Hi all
Currently working on my Trumpeter 1/350 scale Hood.
I've been doing some modifications, using the 1/200 Pontos upgrade set as a reference, as I believe this is probably some of the best researched material currently availiable, and Pontos have plenty of good high resolution photos on their website.
My aim is not to do a 100% correct representation of her in May '41, just to improve some of the more grievous errors on the 1/350 kit.
After I've begun detailing a few questions have arisen:
Does anyone know if the small cranes near A-turret were always deployed as the kit depicts, or if they could be collapsed - and if so: Where were they stored? I would guess the latter would be the case, as (provided that the kit dimensions are actually correct!) they would interfere with the turret traverse otherwise. Also the Pontos Kit suggests that a second pair of these cranes should be added next to B-turret as well?
Did all four vickers machine gun mounts have splinter shields added? Judging by the Pontos instructions I get the impression it was only the case for the aft pair.
A minor detail, but exactly where would the collapsed large accomodation ladders be stored when not in use? It would be kind of nice to include them somewhere on the quarterdeck.
And finally: The Pontos set suggests that there should be no carley floats above the paravane on the bridge structure. Instead a single carley float should be mounted above the spare booms. Anyone know how correct this is, or if it is just a guesstimate on behalf of the designers (The Kagero Publishing 3d render of the ship actually has all three floats added, although I don't consider this a particularly reliable a source)?
Thanks in advance!