The Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum

PaulBradley wrote:Very smart work, John. I'd use Krystal Klear for the windows and scuttles.

Muttzley wrote:Wasn't there a Batle class Destroyer in something like 1/200 scale as well?

Yes; it is to 1/325 scale.

That's never the same kit!

The one I had as a nipper had hull plates like a battleship!

Was it the nice kit I remember, or a serious headache?

jRatz wrote:

dollar19 wrote:Coming along nicely John!

Where do you buy your Color Coats? My supplier doesn't stock WEM anymore.

Actually I have a several year supply from years of buying direct. When WEM went under I cleaned out several shops in the states.

Now that Sovereign ( https://www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk/; ) has the license, they are again available in the US, sort of. Here are the two suppliers I know of:
https://www.hbhobbies.com/;
http://www.warshiphobbies.com/;

Thanks John, I'll be giving both of those a look!

Muttzley wrote:[That's never the same kit!

The one I had as a nipper had hull plates like a battleship!

Was it the nice kit I remember, or a serious headache?

The hull plating was deeply engraved panel lines, which I filled. The model as built has less than ten parts from the kit - the rest is scratch built and PE. Check out my construction thread here: http://uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=335&t=13208;

I enjoyed the process, as I'm sure John is here - these old Frog kits are a little crude, but generally accurate and simply fun.

Sorry, I haven't had much bench time and that only in spurts.

I decided to cut the stairs off the main deck and replace them with true ladders. Here's one cut off, to be filled by card.



What, you say - over 2 weeks and that's it ? Well, no - since I've got all 4 stairs off and blanked over, the main deck and sides painted and will paint the deck of the center section next, soon as I pick the color I want.

I hope this moves a bit quicker from now.

Still enthralled,on my third bag of popcorn

OK, here we are at a testfit of the hull, decks, and cabins -- all with their initial coat of paint on.



Now I'm going to stare at it for a day or so to determine if I like the colors. I'll probably also play with it as there are a number of fit issues, particularly the foredeck, that will require careful gluing and most likely filler .... which means paint touch-up.

You're making a good job of this, John. Civvy subjects can be just as interesting as their military counterparts IMHO. The "fresh eyes" approach is one that I use often to try and determine whether I am on course for a reasonable build or if more work is required.

From test-fit to gluing the main deck on. I have a bit of gap to fill along the edges, then some touch-up.



then more deck pieces .... Hmm, I probably ought to stop here, get the hull decals on, then do a protective spray over it ...

I filled the deck-hull seams and sanded, leisurely.
Today I repaired the green paint.
Tomorrow I hope to repair the black along the hull and a couple spots along the sides of the main deck structure.
Then I'll start adding more deck structure.

No significant pix to show.

Looking reall smart John!

Very neat and clean build, John.

When I get back to them, I fancy adding this to my 1/1200 set.

Test fitting the foredeck and the fore/aft bulkheads to the main deck. The foredeck has required some careful sanding to get it to sit correctly, not sure if it is the deck itself or perhaps the hull, but I think I have it.



Moving along ... probably lock these down, do some filling and touchup then I can start of the fittings & such ...

All looking very good.

Well tidy indeed.

It's all looks very neat and methodical so far.