FYI for anyone building Hood "as sunk" -
We have some more "new" info regarding Hood's final configuration. Its come to us through several previously unpublished photos taken between Jan and May 1941. We're so happy that folks keep finding these materials! Unfortunately, we cannot republish anything at this time (the owner will be posting some online...and we will ask if we can publish annotated versions showing key details).
I would have posted this in the Pontosmodel 1/200 Hood thread, but that is now winding to a close. I suspect I'd also get more complaints about delays, price and "nitpicky" details
I sincerely hope we can avoid that sort of thing here. Please, if anyone finds our inputs nitpicky, please keep any negative comments to yourself. YOU may find it trivial or nitpicky, but it doesn't mean that others (especially TRUE Hood fans or enthusiasts) will feel the same. Thanks in advance. Stepping down off my soapbox now...
Okay, here's the latest info:
1. Aerial spreader - The spreader at the rear of the foremast starfish is very poorly documented. We simply don't know exactly how it was attached. Its been anyone's guess as to how the thing was truly attached...via stump mast, some sort of tripod, or via brackets from the back of the Spotting Top. The new photo doesn't completely clarify this, but DOES show/confirm:
a. There were definitely a pair of angled beams at the rear that helped support it. We saw the remnants in the wreck and can see them in the new photo (albeit faintly).
b. The angled supports appear to connect to a rectangular structure near the centre-rear edge of the starfish/behind the centre of the rear bulkhead of the Spotting Top.
c. We can't see the actual connection points of the spreader unfortunately (not with the current scan...but are hoping a better scan will clarify things)
d. My own personal assessment is that they probably modified the support base for the original foretop mast. They may have reduced it in height (to provide clearance for the radar hood) and attached the spreader that way. Of course, I will run this by more learned minds than mine and see what they think...
2. Enclosed Focsle/Batteries Area - The new photo shows lots of detail to include:
a. Placement of deck support pillars (the inboard ones remained in the same positions (i.e., under the boat crutches), but some additional ones were added closer to the outside. These were less numerous and positioned roughly inline with the column supporting the forward 4" gun).
b. There were many hammock bars (or similar to hammock bars) that things could be hung/slung from.
c. Loads of "Denton Rafts" stowed alongside the outer gunwale (in between the supports/stays).
d. UP ready use lockers (we heard they were down there but never had a photo until now). The ones in the photo are roughly in-line (when viewed in profile) with the rear UP position above...but located inboard alongside the long/straight inner bulkhead (just aft of the amidships passageway). They may have replaced some wash deck lockers that were there at some point (or moved those lockers elsewhere more likely). They are directly behind a through-deck ladderway (that went down deeper into the ship).
e. Other standard-looking ready use lockers (presumably pom-pom) near the former 5.5 officers station.
f. The former 5.5" officers watch station was still present (it was converted to torpedo I believe). Trumpeter did not include it in their 1/350 or 1/700 kits, but it IS in the 1/200.
g. The areas where the 5.5" guns were formerly positioned was planked over (there was a question as to whether they just used a metal plate or wood...it was wood).