I started work on the Belfast a few weeks back working on her slowly, and thought i was at a good stage to post some pics. I originally entered this for Steves British ships GB, but as we didn't have any ships here, thought i would make an exception to my rule of no cross overs. Like the Trafalgar which i also built for the British ships GB, i decided to build this because of have been on the ship. Of course, unlike the Trafalgar, Belfast is a museum so visiting her isn't as difficult as an active nuclear powered sub.
But, it does bring back memories of the late 70's and early 80's when my dad would take my brother and me to London for day trips once or twice a year. We would travel down by train and visit a couple of museums before heading home. Ad on at least a couple of occasions this included the Belfast.
This is the 1982 boxing, without doubt the oldest kit in my stash. No doubt i bought it after one of these visits to the ship, and its even possable i bought it from the ships gift shop. After sitting there for over 35 years, i think its about time i built it. I am also added a White Ensign PE set, should be fun.
The only ships i have built in the past are a carrier and a couple of subs, so this is very new to me. I started with the hull and while i had planned on fitting the superstructre after painting, some dry fitting showed i would be better off fitting the front first.
The front deck section extends to about 3/4 of the way back. But this is cut to replace the kit ships catapault with a PE one. This is my first PE in such a small scale. I have some real respect for you guys who build in this scale.
Also got the turrets together.
I then carried on the the forward superstructure.
And got the cranes together as well as the smaller guns. The 8 barreled Pom poms were interesting to put together.
And the mid and rear superstructures.
More soon i hope. The one thing that really concerns me is painting given the scheme Belfast wore at the time it is portrayed in this kit. Sure i will think of something.