Having finished the Channel Adversaries multibuilder-blog with Daniel and Warren we discussed the possibility of another blog.
Daniel is still busy with other projects and Crocodile Warren is getting ready to go "Walkabout" down in Oz so we have put the "Year of the U-boat" on hold.
Seeing as I also have finished the Merit 1/18th Flak 88 I needed a new project to get my teeth into. Guess what the first thing was I ran into when I looked in my stash:







I hope that the photographer of CV-8's bell doesn't mind me using it here, should there be a problem please contact me and I will remove it.

Hi Julian,

Looks like another interesting build, will be following with much interest. (Especially as I intend to embark on the Hood in 1/200th when that hit's the streets)

Si

Good afternoon Simon,
It's rather hard to resist this one I can imagine that the HMS Hood is rather fiercly anticipated too. Try and get hold of the Kagero 3D Warship HMS Hood, the drawings included are great for when you get down to doing the rigging.

First update:

16 of these little raiders to build:




Not yet how I want it.

Will there be a 1/200th Van Johnson sitting in the cockpit of the "Ruptured Duck"? Al

It may appear to be a stunning resemblence Al, but actually it is not van Johnson after being shrunk but two lead fishing weights that are keeping the nose wheel to the ground

Nice start on the B25's Julian.

Already have the Kagero book on the Hood, those books really are great for modellers.

Si

As we say down under, Julian: "noice!" Watching with interest

Not much to see yet Russell, I'll be attacking the hull with some sanding paper today, see if I can get rid of the unwanted "Pimples and warts"

January 19th update:
Making progress on the first Doolittle raider. think I'll have to go back in and do something about the cockpit and nose canopy frames.
The Hornet's hull has been smoothed down and her bilge keels have been fitted. Also did a test fit of the hangar deck, (typical Merit/Trumpeter, next to no gaps), and the flightdeck.
This ship is huge, will have to keep Mrs. Gremlin56 out of the hobby cave or I am so in deep doo-doo. I have no idea where I will keep this monster.






These give a good idea of the size of the flightdeck and the elevator shafts. The next few shots show the hangar deck and the bilge keels.

Thoughts on the canopy frames?

Yards of Tamiya tape and a thin brush......................

She certainly is an impressive looking lady Julian, good luck with the canopy frames, better lay in a few beers to restore the sanity after each session.



Si

Yes, will need that, 16 B-25s, 5 wildcats, 5 dauntless dive bombers, 8 devastator torpedo bombers and 6 tow trucks. Make that a crate, preferably Trapiste beer by the monks of Rochefort.......

January 21st update:
Prop shafts and rudder fitted. Main deck supports fitted, (hangar deck is the main watertight deck as far as I understand USS aircraft carriers so far in this build). Main deck test fitted to supports. This is a very hefty build. Length doesn't make that much difference to the big B, but with flight deck added this is a huge piece of real estate:




The two piece bilge keels I have been able to track back to a dockyard photo, so accurate.

Wow! She really is BIG, isn't she?

I'd have no chance of smuggling something like that past Mrs E

I would have a better shot at sneaking a naked blonde past the missus, and she'd probably be more forgiving at that. Knowing that at least the blonde would be gone in the morning! Al

Depends on what scale the blonde is Al

If you can't find room for it, I have the perfect place. just send it.

Hi Darrell,
the offer would make my better half exceedingly happy, (yes, the penny has dropped and she now realises that this is a whoppingly big piece of WW II real estate taking shape in my man cave). At the moment I am working out which colours to order for what parts

I prefer my blondes 1/1 scale and not made of plastic, well maybe a little plastic, in the right places that is. Al

Decided what you are going to do with that clear deck? Following your build with great interest. I am now working on a 1/48 Doolittle Raider.

It's not 100% clear and there are also some parts that are added to the flight deck,(accomodation?). I think it will be partly clear, partly sprayed. This part is still a very long way off though so nothing definite

Would Future clear it up any or is it more of a frosted plastic.