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Ratch · Posted: Mon 19 Nov 2007 23:46 pm Post subject: Airfix 1:600 HMS Belfast GB Chat

Welcome to the Airfix 1:600 HMS Belfast Group Build for which Ratch is Group Build Leader. Only the Airfix 1:600 HMS Belfast may be built. The build will take place from 28th December, 2007 until 25th March, 2008. This is the "Chat" thread for the Group Build and any reference material should be posted in the Reference Thread.

If you wish to take part in the Group Build, click on the Usergroups link at the top of the page. Then::

Go to the lower of the two drop-down boxes where it says "Join a Group"

Select "Group Build - Airfix 1:600 HMS Belfast"

Click "View Information"

Click on "Join Group".

Ratch will then approve your membership of the Group Build and create a thread for you to record progress of your build.

That's all there is to it!

If you are not sure how Group Builds work, you can read the rules here.
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and was Jerusalem, builded here
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Ratch · Posted: Fri 28 Dec 2007 08:26 am Post subject:

Time to get those builds under way

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

Ratch · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 10:07 am Post subject:

How are you guys going on with painting

Normally, with aircraft or vehicles, I'd paint as much as possible on the sprues before assembling. Is this the best approach for ships too

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and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

farmroad38 · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 10:25 am Post subject:

Well, I've got mine out of the (VE-Day) box, but haven't started on it yet.

For the few ships that I've done in this scale (for the Falklands GB), I constructed pretty much everything first, then started painting.
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Cheers,

Adrian

Ratch · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 10:30 am Post subject:

Hi Ade, I've heard of others using that approach, which is why I asked the question

I'm just a bit concerned about ease of access to certain places if I wait to paint it all until after assembly Nailbiting

Conversely, I've had paint that doesn't match perfectly when it has been applied ad hoc

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

farmroad38 · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 10:35 am Post subject:

I've started to take the viewpoint that if I can't get into a place to paint it, I'm unlikely to be able to see it afterwards so it won't matter! Add to that the plastic being in a vaguely warshippy grey anyway, and I'm not going to worry about it.
_________________
Cheers,

Adrian

Ratch · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 10:42 am Post subject:

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and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

Ratch · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

Looking at the WEM etch and trying to work out where bits go, am I right in thinking that the WEM 281 Radar Aerial Assemblies fit onto Airfix parts #244 & #248

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

chippy · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 16:04 pm Post subject:

Will have a look later Ratch, I favour the build a bit then paint a bit approach, from what I remember Belfast is a fidly ship to paint so I find this the best approach. I will probably build up the hull to include weatherdecks and underwater fittings then paint it as per the plan, this is then a good indicator for continuing the painting of the superstructure, at least I think so.

Is anyone else a bit dissapointed with the quality of the plastic used, my superstructure halves are terrible!

On that note I need some filler, have never used it before so whats the best stuff?

Ratch · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 16:17 pm Post subject:

Cheers Geoff, further reading confirmed my suspicion with the radar

I've found Humbrol Filler quick and easy to use

It can be applied quite thinly if required, and when masking tape is also used (as along a seam) excessive sanding can be reduced and detail preserved

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

chippy · Posted: Thu 10 Jan 2008 21:50 pm Post subject:

Cheers mate will be popping along to my LMS tomorrow, I might need a few tubs of the stuff

Ratch · Posted: Tue 15 Jan 2008 18:30 pm Post subject:

Now, before I make another mistake

I'm on sub-assembly stage 6. On the WEM sheet in the AFT FITTINGS box it says

Replace kit parts 197-200 with accommodation ladder davits from etched parts 35. Accommodation ladders can be fitted if required.

These ladders are totally different from the davits (197-200), so why do they need replacing

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

chippy · Posted: Wed 16 Jan 2008 18:00 pm Post subject:

I think it refers to the accomodation ladder davits and not the ladders themselves. Usually each accomodation ladder has a davit at each end. The ladders themselves will have been stowed possibly against the aft screens and brought out to the davits for rigging if and when required

Ratch · Posted: Wed 16 Jan 2008 19:08 pm Post subject:

So I should cement parts 197 - 200 as per the Airfix instructions

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

davecov · Posted: Wed 16 Jan 2008 19:30 pm Post subject:

Yes you do replace 197-200 (davits). Note that if using the accommodation ladders, then the forward davit(s) lay on the deck if the accommodation ladder is rigged for use, with the aft one turned outboard. A cable would run from the aft davit down to the bottom of the accommodation ladder. Note also that the port davits should be turned inboard whilst the aft starboard one is turned outboard in use. You can just make out my three upright davits here:

As Chippy says, when not in use the accommodation ladders were stowed.

Dave
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Ratch · Posted: Wed 16 Jan 2008 19:37 pm Post subject:

Gotcha

Thanks

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

davecov · Posted: Wed 16 Jan 2008 19:45 pm Post subject:

And here is a drawing of the HMS Belfast accommodation ladder. You can see where the forward davit is laid down and where the cable goes from the aft davit. Note also the stays between the ladder and the hull.

BTW, picture comes from "Anatomy of the Ship - The Cruiser HMS Belfast" by Ross Watton.

Dave
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Ratch · Posted: Wed 16 Jan 2008 20:13 pm Post subject:

Excellent diagram Dave

many thanks

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

chippy · Posted: Thu 17 Jan 2008 15:39 pm Post subject:

It is a brilliant resource, I got my copy from A brilliant website that deals in old and out of date books, ABEBOOKS. It is brilliant

farmroad38 · Posted: Mon 21 Jan 2008 13:29 pm Post subject:

I've just realised that this build lasts for three months! There was me already starting to feel the impending doom of another missed deadline... who knows, I might even make it in time! Woo hoo!
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Cheers,

Adrian