by Filipe Ramires
1/700 HMS Onslow (Tamiya)
This is HMS Onslow, a Royal Navy “O” Class destroyer in 1/700. First produced by Skywave and later acquired by Tamiya, which was the box I got. The original model is far from accurate, therefore I needed to get quite a few extras for one ship (each box brings two destroyers). I used the WEM photoetch set for the “O & P” class; WEM Royal Navy Doors & Hatches; some parts of the Gold Medal Royal Navy warships; and WEM resin upgrade parts for the main 4.7’ guns, the 4’ single AA gun, and the pom-pom.
The ship needed a load of structural work, including adding around 30-40% structure on the bridge and an almost complete rebuild of her. I also had to scratchbuild all of the amidships searchlight structure, masts, gun tubs, etc. Not a particularly easy model to build when over-detailing but quite interesting when it is finished. This model of my collection was “commissioned to my fleet” some 4 years ago. She was built, finished and some time after that she suffered a major accident getting off her sea base (I still wonder today how that happened!!!) and hitting the workbench hard, causing structural damage and destroying masts and other less impact-resistant parts. I decided last year to have a new go on her and started the needed repairs, and decided to made some improvements like adding a brand new sea base to her. I hope you all enjoy.
