Converting HMS Kent to HMS Norfolk

[DAbrams]

I’m after a model of HMS Norfolk in 1/700, the only option I can find is waterline which isn’t my cup of tea, trumpeter do a kit for HMS Kent that seems cheap and available. I’ve tried to work out the differences between the two sub classes but I’m struggling. Does anyone here know the differences between the two and if it’s a feasible conversion?

[ArnoldAmbrose]

       G'day, AFAIK HMS Kent was of the first group and had the hull bulged whereas HMS Norfolk was of the final group, was without bulges. Hence she was about two feet narrower and a bit over two feet longer. I don't know how pedantic you want to be about the dimensions but the bulges might be an issue. It is possible to remove them I'd imagine. I did when I converted an Airfix Belfast kit into HMS Sheffield.

      There are differences in their respective superstructures and the ships had further alterations during refits before and during the war, so you might need to choose a time frame you want to portray the ship. I'll have to do the same if/when I convert a Suffolk kit into HMAS Australia II. I don't think it would be too difficult to do the conversion you want, but start with a bit of research. And Google is useful here.

       HTH. Regards, Jeff.

[Vlad]

Aoshima do a kit of Norfolk herself.

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/aoshima-056691-hms-norfolk--1226519

 

 

I built their Dorsetshire, they are nice kits. I have also built the Trumpeter Cornwall. The Trumpeter kits have a small PE set, a bit more surface detail, YMMV whether this is necessarily a good thing (hull plating is overdone). But any perceived shortcomings of the Aoshima kit would be easier to overcome than a full conversion from a Kent.

 

EDIT: do note the Trumpeter 1/700 Kent and Cornwall are also waterline only, so you gain nothing by choosing those and converting.

 

Edited May 16 by Vlad

[Richard502]

That box art must have been inspired by Hollywood movies: exchanging broadsides at less than 100 meters... 

[TallBlondJohn]

17 minutes ago, Richard502 said:

That box art must have been inspired by Hollywood movies: exchanging broadsides at less than 100 meters... 

Don't worry they are both too busy trying to avoid the iceberg! 😉

[ArnoldAmbrose]

3 hours ago, Richard502 said:

That box art must have been inspired by Hollywood movies: exchanging broadsides at less than 100 meters... 

I would have expected the RN sailors lining the guard rails, ready to board with cutlasses and boarding pikes. 😁

 

3 hours ago, TallBlondJohn said:

they are both too busy trying to avoid the iceberg! 😉

Off North Cape. 🙂       Regards, Jeff.

[Vlad]

Not as egregious as some other Aoshima box arts that show the main subject sinking in the background 🤨

[DAbrams]

On 16/05/2025 at 22:26, Vlad said:

Aoshima do a kit of Norfolk herself.

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/aoshima-056691-hms-norfolk--1226519

 

 

I built their Dorsetshire, they are nice kits. I have also built the Trumpeter Cornwall. The Trumpeter kits have a small PE set, a bit more surface detail, YMMV whether this is necessarily a good thing (hull plating is overdone). But any perceived shortcomings of the Aoshima kit would be easier to overcome than a full conversion from a Kent.

 

EDIT: do note the Trumpeter 1/700 Kent and Cornwall are also waterline only, so you gain nothing by choosing those and converting.

 

Oh, I had no idea the trumpeter kits were waterline as well, glad someone pays attention!

[Paul Lucas]

On 17/05/2025 at 12:40, Richard502 said:

That box art must have been inspired by Hollywood movies: exchanging broadsides at less than 100 meters... 

The colour schemes look like total fiction as well. . .

[tempestfan]

Early Aoshima W/L kits had good boxart but were rather crappy. I hope they have reversed this relation...

[Graham Boak]

They seem to be better, but close-ups of the Illustrious and J class don't look too impressive.  Not up to current standards, which are now astronomically high compared to when the 1/700 series began.