by Nick Dogger |
1/350 HMS Hood (modified Trumpeter)
This is my version of Trumpeter's 1/350 Hood. I have made changes and
added detail to the original model to try to depict the ship as accurately
and completely as I can in her final 1941 form, following the very comprehensive
guidance and images posted by Evert-Jan Foeth and the information on the
HMS Hood Association website.
Particularly note-worthy challenges were modifying the superstructures
(especially the bridge area) and the aft pom-pom "bandstand"; trying to
create correct-scale vision slits in the forward armoured control tower;
and changing the boiler room vent structures and making their grilles "see-through".
Much time was also spent re-working and rigging the funnels and making
their cages and interiors, along with detailing the main mast and boom.
The porthole "eye-brows" on the kit were removed and were replaced
with finer versions made from thin wire. Doors and hatches throughout were
opened up to try to add depth and interest.
I inlaid strips of tape into the armour belt indents of the kit hull
to reduce their depth for a better scale effect. The various splinter shields
were also thinned and had interior supports added to them.
The kit-supplied 15" gun turrets were replaced with the more accurate
EJ Foeth/WEM resin versions, with attention paid to seating the 15" guns
and blast bags correctly and at the desired elevation angle within the
turret facias.
The forward spotting top was reworked extensively. To get a better
"see-through" effect for this and also the various bridges, clear plastic
sheet was used for the windows. The voice pipes are made from wire, and
this was also used for the cable reels. The binoculars and small equipment
items on the top bridge are by Veteran Models
Scratchbuilding accurate versions of the ship's "on-board" motor boats/large
launches (and constructing the larger working boats in the sea) was a new
challenge. Again, clear plastic sheet was used to glaze the cabin windows
and windscreens of these (as well as for the main search-light lenses).
The remaining boats are from the Admiralty Models WW II Royal Navy sets.
Details such as the ensign staff fog lamp, rigging pulley blocks, bridge
wind-baffle, etc, were made from scrap materials.
For the photo-etched details I used selected parts from the White Ensign
(WEM), Gold Medal Models and Lion Roar Hood sets; while the railings are
from the WEM Ultrafine and Extrafine sets. The de-gaussing cables are those
in the GMM set, to which I have added the vertical brackets from scrap
photo-etch.
The model was painted with the appropriate WEM "Colourcoat" grey and
corticene colour paints, with some added "weathering".
The figures are from L’Arsenal, which I have painted to try to depict
Royal Navy uniform(s)! The model is set in a sea-scape of painted filler,
and is rigged with stretched sprue.
(Photographs by Jim Baumann )