Completing the Airfix 1:600 HMS Suffolk

This is the completed model. I now only would have to pop it into its base cutout, close any remaining gaps and be done. 

But I wasn´t that happy with the rather heavy-handed texture of the wave effects. 

 

So the thought kept nagging me, especially as I was quite happy with the ship. 

So I decided to take the plunge and start the base afresh - something I never do with a completed model, for fear of damage. 

I copied the base cutout onto a fresh piece of foam baord, which I had already treated with the gas torch to produce the wave pattern. That makes for neater borders of the cutout. 

I then stippled the base and sprayed it a tad darker than before. 

I had something fresh in mind for the wave effects, and made a test with really heavy body gloss clear acrylic gel. I applied it with a paintbrush. 

It wouldn´t cure clear beyond a certain layer. 

I found that a piece of sponge would work better than drybrushing the wave effects. 

The result of my test. 

In the end, the gel´s shrinkage made me apply it three times, with intermittent application of white to add some more depth. But I think it worked out. 

The completed model on its final base. 

The completed model on its final base. 

The completed model on its final base. 

The completed model on its final base. 

The completed model on its final base. 

The completed model on its final base. 

Now with the correct quadruple Pom-Pom AA. 

Now with the correct quadruple Pom-Pom AA.