Thanks Russ,

She is getting there, got a couple things I a trying to get finished for Scalemodelworld at Telford next weekend, so progress might slow for a bit.

Cheers

Si

You're cracking on as usual Si. It's looking great. I am going to have to find some time to start my entry for this campaign...or find a simpler build.

cheers

Michael

Thanks Michael,

Don't be fooled, with Dragon's clever design there are a small number of large components in the major sub assemblies built so far, and a large number of very small components in the boats / light AA etc.

Look forward to seeing your build under way, whatever you choose.

Cheers.

Si

Better late than never. I had originally enlisted in the Leyte Gulf campaign with the IJN Tone with the Lion Roar PE set, but my Fuso build took too long. So.....I am shifting this build the the Cruiser campaign so I could actually finish it on time. Here are the starting pics and away we go!!

Nice choice Greg,

Looking forward to seeing progress on her.

Cheers

Si

Greg,

Looking forward to watching this build as I have both the kit and the Lion Roar Set in my stash. Will be very interested in your thoughts and opinions of both kits.

Dave

Whilst I was waiting for stuff to dry on the USS Laffey made a small amount of progress.

Boat racks alongside the hanger assembled.



Painted and fitted.



The Midships and after superstructure finally fixed down, and the four short sections of breakwater fitted around the single 5.9" mounts.



More after Telford this weekend.

Si

Great choice Greg. This is a kit I have though I would like to build sometime so will be watching this with interest.

cheers

Michael

Thanks for all the encouragement. I am ready to get going on the Tone as it has been in my stash for 1 year.

I have already run into a problem. I am getting everything out and looking over the instructions. The instruction booklet lists the hull color as Kure Arsenal grey, but the color insert lists the hull color as Sasebo Arsenal grey. Does anyone know where I would be able to find out which is the correct hull color for the Tone in 1944?

Thanks Greg

I did look through my only reference material I have which is the Kagero book on the Tone. It said the Tone went through refits in 1943 and 1944 at Kure, so does that mean that it would have been painted in with the Kure color grey? That would make sense to me, but I am not sure if it is correct.

Greg,

There is not much of a difference between the two but the Tone was built in Nagasaki. If it received upgrade and refit at Lure than it would make sense that they painted her following the refit. You wouldn't be wrong using Kure Arsenal

Dave

Greg -

You can find a TROM for Tone at:

Tone TROM

HTH

Thanks David and Grant. I think I will go with the Kure grey. like you said I can barely see any difference between the colors anyway.

I couldn't get the link to work, but I just went to the website and found it from there. That TROM info is very cool. I will bookmark that site for future reference.

http://www.combinedfleet.com/tone_t.htm

Greg,

great to have you in!!

Si,

another nice update, this is really a fine model and you're doing Scharnhorst justice!!

A quick update on my Belfast, the longer story as always in the build log!

Bridge and bridge windows finished, so a big step ahead on the forward superstructure:





Some smaller stuff getting ready:





And the after superstructure. The new flexible masking tape could have helped you, Si, with your Scharnhorst - I would think it would have made it easier to mask the small, bright stripe along the hull?!







And that'S how it looks for now. Not finished yet, but getting there!





Cheers for now,

Jan

Jan, The Belfast is looking great! I have been following it your build from the start. Where did you get that flexible tape? That looks like that is a perfect way to mask the curvy camo.

Thanks Jan,

Nice progress on the Belfast, she is coming on well.

Cheers,

Si

Thank you Greg and Si!!

I hope to get a little progress during the next days, but I can't promise...

As for the tape, I think it's fantastic! Here's a screenshot from my German dealer, maybe that helps you identify it in your stores in the US /UK:



Cheers,

Jan

Looks interesting stuff Jan,

Certainly will b handy for boot toppings etc.

Thanks for the heads up.

Cheers.

Si

Thanks Jan. I will go look for it here or just order it online.

Well, this is embarrassing. Turns out I have answered my own question about adding skid plates to the San Diego. Look what I found sitting in my Armor PE stash!



Also, Greg. I built Aoshima's 1/700 Chikuma (the other Tone class cruiser) a few years back. I think you'll enjoy the build. It's a fascinating design!

Steve

A bit more progress on the Scharnhorst.

Before starting detail parts, the lower section of the mainmast in place.



Just test fitted, and a tricky fit around the Hanger.

The power boats under way, decks fitted.



First round of etch fitted.



Initial paintwork done.



I am assuming that as at the time of her demise he was a flagship, and any German Admiral would want one motor boat as a smart barge, hence one more colourful that the others.

Clear parts, cabin roofs and the rest of the etch on.



More soon.

Si

Si,

very nice work!! Hangar and after superstructure look great! Very nice start on the small boats - quite a few of them!!
I am not sure whether the Admiral had a fancy barge at that stage of the war, it was all about camouflage and hiding. And Rear Admiral Bey was a destroyer guy rather than accustomed to big ships and their fanciness (at least in some areas). But making one of the barges look special will certainly add to the appearance, and I always like some creative gizmology, whenever it adds to the model!! So I do like the idea!!

Cheers,
Jan

Gents, its all looking good. The level of attention to detail is astounding. I still have a few other group builds to wrap up before starting the Long Beach. which will still give me several months to work on her. I will never take on 5 at once again.

The Belfast and Scharnhorst are setting the bar.

Tom

Thanks Jan,

Yup, I am probably wrong (Not for the first time, and won't be the last

Rechecking my references Erich Bey only assumed command of Scharnhorst and her Escort a matter of hours before she sailed to intercept JW55 B. Better call that the boat the "Captain's motor boat" instead.

Either was I think I will leave it, just to add a bit of colour as I cannot put an Arado on the Catapult.

Thanks Tom,

He is getting there, great kit.

Cheers.

Si

The boats look good, Si. How do you like the clear parts?