HMS Belfast 1939/43 - The Arctic Patrol

[spanner570]

It's great to see more members having a go at sea borne craft, so here's another for the collection......

She's the Airfix 1/600 HMS Belfast. The kit was kindly sent to me a while ago by Colin (CDW).

The build is 90% finished. There is no paint on the lower hull, as the final part will be waterline only. Also, I still have the rigging to do and other things, so I hope it is o.k - for reasons that will become apparent soon - to post her here in 'Completed'

At the outbreak of WW2 in Sept.1939, she operated out of Scapa Flow, until a German mine broke her back. She was out of action until re- commissioned in November 1942.

Here are a few pictures of the model thus far, and also one of the warship passing close by some exposed rocks whilst patrolling the North Sea.....

Colin, if you look in, I hope you approve of 'your' model and thanks again for entrusting it to me.

I hope you like this first installment chaps. More to follow........

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Cheers all,

Ron

 

[ojays]

Remarkable.

Until I saw it in your hand, I hadn't realised just how small this is.

 

[Caledonia]

Nice work Ron, I am definitely going to have a go at one of these plastic ships some time, but it will be a 1/350 Cheers Derek

 

[spanner570]

Thanks boys. Although it's supposed to be an old kit, it has some very nice detail for such a small scale.

It might not be up to scratch by modern pressing standards, but I had fun building it, and, as we all know, fun plays a big part in our hobby....

 

[monica]

nice job Ron real like it in place , the water is fantastic, and sets it off

 

[flyjoe180]

Beautiful work Ron. Colin will be proud I'm sure

 

[spanner570]

Beautiful work Ron. Colin will be proud I'm sure

Thanks Joe....I like to think he would approve.

 

[Gern]

Thanks Joe....I like to think he would approve.

I can't see any reason at all why Col shouldn't like what you've done so far Ron.

Gern

 

[papa 695]

Great Ron. Colin would be well pleased with it

 

[spanner570]

Dave and Ian thank you for your posts.......

O.k., let's move on...

After her two year lay up being repaired after being badly damaged by a German mine, Belfast was recommissioned in November 1942 and undertook Arctic convoy protection duties.

For the final part of this saga, I'm going to try and model her 'Way up on the edge of the Arctic pack ice.'

Ice is something I've fancied having a crack at, but until now haven't had a suitable candidate, so should be fun......I hope!

Brush painted in acrylics and what a pig to paint she was!.....I had a hard time painting the wacky cammo on my Berlin Brigade tank, but compared with this it was a stroll in the park. Even the funnels have two colours each!

I was going to hack the hull off below the boot topping, but chickened out, so she is still 'Full hull'

So for now, here she is in her 1943 Arctic paint job...Cob looking, but kind'a works against a grey sea......

Next step, the rigging, a bit of weathering and then the icy base...

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Cheers all,

Ron

 

[ojays]

The first pics look as if she's stuck in an ice field already!

 

[spanner570]

Nice one Gregg, she does doesn't she?

 

[spanner570]

I've looked at the pictures again and spotted I've missed a bit of cammo. ****!

 

[flyjoe180]

Looks great Ron

 

[spanner570]

Thanks Joe. I'm glad you like it and thanks for posting.

 

[ojays]

I've looked at the pictures again and spotted I've missed a bit of cammo. ****!

Just unforgivable

 

[eddiesolo]

This is the same kit but I remade her into the sister ship HMS Edinburgh in her sunken state. I love this Ron, far better than my version. Beautiful as ever with the delicate painting.

Si:

 

[spanner570]

This is the same kit but I remade her into the sister ship HMS Edinburgh in her sunken state. I love this Ron, far better than my version. Beautiful as ever with the delicate painting.Si:

Thanks Si, although dated, the kits make up into something quite passible don't they?

I'm looking forward with a certain amount of trepidation to starting the icy sea for the final dio.

Cheers,

Ron

 

[eddiesolo]

Thanks Si, although dated, the kits make up into something quite passable don't they?I'm looking forward with a certain amount of trepidation to starting the icy sea for the final dio.

Cheers,

Ron

Can't really say mine is passable Ron, it is twisted, broken and covered in gunk lol. But in fairness the model isn't too bad regarding fit and detail for its size. The icy sea will work a treat...you always seem to be able to pull these sea scapes off.

Si

 

[dubster72]

I missed this one Ron, but my hats off to you for your hairy stick skills! That camo in such a small scale is excellent!

My grandad served in submarines on the Arctic runs & had been aboard Belfast many times after escort duties so this one's especially poignant to me.

I can pm you Colin's email address if you want to send him some pics?

Cheers Patrick