I have now built it, and it looks like this:
The model certainly resembles HMS Hood in that all the main distinguishing elements of her design are there but truncated so that it can fit onto a hull that is 16cm long and 4.5cm wide.
I think that it is ideal for the sort of wargaming that I do, and I can see me using it to give offshore fire support to landings. I can even see me using it in ship vs. ship actions and will probably buy some more of them in due course.
(My wife saw my completed model and actually said how good it looked ... which is praise indeed!)
I did not fit the ship's secondary armament (four twin 4-inch AA guns and four UP [Unrotated Projectile] launchers) where the kit instructions said they should be. I did not bother with the UP launchers and fixed the 4-inch guns where I think that they should have been located.
That is quite cute. I see that they do a Scharnhost as well and some US and Japanese ships... They are certainly small enough to use on a gridded table.
ReplyDeleteI have the Airfix Sink the Bismarck set and intend to asemble all of those for a naval game. But the ships in that set are something like 10" long...
Mike Lewis,
DeleteI have ordered one of the Scharnhorst kits to see if it will fit in with my currently-moribund Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War project. When I’ve assembled it, I’ll feature it on my blog.
That Airfix set was excellent, and if you are into Fletcher Prat - and have enough room - you’ll get great fun using the models.
All the best,
Bob
I'm try to think of a better description than "cute" but looks like a good addition.
ReplyDeleteRoss Mac,
DeleteCute works for me … and I suspect that I’ll be adding a few mode of these models to my collection in due course.
All the best,
Bob
BOB,
ReplyDeleteA very interesting model which suits your needs- how does it compare in size to your excellent Scratch Built Ships? I especially like the Ironclad you based on the 'HMS Victoria'. Hope things are cooling down there in London- it is very cold and rainy here...looking forward to Spring. Best Wishes. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteThe models are not too bad a match for size, but the Hood’s superstructure is more detailed and of a different scale.
The weather I still hot here in the southern part of the UK, but we have rain and thunderstorms forecast for Monday or possibly Tuesday.
Keep warm, ‘cause Spring will be with you soon.
All the best,
Bob
A nice model Bob. Will it be used to support your 15mm forces?
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteCheers! It’s my intention to use this (and any other models that I buy from Meng) as fire support for my WW2 figures.
All the best,
Bob
I like that model as well, and I think cute is probably the best way to describe it. I'm tempted to order some of them myself.
DeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteBecause they are imported from Japan, they are quite expensive. However, there’s no reason why one could not borrow the concept and build your own … or even 3D print them.
All the best,
Bob
Nice one, Bob 👍🏼. A lovely model.
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned, it is a very, very sweet miniature…how the human brain can convert an enormous juggernaut dealing death and destruction into a cute and endearing caricature is quite intriguing (and yes, ‘cute’ as a description is very hard to beat!!). The designers are inspired….👍🏼👍🏼
Martin S.,
DeleteCute is the only word that seems to sum up theay they look so succinctly.
All the best,
Bob
They look as if they could be on a Michael Bentine Pottymen show!
ReplyDeleteSimon,
DeleteYes, they would have fitted in rather well!
All the best,
Bob
Love it!
ReplyDeleteGeordie an Exiled FoG,
DeleteThey don't make a very extensive range of models, but they certainly make some with wargaming potential.
All the best,
Bob