As we know, Michael was building his 1/200 Nelson here and IMHO did a pretty good job of "softening" the plating effect, not sure if he ever finished it though...

I think the plating should be just visible at 1/200 (and even less so at 1/350), but it's "trench like" on this release from Trumpy. (Let's not talk about their 1/350 Hood either )Still, not sure I'd have the cahuna's to take on a 1/200 let alone the budget or space to do one

I know this is still but are there any good references for the Nelson class that you know of?

My LHS has added the 1/350 Nelson/Rodney to their pre-orders page-can feel the goose bumps already!

for a sec, but I saw what Michael did, and looked rather good.

Agree we could do with both of the Nelson class, and especially a '41 pre refit Rodney.

I do like the look of 1/200th, very tempted to stay on the pre-dread theme and start of in that scale with the Mikasa, would like to see a review of the Merit kit first though.

Hope to get some time in the workshop this weekend

cheers

Si

Hi Si

hope you got that workshop time in-mine fizzled out! Maybe tonight!

Looking at the pic Trumpy are using for their 1/350 Rodney I suspect the release will be for 1942 (and probably no different to their Nelson kit) as it shows the camo pattern she wore at that time period.

Hope Pontos come to the rescue and release a 1941 AM kit for her!

Hi Russ,

Second your comments above.

Although I haven't found may good photos of the Rodney 1940/41 period, looks like more taking stuff off, with a few add ons i.e. the quad 0.5" on the rear of the octopod, the single 20mm on the roof of B turret, and the 6" directors in place of the pompoms abeam of the mainmast.

Did get some time in the workshop, haven't even got the picks off the camera yet, hope to update this evening.

Good luck at the bench this evening.

Cheers

Si

Looking forward to seeing those pics Si.

Got a little time in, a bit of air brushing...

I think the only good reference for the Nelson Class might be RA Burt's Battleships... I think the main armament radar was changed in late '41 as well...

Before getting back on topic:-

Think you are right Russ, after she came back from Boston.

Right, this weekend's progress.

The Bridge structure under way, with all the etched deck supports.



The upper bridge / conning tower assembly built up and test fitted.



One funnel done.



All the main superstructure units test fitted.



Decks painted and main units glued down, the funnels still need the caps painted and the grills fitting before gluing down.



More soon

Si

sorry about hijacking the thread there, Si

Back to topic-looking great. The molding looks really crisp and the details sharp on this one.

Had to laugh when you said all the superstructure was now on-they really didn't have much above the upper deck did they?

Your model is looking sharp, Si! As for the original, well, I guess the French didn't design Danton for its looks...

Hi Russ,

No worries mate, I was a guilty as you!

This is a very nicely moulded and, so far, a well thought out kit. Enjoying the build out of the box, alright a very well appointed box.

Well the, there are a few vents and the suchlike to go on, but the secondary battery will take up a big chunk of that deck.

Cheers

Si

Thanks Tim,

I am pleased with progress to date.

As for her looks, well you know the old saying; "Beauty is in the eye the beholder". And I do love ladies with character.

Cheers

Si

All five funnels painted, and the white decal stripe added to the centre funnel.



Ladders and rails added to the boat deck.



Assorted vents and the suchlike fitted.



Funnels fitted.



more soon.

Cheers

Si

Today's progress,

Getting some sub assemblies ready, starting with the mainmast.

The searchlight platform supports, from the kit fret.



The fit of the mainmast checked with the after superstructure..



Foremast assembled and test fitted.



Plastic parts of one crane together.



Very neatly designed assembly.

Both cranes etched up.



First boats on, along with the etched boat racks.



Compass binnacle painted, two provided one for the both the bridge and the after conning position.



Overview of the build so far.



Still lots to do.

Cheers

Si

A very productive weekend, for sure Si!

Wish I could work on 3 at once

Thanks Russ,

Just practice mate, no twiddling my thumbs waiting for stuff to dry.

Off work the rest of this week, so might have another bash or two.

Cheers

Si

haha, my kids might have something to say about that if I took a week off to work on the fleet

Hi Russ,

Couldn't totally get way with that, but I will admit I did factor some shipbuilding time into this week.

Got plenty of less enjoyable things to do as well.

Cheers

Si

Been busy on other things today, but here is yesterday's progress:

Mainmast and after superstructure in glued in place.



Cranes painted and fitted.



Fittings on the forebidge.



mainmast in position.



overview shot.



More soon.

Cheers

Si

Found a fret of oars.

some added to the pulling boats fitted.



details fitted to the after superstructure.



The Five big pulling boats paint job under way, along with fret of oars.



The two steam pinaces built, not the best, but they will do.



The boats painted and ready to on.



Ladders on the after superstructure.



And the Bridge.



Cheers

Si

On the pulling boats.

The remainder of the pulling boats interiors sprayed.



vents and derricks on the quarterdeck.



The remainder of the boats painted.



Large pulling boats fitted, three of them have smaller boats stacked, and no chocks are provided for this, so scratchbuilt them from plasticard.



building the stacks.



All fitted.



Started on the armament.

one main and one secondary turret.



test fitted in place.



Cheers

Si

amazing to think those secondary armaments aren't much smaller than the main armament... no wonder spotting the fall of the shot was difficult with all those mixed shells

I wouldn't think they would see anything if they were down wind with those five funnels belching smoke
It's looking very good Si if somewhat stumpy ship. You can see why people must have been so impressed by the later dreadnoughts and battlecruisers.

cheers
Michael

Hi Russ,

You are right there, can't see where the designers were thinking, would have thought 12 12" would have been better than the mixed armament.

Cheers

Si

Hi Michael,

She is not the prettiest ship compared to a sleek dreadnought, but she has her charm, and I do have a soft spot for pre dreadnoughts

Did I read somewhere Hobbyboss had a Seydlitz on their list in 1/350 this year?

Cheers

Si

Very nice work here as well - and a very nice topic, quite off the beaten path!

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan,

That is why I am really enjoying this build, more on her shortly.

Cheers

Si