. I like your weathering Congratulations - a worthy tribute Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socjo1 Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Great model of beautiful ship. Veeryry interesting building-strory.Thanks for sharing. Regards, Michał 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekz Posted December 12, 2021 Author Share Posted December 12, 2021 25 minutes ago, socjo1 said: Great model of beautiful ship I think cruisers like Counties are the most beautiful ships in history. One day I will definitely build a Norfolk or Devonshire! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faraway Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 You can almost hear the boom as the bows plunge down. Stunning piece of work. Jon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Autle Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Really nice model in all respects, the sea looks dramatic and realistic for the scale and makes the whole subject super interesting. Well done 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Davis Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 All I can say is "Wow"! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sinnerboy Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 ditto 'wow' I can honestly say that is one of the best models I have ever seen. How did you make the sea? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekz Posted December 13, 2021 Author Share Posted December 13, 2021 6 hours ago, sinnerboy said: How did you make the sea? It is impossible to answer this question briefly. The process of water simulation is generally uncomplicated, but very multi-step. Take a look at this clip, for example: Also in my WIP, some of the steps are detailed, such as creating a splash with chemicals from the nearest construction shop. Best of luck! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 That looks fantastic, superb realism to my mind. & as for hand carved little people, I'm in awe. Amazing. Steve. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adm Lord De Univers Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 Imagine being the unlucky chap having to work on the walrus in that sea state! I love this build and enjoyed the progress reports, and I wholeheartedly agree with artistic license to add to a scene. As above have said; sea, ship, build, paint, weathering and carved sailors (!) are all quite excellent. All round 10/10 and one of the best builds I have ever seen, there is so much going on I could stare at this for hours. David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRMRL Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 That is a phenomenal effort, hats off to you for this effort. I'm not usually a fan of figures being added on this scale, as they usually look a little unreal, but yours really look the part. And self carved, I'd have said you may be a little mad to even try it, but with that outcome I'll call it genius instead. I'd like to ask about the boat under the cover. I can see from your build log that it looks like foil (with wire?), can you please give a little more detail on how you do that, the effect looks great and I'd love to have a go. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie @ Sovereign Hobbies Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 Well done there. That's a great result. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekz Posted December 13, 2021 Author Share Posted December 13, 2021 2 hours ago, MRMRL said: like to ask about the boat under the cover. I can see from your build log that it looks like foil (with wire?), can you please give a little more detail on how you do that, the effect looks great and I'd love to have a go. Not only the awning on the boat, but also the tarpaulin on the gun barrels is foil. Try it, you can do it too😃 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefy66 Posted December 14, 2021 Share Posted December 14, 2021 Amazing detail and very realistic sea scape great inspiration for us to aspire to 👍 Stay Safe beefy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Búho de Sevilla Posted December 14, 2021 Share Posted December 14, 2021 Great! Really great. The only element I don't like from the first glance is that the White Ensign on the main mast looks somewhat unenergetic. On such a speed in such a weather it should move, fold, and unfold somehow more violently, eh? And you surely must find a way to imitate some thick black smoke from the funnels ('cause who said that it's impossible for such a skilled artisan as you?) - it seems to be a really missing part 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekz Posted December 14, 2021 Author Share Posted December 14, 2021 2 hours ago, El Búho de Sevilla said: And you surely must find a way to imitate some thick black smoke from the funnels El noble caballero Bucho! It's good to see you in our interest club. You're absolutely right about the flag - you should have crumpled it up more. It's just that humanity struck unexpectedly) About the smoke. It's not the first time you've said that to me. I don't know the solution to this problem yet, and more importantly I don't know if it needs to be solved. In this photo, for example, the Berwick is going at a good speed and you can't see the smoke! Of course, there are also photos with smoke, but it is still not as textured on WW2 ships as it is on 19th century steamers. Anyway, if you see that someone has successfully solved this problem on their model, drop me a link. Let's be curious) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Búho de Sevilla Posted December 15, 2021 Share Posted December 15, 2021 17 hours ago, thekz said: but it is still not as textured on WW2 ships as it is on 19th century steamers Yeah, it's quite possible that I wrote it under impression from photos/videos of the Great War, you know it's by far my favorite naval conflict Your HMS Berwick shouldn't run on coal, sure. But a burning question: what's your next subject? HMS Dido? HMAS Sydney? If you're in any way interested in the Hunt-class escort destroyers, I have here in Wrocław a paper book on ORP Ślązak, and I don't think I still need it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekz Posted December 15, 2021 Author Share Posted December 15, 2021 2 hours ago, El Búho de Sevilla said: I have here in Wrocław a paper book on ORP Ślązak, and I don't think I still need it... Are you inviting me to pick her up in Wroclaw, caballero? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Búho de Sevilla Posted December 16, 2021 Share Posted December 16, 2021 21 hours ago, thekz said: Are you inviting me to pick her up in Wroclaw, caballero? I believe you'd love this town, but, you know, the current Polish Border Guard policies make taking this kind of trip somewhat tricky (not completely impossible though), BUT, if you have any interest in getting this book, AND my squaw and I will be lucky enough to meet IRL next month, I can send the book with her. In case we'll run out of luck for the second time in a row, AND you are still interested in the book, I can try sending it via Poczta Polska (I'm almost sure they can manage this task pretty well). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekz Posted December 16, 2021 Author Share Posted December 16, 2021 42 minutes ago, El Búho de Sevilla said: AND you are still interested in the book, I can try sending it via Poczta Polska (I'm almost sure they can manage this task pretty well). Until I get chased out of my loft and have enough cubic metres of personal space, I will try to model more serious ships Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Búho de Sevilla Posted December 16, 2021 Share Posted December 16, 2021 2 hours ago, thekz said: Until I get chased out of my loft and have enough cubic metres of personal space, I will try to model more serious ships Sure, but haven't you thought about building someday a diorama with more than one ship? In this case something slick and pesky like a Hunt-class vessel could just what you need to fill a gap 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcello Rosa Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 I’m impressed! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 Fantastic finish 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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