Hi everyone. Here are some photos of my 1:72 scale Soviet Navy Kirov class nuclear powered cruiser FRUNZE which I currently have under construction.
I've had this project in the pipeline since mid 2009. After building and operating 1:72 scale Krivak, Sovremenny and Udaloy class ships I decided to attempt the jewel in the crown of Soviet Cold War era naval architecture. The KIROV and her 3 magnificent sisters are my favourite ships of all time, and in my opinion, among the most striking and impressive warships ever conceived. Their innovation and capability is a tribute to the engineers who designed them, the tradesman who built them and the men of the Soviet/Russian Navy who sail them.
In late 2009 I obtained plans for the ship from Russia and commissioned Tim Amos of Southern Cross Models to build a custom made hull for me. After making a plug and mould he completed the magnificent fibreglass hull in mid 2010. In the meantime Allan Pew of APS Models was manufacturing a customised weapons and sensor set to suit FRUNZE and also a superb running gear set.
I collected everything in November 2010. And she sat basically untouched (and was almost sold in the meantime) until 13 Nov 2013 when I walked past the hull in my garage and spontaneously decided to start building it. And I have been loving every second of it.
This is by far the most enjoyable model project I've ever done - made more enjoyable because I love Soviet warships and the goal of building a Kirov is what made me get into this hobby in the first place. Now she's a reality it is quite exciting.
The photos below show progress over the past 7 weeks or so - from a hull with nothing more than bracing and a plywood deck fitted to having the superstructure and hull work basically complete. Once I fit the motors and radio control gear she'll be ready to hit the water for the first time.
You can also follow my build at
http://www.taskforce72.org/forum/viewto ... =48&t=1013Cheers