1/350 HMS Hood, Trumpeter/Lion Roar Comissioned

[FW_Allen]

Excellent job M�LDERS!

By the way, I'm glad to see that you did not add rafts to the sides of the bridge. That is good because they were not actually carried there in 1941.

I'm not sure if you've seen it or not, but we have a fairly detailed review of the Trumpeter 1/350 Hood on the Hood Association website. It outlines the main errors so that modellers can make changes if they wish to. It's at http://www.hmshood.com/hoodtoday/models ... mpeter.htm
There is also information in our LionRoar photoetch set review at
http://www.hmshood.com/hoodtoday/models ... onroar.htm

Frank

[ar]

The "X" gunhouse frames date back to at least the mid 1930s...the exact date slips my mind right now. I do know however, that we have a number of photos of the ship dating from her time with the Mediterranean Fleet in which the frames can be seen.

Frank

As I understand, these were part of the servicing platforms for the catapult that was to have been fitted.

[FW_Allen]

AR is correct as usual. Those frameworks were indeed meant to be handling platforms in support of a gunhouse-mounted catapult. They had test fitted a mock-up catapult and handling platform during the '29-'31 refit, but nothing was permanently installed (at least I don't see any such equipment in photos taken during the first half of the 1930s).

I recall John Roberts and Maurice Northcott both telling me on separate occasions that there were plans to fit another catapult to "X" sometime later in the 1930s (around the time they extended the Shelter Deck, added the third pom pom, etc). This was never fully realised and apparently just the two frameworks were installed. All I know is that the frameworks can be seen in photos from about 1937 onward.

Now everyone knows why the pom pom bandstand was offset to starboard! Now if we could only determine what the heck the marking on "A" gun house was.

[Foeth]

You mean the blob that was visible until her sinking? Not a spanish civil war aerial recognition sign?

BTW, Frank, all my emails to you are bouncing!

[ar]

The pom pom platform was offset from the centerline in order to allow enough clearence for the working of the aircraft crane that WAS fitted alongside.

An RAF roundel on the turret roof as a visual IFF for friendly aircraft. Probably applied in late 1939 early 1940. and allowed to fade rather than be overpainted.
This IFF marking was worn during this time frame by a number of Home Fleet ships in the 39/40 period. Valiant I believe had this.
Hope that this is of some small assistence.

[M�LDERS]

Hi Guys,
a Thread like this is so much important and so much improving the Knowabouts.
BUT:t Sometimes you just gotta DOOOO!!!!! U justgotta build! You just have to represent YOUR Vision of the Vessel. I just keep gonna keep it on!
In Germany we say somtimes: EINFACH BAUEN! It means..... JUST BUILD IT!
......
Hey my Friend....@Foeth........
WE JUST HAVE TO GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!
Lets discus bout the "Whatswrongs" and about the "Where it should be" after Completition!

@ar
Whoossaaaaa?
Just gimme a Pic of your Work. IN PICS ....if possible.........
Tired listening mhystic Wannabees.....
#Sorry..........

[Foeth]

I'm from the "Build it if it's correct" team. That's why my model isn't done yet... And all that work is combined with all of Frank's finds and put into the HMS Hood website with correction tips for your model. Reading it takes only a few minutes and detailing your model a bit better is part of the fun, right? For me, finding those errors in the documentation is half of the fun and seeing those finds on the new etch sets means it wasn't a complete waste of time.

But, my next ship model will be a ship of which I either know everything (That is, an IJN AOTS ships) or one that has zero information on it (Shimakaze, Tone, or Chiyoda). Digging through the documentation can be tiresome. Which reminds me, any info on the 44" RN searchlights?

[Filipe Ramires]

But, my next ship model will be a ship of which I either know everything (That is, an IJN AOTS ships) or one that has zero information on it (Shimakaze, Tone, or Chiyoda).

Ahhh, Shimakaze...good luck with that!!! I considered doing her as well...so little information on her!!!!

[FW_Allen]

MoLDERS- Please build it exactly the way you want. As long as you are happy with it, that is what counts. I'm just saying that if you want any ideas for correcting kit problems, we have some things that can help.

AR-
Many thanks for the inputs. Yes, that is indeed what I was referring to regarding the pom pom bandstand (I only mentioned it as it was something, like those "X" frames that was affected by an aircraft catapult. ).

A turret marking(s)- So the wartime marking on "A" gunhouse was indeed a subdued roundrel? Dark blue and dark red? That makes sense. From what I can tell, she had it (faded as you said) up until her loss. One can even see something in that area in the last known decent photos of her at sea taken from a seaplane on 22 May 1941.

This marking wasn't the one I was referring to in my other post though- I am referring to one that was on "A" gunhouse in 1937-1938 during her time working the Spanish Civil War neutrality patrols. Its a dark disk with a line protruding from the rear/centreline and extending over the top of the rangefinder at the rear of the gun house. It appears to be one solid shade. Any idea what this was and what colour(s) it would have been? No crew remember it.

Here are some photos-



It's difficult to see the line at the rear of the disk, but it was indeed there (not a shadow).

Speaking of the Spanish Civil War patrols, we've come across some other conflicting information regarding the stripes on "B" gunhouse. Some sources say (front to rear) blue, white, red, whereas others say red, white, blue. Photos aren't of much help as sometimes the front stripe is darker than the rear and sometimes vice versa. Without knowing the film stock and colour biases, its hard to say. Crew have also given opposite accounts of the colours. What has your research turned up?

Thanks,

Frank

[ar]

I am fearful of posting this message in case Mr Molders gives vent to his feelings again upon receiving new data.
The disc and stripe identifies her as Flag to aircraft. The stripe is NOT on the centreline, but a little offset.

Question; have you ever found a photo of the ship when she was fitted with the crane at the aft end of the shelter deck alongside the pom pom platform?

[Foeth]

I've never seen a picture, but I did notice this residue in the deck (Between the two aft cents fitted with a double skylight),

BTW, notice the full structure on top of X-turret

[FW_Allen]

No, I've not come across a photo of any aircraft machinery fitted to the aft Shelter Deck. At least not yet. I've seen other shots of work done during that timeframe (i.e., the Shelter Deck being extended over the side batteries, the pom pom fitted, etc.), but nothing showing aircraft gear. The closest that I could think of is the very photo that Evert-Jan posted in his reply. We have some other shots taken in or of that area as well, but either earlier or later (i.e., 1920s or 1940/41).

Of course, the way things are going, I won't be surprised if we DO find such a photo. Especially since its that particular timeframe. Seems like the majority of photos we see come from the time with the Med Fleet (that, and the Empire Cruise). Seriously though, some great stuff has been turning up over the past couple of years. The colour film was the best of all.

Many thanks for the info on the Spanish Civil War era "A" turret marking. Do you have any idea about the colour? Again, none of the surviving crew from that timeframe can remember it, but that isn't too surprising. If someone were to ask me what colour the walls inside the ready room at RAF Coltishall or SAC "BB" complex, I sure as heck couldn't remember...at that was only 20-25 years ago for me.

[ar]

Do not know the colour of the disc. Black?

The aircraft crane was fitted for about a two week period.
Probably at the same time that the DUMMY catapult was fitted on the roof of X turret.

Many years ago I had a copy of the crane drawings, but not anymore.

[M�LDERS]

@ar
sorry for the Post above. Maybe i was getting a little......to far.
Excuse me, Sir!

BTW: This Thread turns into one of the most interessting ones i ever ve seen.
Thanks for sharing to everyone!
Currently i just watch it stunned.

[M�LDERS]

Excellent job M�LDERS!

By the way, I'm glad to see that you did not add rafts to the sides of the bridge. That is good because they were not actually carried there in 1941.

I'm not sure if you've seen it or not, but we have a fairly detailed review of the Trumpeter 1/350 Hood on the Hood Association website. It outlines the main errors so that modellers can make changes if they wish to. It's at http://www.hmshood.com/hoodtoday/models ... mpeter.htm
There is also information in our LionRoar photoetch set review at
http://www.hmshood.com/hoodtoday/models ... onroar.htm

Frank

TY for the Advice related to the Rafts! And of Course, i have studied your Page more than once. It seems impossible to me to built a nearly good Copy of the Hood without your Page.
All my Respect and best Wishes for the Future of this excellent Page!

[shipmodeler]

I'm hesitating between the Commanders' Hood and the Trumpeter kit. The Commanders' kit has its own PE set. The Trumpeter kit has the LionRoar-made set to complement it. Prices aside, which choice is better? Which would give a more detailed or accurate model? Could you guys with your extensive knowledge of these matters advise me? Thank you in advance!

[Foeth]

In my humble, unbiases, and positively optimistic opinion, the commander series model of HMS Hood is total crap. I think the number of turrets is correct, but that's about it. You'd better buy Trumpeters kit plus all the upgrades, either Lion Roar or WEM. I prefer the WEM set, they're overall more accurate for HMS Hood and things RN in general than Lion Roar. Still, Lion Roar offers very good value for money and their set is extensive.

[Guest]

In my humble, unbiases, and positively optimistic opinion, the commander series model of HMS Hood is total crap. I think the number of turrets is correct, but that's about it.

Come now, surely they got the number of funnels right also. I dare say the Hood is more famous for her two funnels than for her 4 turrets.

[Foeth]

I couldn't say if there were three funnels included with the kit or that was actually the bridge...

[M�LDERS]

Not easy to compare for me, bcuz i dont know the Commander Series Model and the WEM-Set either. But i f u looking for Fun with bending PE for Month, you re just right with the Lion Roar Set.
-Brass Barrels for Artillery,
-the Metal Propulsion Screws,
-Gunhouses for Main Armament made of Resin with Blastbags already included,
-Starfish Platforms in PE, POM-POM with Brassstripes representing Ammo,
-UP Mountings in PE,
-Breakwaters in PE,
-PE Parts for the Cutters, Gigs, Barges and Motorboats
-highly Detailed Superstructure Parts
-highly detailed Yardarms and Antennas
and many more Items included will give you all you need to create a beautyfull Model. The PE Manual is sometimes not easy to understand, but this is only more challenging for me. And i like Challenges!
As far as i know the Trumpeter Kit is released in 2007 so it is the latest Kit at the Market. The Kit is sometimes challenging too. Especially the Shelterdeck - and the foward Superstructure was not the easiest.
But just as you said, here in the Board are People with extensive Knowledge. These 3 Components, the PE-Fret, the Kit and the Board gives u everything u need to build a Model which just break through the Roof.
So enjoy it!