king george v conversion

You are going to have some fun with that task!  I have build a KGV and the research needed to establish what was fitted and at what time was quite a job!  This class of battleship underwent modification at virtually every stop in port, with extra guns fitted, radar arrays removed/added/changed, aircraft arrangements altered - the list is endless.  To do an accurate job, you will have much research to do.....  Perhaps the fine people at White Ensign Models may be able to help and put you in touch with a battleship expert.  I do know they produce etched brass detailing for KGV.  Good to see a post from another Scot!  Best of luck!

A couple of years ago (or thereabouts) Roger Chesneau published a book, King George V Class Battleships, that seems like it was designed for just this purpose.  I haven't bought it, but the author is a genuine expert on the subject and a first-rate, veteran ship modeler.  Here's a link:  http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=ex1p2prAJN&isbn=1861762119&itm=13

I found that link on the Barnes and Noble website.  B&N doesn't have a new copy on hand, but another link takes you to their "used and out-of-print" page, where there's a like-new copy for a good price.  I'm sure the book is available elsewhere.

I agree with jtilley. I have the book, King George V Class Battleships by Roger Chesneau. It has some history and a nice picture or two of H.M.S. Howe in it. There is also some fine information on the other 4 ships of the class, including reviews of the model kits available. I would also recommend another book, also called King George V Class Battleships by V.E. Tarrant. There are some pics and useful information in that as well.

If you are going to convert the Tamiya 1/350 King George V kit into H.M.S Howe, then I have to highly recommend that you purchase the Ultimate King George V class battleships PE set from White Ensign Models. I recently built the H.M.S Prince of Wales using it, and it is a beautiful set. It contains all the pieces to build the 1/350 King George V kit to any of the 5 ships of the class. WEM may also be able to help you with the colors and camo patterns as the Anson and Howe had some interesting late war schemes. Their colourcoats paints are also excellent.

Hope that helps some. Good luck !

Ted

Jeff, I agree with you on the book.  I have a copy (bought second-hand some years ago in the UK - £60 thank-you-very-much!!!)  It is highly recommended and covers all the vessels in the class.  The last I heard from bookshops in the UK, the price now for an old copy is £120 !*!!**

Mark, tried to reply to your private post, but the system couldn't find it.  This snowy weather in Scotland is most condusive to sitting in front of the fire preparing references!

Thanks for the help guys.

Looks like its back to school for me??

Mark