Project HMS Belfast 1:350 Trumpeter. A step by step diary of the build.

Project HMS Belfast 1/350 Trumpeter.

Started this in about March 2016. I actually worked on it concurrently with my 1/350 HMS KING GEORGE V and a 1/700 HMS RENOWN, up to the weather deck. At that point I decided upon one to see through to completion and decided on the KGV (posted elsewhere on this site). Immediately  after completing the KGV, the Merit 1/350 Ark Royal kit got delivered (also posted elsewhere on this site!)! So Belfast and Renown got shelved. 

Now, I called the Ark done, but then decided to fit the p.e. wing struts to the Swordfish, even though they are not really right (at that scale you'd only really see the vertical struts). Also, found the Skua painting instructions to be not quite right, so I've got to go back and revisit those too. Unfortunately, this occurred over Christmas and New Year, so it had to be put away as we had guests staying. And that was when I lost my modelling Mojo. (I built a 1/350 WARSPITE, 1/350 KGV and 1/350 Ark Royal in a year, after all...)

Now, to get it back I need to get back into ship modelling, so the Ark Royal air group will have to wait! Besides, I want to get fully back into the groove before attempting those bloody p.e.struts!!!
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Finally completed this kit, the ides of March 2018!! Exactly 2 years after first starting it! It is built out of the box, but with a Wood Hunter laminate wooden deck (the first I have ever fitted!) and ezline used for the rigging. I decided to add a spar for the ensign on the rear mast using melted sprue. The rear mast radio gear fell to bits, so I had to scratch build a replacement from some spare 1/350 scale brass railing! I'm amazed how well that came out!!!

The Beast!

Hull starts to go together...

The Hulls of KGV, Belfast and Renown get painted...

Got each 3 as far as the weather deck. Wood Hunter decks fitted.

Work recommenced 1st May 2017- Fo'c'sle detailed

The front superstructure block starts to take shape.

 B turret and the Admiral's bridge added.

Some photo etch detail added.

Portholes picked out, more superstructure detail added.

 More P.E.

 The main mast is added, finishing off the front block.

 Aft superstructure block started, including X and Y turrets,

 The detail goes on..

Getting the camo scheme to marry up..

This box stand was a good idea..

A little bit of fine detail work to the Bridge.

 Secondary armament goes on.

 Amidships gets some work.

8 barrel pom poms added..

Almost ready to glue the amidships section on. Ships boats, funnels and cranes done.

 Aft mast added and amidships glued into place.

 Top view.

paintwork tidied up.

 Looking good...

 Life rafts added. End in sight.

Ezline rigging goes on.

 Starboard side.

Post side. Rigging finished, Decals fitted, In commission! (ensign flying)

Starboard.

Showing off my fine paintwork skills...

Looking like the finished article..

Ship's flight completed and added!

Top view.

Calling it done! Completed!!!