Hello there, for some time now I've been contemplating over the build of HMS Belfast, the old Airfix 1-600 model, while there's a good PE set, can anyone tell me about her camo, and if there are any build problems to look out for.
While I have several actual photo's of this ship, the camo always appears slightly different to that of the box art, I dare say this is down to the year, any info would be great.

The first image is an original painting by Ross Watton and is the cover of his Anatomy of the Ship on BELFAST. The other two pages are from Peter Hodges' ROYAL NAVY WARSHIP CAMOUFLAGE 1939-1945.





Al Ross

Hi Alec

What timescale are you planning to build her? I presume as per the Kit, late 1943, battle of North Cape,

The scheme in the instructions I beleive is not quite right.

Let me know & I will see what i can dig out.

Si

Thank you all for the info, I would like the camo as on the Thames, again, I am none to sure, Sy said 1943 ? This is something I haven't tempted before, and while on the Belfast last year, I thought this doesn't look that bad, so much for thought LOL.

Hi Alec,

I believe that is the scheme as per late 1943, when she was at the battle of North Cape, and fought the Scharnhorst.

I have rummaged through my references which give little more info than Al's couldn't find vol 4 of Alan Raven's Royal navy Camoflage, will have another hunt tonight, which I think may give the correct colour references.

Si

That is very nice of you. Thank you very mich.

Hi Alec,

Found it, the pattern is pretty much as she is now. She was painted in that pattern when she came out repair in december 1942, after striking a mine, and remained in that patern until August 1944, so it will suit the outfit of the airfix kit.

Colours are A507a (Dark grey), A507c (Light grey), B5 (Mid grey) & B6 (Blue grey), according Camoflage of the Royal Navy Vol 2, by Alan Raven. the wooden decks & turret tops were painted A507a, and the area under the rear overhang of the 6" turrets, when trained fore & aft was painted white. (that I have seen no photographic evidience to prove either way.

Hope that helps

Si

That actually helps a lot, thank you, especially the colour guide. Thank you.

No problen Alec, glad to be of assistance.

Si