HMS Sheffield
by John Werler

1/700 HMS Sheffield (White Ensign)

The HMS Sheffield kit was one of White Ensign’s earlier offerings and depicted her in a 1941 configuration. I found it to be a very nice kit and up to WEM’s usual quality and standards. However, I wanted to model her in a 1942 rig as she would have appeared on later Russian convoy duty. This meant adding some modifications as well as applying a very attractive camouflage scheme. This is the only kit that I’ve painted in camouflage to date but I want to do more now that the Warship Perspectives series is available. This was a very enjoyable build of one of my favorite British warships. Some specifics are as follows:

Added modifications:

• Type 273 radar lantern and supporting tower.
• Type 285 radar fitted to all three HACS.
• Additional enclosures behind bridge and mainmast.
• Various 20 mm gun emplacements.

Photo Etch:

• WEM set - w/ kit
• GMM set - ultra fine handrail

Sources:

• British Cruisers of WWII by Raven / Roberts.
• Ensign 5 by Raven / Roberts.
• HMS Sheffield by Bassett.

I haven’t quite figured out why a good kit of one of the follow-on Colony class cruisers hasn’t come out since this release. It would seem a natural and I would think a very popular offering. Here’s hoping.

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