Trumpeter`s Repulse

[Phil R]

It isn`t often that a kit comes along that is so good that I start it straightaway,but Trumpy`s HMS Repulse,is an exception.I have never been so impressed by a kit(that is until the DML Gearing arrives) ,I felt that I should dive in with both feet ,and get building.This will the first time I`ve done a W-I-P on Modelwarships,so I approach this with degree of nervousness,So I hope you will a bear with me.
The quality of moulding in this kit is first-class,sharp edges,where needed,and a good "feel" to it.It contains three PE frets for the crane and deck-railings ,etc.There is one error that I`ve already discovered ,the aft deckhouse,supporting the single 4" gun is the wrong shape ,and size for the 1941 version,this what persuaded me to build a pre-war version,with the trial B/D twin 4" ,and an additional triple 4" mounting,which,luckily you get with the kit.
Well here goes !!

The main deck and hull parts,and PE frets.

The sprues with smaller parts,laid out alphabetically

the usual suspects for referance,the cover pic on the RN in focus book is proving very useful!!

The fit of the foc`sle deck is almost perfect!

Bye for now Phil

[Timmy C]

Looking forward to your buildup!

[MartinJQuinn]

Look forward to seeing your progress!

[simon b]

Yep, just ordered mine. Watching like a hawk

[TCC]

Is that a plastic kit? I didn't know the 'little' manufacturers had that sort of hardware to injection mould plastics. I'd been thinking all these non-airfix/Tamiya/etc kits were all resin based.

cheers

[Timmy C]

Trumpeter's not a "little guy" They've been the releaser of most of the largest 1/350 plastic kits in recent years.

[TCC]

Trumpeter's not a "little guy" They've been the releaser of most of the largest 1/350 plastic kits in recent years.

Allow me to rephrase... I meant 'little' as in new to me.

Evidently, if they have the injection machines and moulds, that's a pretty serious set-up and hardly a cottage industry. It was the size that surprised me.

Re: REPULSE. That's a lovely hull shape... in fact all the (British?) BCs have lovelly hull shapes. It's a pity it has to have the superstructure and all the other deck clutter attached.

[Timmy C]

Aye, Trumpeter isn't really a cottage industry any more. They're right up there (scope-wise, if not quality) with Tamiya, Revell, and others.

[Quincy]

Excellent references. Can't wait to see your build take shape.



Bob Pink.

[Phil R]

The first two modifications have been done,the kit has a hole for an anchor on the stern post,for the pre-war version this incorrect,there is a hole ,but it`s almost at waterline level,so I`ve filled in the incorrect one ,and made a new one.I`ve replaced the screens around the midships 4" with thinner plastic sheeting,and these also need to be slightly higher,than the kit screens.
It`s decision time now,waterline ,or full-hull.As my last three models have been waterline,I have decided to do a full-hull build,as I felt it would be such a waste the chuck away the lower hull,and I think that, large vessels,such as battlecruisers look better as full-hull.
So long Phil

[J. Soca]

Looking forward to see her finished Phil..


Jose

[JIM BAUMANN]

Phil!

Welcome to WIP at MW.com!

Just a quick note...

I had a look at the kit in a shop the other day--sure is big..!

DO PLEASE- however-- check the freeboard and the lower armour belt against some good plans.

Also check some photos

My initial feeling was that the 'waterline ' is set too low--ie Repulse always looks like she rides low in the water- the kit looked like it rides 'high'...

I had no tape measure in the shop alas...( otherwise I would try and verify my misgivings/doubts...)

Good luck--and I look forward to this build of yours--she is sure to turn out a beauty!
Best Wishes

JIM B

[Phil R]

Thanks everybody for your encouragement,Jim,thanks for the welcome.I`ve followed your advice,and checked the freeboard on the kit with the plan in the Raven & Roberts book,and the kit is spot-on.
It`s amazing what you can do with couple of days off work!Over the last two days ,I`ve managed to complete the base,and paint the hull.I used Humbrol Acrylic # 196 for the AP507C,it may be a little too light methinks.As for the teak deck colour,I did my own mix,when dry ,this was washed down with a connoction of water,Humbrol #62,and a drop of washing-up liquid,this was applied with a cotton-bud,and dried with another bud,is gives quite a good wood effect.Next up is to attach the numerous deck fittings,this is a departure for Trumpy,as usually they are moulded on the deck,I think having seperate parts is better way of doing things.

[TCC]

Phil!
My initial feeling was that the 'waterline ' is set too low--ie Repulse always looks like she rides low in the water- the kit looked like it rides 'high'...

I ran into this when trying to set out the hull plating on LION, seems they guys would repaint the boot topping and it seems that it went higher up the side as the ship got heavier and heavier during the war.

Of course, it's fuel load affected the 'trim' and that was another variation to take into account on photos.

Then I had the rrors in the hull. I thought they were mine but they're in the 2nd sheet of the LION plan... the 2 hulls must enlarge to slightly diff sizes.

[Dino Carancini]

A tasty Royal Navy online build is always welcome!

Dino

PS: please check your PMs on Britmodeler, thank you.

[luke]

Good work so far. Watching with interest in the WIP and build of the kit in general.

[Phil R]

After looking at what photos I`ve got of the pre-war Repulse,I came to the same conclusion as Jim,that the boot-topping was too low,so I heighten it by 1/4" ,this seems to have corrected it.
Over on "Calling all Ship Fans",RNFanDan says that the colour scheme was a very light gray ,somewhat lighter than AP507C,I wonder if this was because the Repulse was due to take King George VI,and the Queen to North America in 1939,in other words become a Royal Yacht?I think the Humbrol #196 matches that shade of gray .
I`ve made a start on adding all the numerous small deck details,and added three anchor chains,These are overscale,and will be replaced ,when I can find some suitable chain. Phil

[Phil R]

A start has been made on the forward superstructure,and the hangers.All these parts fitted near perfectly,the only bit of filler was needed around the joint ,where the vertical bulkheads met the deck.This kit is one of Trumpy`s best as regards fit.I`ve test fitted the structure to the main deck,and again, it was a great fit.
So Long Phil

[Phil R]

The shelter-deck has been painted and fixed to the main deck,much of this will not be seen,as there is another deck to go above this.As can be seen from the photos,the hangers have some interior detail moulded ,this will give much scope for the super-detailers ,to open the doors,and display an aircraft inside.
Additional detail needs to added to bulkhead,alongside "B" turret barbette,thats the next job.
Cheers Phil

[varga75]

Hi Phil !
Nice work. I'm looking forward for your updates, because I planning to build HMS Repulse too.
Jan