Building HMS Cleopatra

The large radar array is a true pièce de résistance and needs to be tackled successfully for the whole project to succeed. hence I did it early on. 

I added watertight doors from an Atlantic Models PE sheet as they looked crisper than the casting. The bridge windows were cut to size from self adhesive aluminum tape from the hardware store. 

The waterline seam needed some filling with CA glue and sanding. 

The base was made in my usual manner. 

The VDS pit head gear assembly is another demanding subassembly. 

Collecting subassemblies for priming and painting. 

Bringing colour to the base. 

Spraying fire red over black primer produces a neat hull red. 

The hull is virtually done. 

Main mast assembly. 

Fore mast assembly. Steel wire stiffeners added to the yardarms to withstand the pull of the rigging. 

Master´s Oerlikons are iffy to assemble, but well worth it. 

Adding PE detail to the superstructure prior to priming. 

Mating the superstructure to the hull needs pressure. 

Combining 3D printed life raft containers with PE supports. 

The Wasp helo is a tricky subassembly, mainly due to the delicate undercarriage. I also had problems with the decals as they were very brittle. Application of Microscale Liquid decal Film didn´t help that much, sadly. I placed my helo halfway into the hangar to avoid too close scrutiny of its nose.