Hi rotley,
with the availability of the Kent kit and 3D conversion parts I believe you´re not the only one having these same questions, so I provide some quick answers based on my research for my
1/700 Canberra build 3 years ago. Perhaps some of the RAN experts would enlarge then.
1. Canberra never received the pre-war refit her sisters did so she had no add-on armour belt. I am afraid there is no way to realistically conceal the surplus armour belt by the seascape, it is too high above the sea level. You can easily see it on most wartime photos of Kent-class members (excl. Canberra), it is a stripe just on the top of the torpedo bulge. You´d either have to leave it as it is and have the model inaccurate or you´d have to take the harder way of removing it (e.g. by dremelling or shaving off) and then putty and sanding. It should be doable with some effort.
2. While the three-tone camo scheme is definitely sexy, take into account Canberra never wore it in combat. According to research by Michael Brown (medway) the paints used were MS2 (dark grey similar to 507B & A) and MS3 (lighter grey about 31% reflectance). Her horizontal surfaces were painted with dark gray, exact shade is unknown. Her timber decks were definitely overpainted with dark gray, no natural wood.
3. Check photos, Canberra´s boats were often covered with canvas while at sea. Micro Master has a wide collection of RN boats available, I am sure he will be able to help you here.
4. Most of these parts (I have not cross-checked for exact items here) were various vents. Again, check photos, there are lots of Canberra photos on the net. From what I can see in the Kent assembly guide they don´t look too bad, but they were easy shapes if you wanted to design them and have them 3D printed.
6. I don´t think you can tell the difference between Walrus I and II in 1/350. Canberra´s Walrus was painted in standard RN 3-tone camo in 1942 incl. standard roundels (red center) until her loss.
Hope this helps.
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Battle of Savo Island Collection (all 1/700)
Recently completed:
USS Wilson DD-408At works:
USS Astoria CA-34 |
USS Patterson DD-392 & USS Bagley DD-386Prep stage: USS Vincennes CA-44 | HMAS Australia | Yubari | Kako