The Mighty Hood... the BIG'yin! [Archive]

MartinH-K

06-03-2009, 19:22

I thought I'd start this thread to talk about my building a 1/35 scale manned model of HMS Hood. I'm dressing her for how she might have looked circa 1930/1. When finished, she'll be 7.42m in length with a beam of about 1m and with a displacement of... I have absolutely no idea!
On completion, her main armament will fire... smoke will issue from her stacks and a Fairey 111F will catapult from her quarterdeck, fly via radio control and land on the water. (I may have come up with a 'cunning plan' to fire off the 12 x 5.5in guns she had- rice projectiles via compressed air... mmmm... should keep those pesky seagulls off).
Why did I choose to do this ship (if you get past the 'why' I decided to build a model such as this in the first place) rather than another?
Well... I could say that she was arguably the finest representation of British Naval architecture ever. I could say that her ending was ignoble and that she should sail again. I could say many things... what I will say is that, for me she represents an ideal... heroic failure. She was ordered to go up against a modern warship in every respect when, in reality, she was an old lady. In 1920, when she was commisioned, she was allready 'out of date' but, if she had fought a battle then, she would probably have won it. We will never know. Why am I building her? I intend to sail her and raise money for the RNLI and other sea based charities. What do I get out of it? Come on!!! I get to pootle around at Maritime Festivals in my own battle cruiser! It's the ultimate boys toy! Bob is going to post some pictures for me. So far, the build has cost me over £800 and that doesn't include my time.
I've built the carcasses of the 15in guns and am currently sitting watching Stargate while I create the factory line for the 12 x 5.5in guns. 1 down, 11 to go... More later.:)

Batstiger

06-03-2009, 20:21

Here are the three pictures Martin sent to me this evening.
I will post them on his original introduction thread and let him talk you through what is going to be a large project.
"Good luck and over to you Martin."

Regards, Bob.

CGRET

06-03-2009, 20:35

Martin, Bob,

Bob, thank you for the posting. Martin, it look like you are on your way to a Fine model of the Hood. Hope to see the end results.

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

06-03-2009, 21:22

Thanks for putting them up Bob.
The pictures don't give much of an indication of her size but think the length of a bus and its getting there. The first picture shows the bow and mid section of the hull. The next shows all three sections but upside down! The final one shows (mainly) the bow as it approaches the 'start getting detail in!' section of the build. She will be scale above the waterline initially. I will be 'installing' her side armour when I dry-dock (back in the back garden) toward the end of the build- year four- I'm in year two now. This should make her 'reasonably accurate' below the waterline as well- the mechanics of sailing her notwithstanding. Most of the pictures I have (and I have many!!!) show the entire ship, few show the dirty mechanicals so to speak and its those kind of shots I really need. I have essentially three sources for the build...
Anatomy of a Warship- a book that uses admiralty plans
HMS Hood Association
and an AIrfix 1/400 kit!
(The latter is NOT terribly helpful - full of inaccuracies).
ANY help you guys can give will be most appreciated. Launch day? 15 May 2009 (I hope):)
BTW... if you look at the third picture- to the right you can see my dog Murphy- he weighs in at eight and a half stone! Another way to gauge the size!

Tiornu

06-03-2009, 21:23

One of the most misunderstood ships of all time. Because she was officially rated as a "battle cruiser" and because of her dramatic end, people forget that she was the arguably the best-armored ship in the RN when she commissioned.

astraltrader

06-03-2009, 21:30

Totally with you on that Tiornu. People also seem to forget she was 22 years old at the time of her demise.

MartinH-K

06-03-2009, 21:45

Just some brief history...
She was laid down on on 1st September 1916 and launched on 22nd August 1918. In January 1920, she was transferred to Rosyth for completion and sea trials. She was commisioned on 15th May 1920 (hence my planned launch date!).
She went down on the 24th May 1941- 21 years and two weeks of service to her country. Her resting place was discovered in 1989 - exactly 20 years ago.
I am hoping to invite someone who served aboard her to launch my poor effort to recreate her in miniature. If anyone knows of a member of the ship's company who would be prepared to do this, please let me know.:)
PS I was given a table that was ending its days as a piece of garden furniture. The reason I was given it was that it had been made from the deck planking taken from a pre-dreadnought (I think) battleship broken up in the 1920s. I thought to use it once more for the purpose it was intended... and plank my Hood with it. On one of the legs is a small, stamped metal plate with the original ship's details. I will try and dig it out of my woodpile and share it with you.

Tiornu

06-03-2009, 23:18

People also seem to forget she was 22 years old at the time of her demise.
Exactly. Any unmodernized "R" class battleship would have been just as vulnerable to the sort of hit that killed Hood. If Hood had enjoyed a modernization like that given to Queen Elizabeth (the ship) or Warspite, she would have, in all probability, survived the hit and continued the battle.

Batstiger

06-03-2009, 23:51

A couple more pictures of Martin's enormous project.

Bob.

kookaburra

07-03-2009, 02:23

I would just like to express a sentiment that I am sure is implicit in every reply here, but has not quite been said : how much I admire MartinH-K for his commitment to this wonderfully eccentric, totally over-the-top project - and his plan to put it to charitable uses.

When it comes to fruition, and he has built the boat trailer that will be required to tote this 'bus-length' working model of HMS Hood about, I am sure it will become famous throughout the length and breadth of Britain. A new part of the national estate.

Good luck to you in every way with it Martin. I'll fly up there and have a look after she's launched. Wouldn't miss it :)

designeraccd

07-03-2009, 03:17

Who needs a Boston Whaler when you can SAIL your own HOOD??! WOW! Good luck, that is a HUGE project! DFO :)

07-03-2009, 12:52

Brilliant project Martin, hats off to you for taking it on, and thanks for keeping the forum updated with your progress.

I shouldn't mention it, but I've just started a Bismarck model. I don't however think it would be any match for your Hood, being a 1:350 scale out of a packet!

MartinH-K

07-03-2009, 17:39

Aw... shucks! Thanks guys. Sometimes I look at it... and how much work is still to be done and think... God! Why did I start this. It's nice getting some encouragement. KC, I have a friend (in Dunfirmline I think) who has a 31ft HMS Invincible - the aircraft carrier. If you're interested, I can find out when and where he's sailing her in the next few months. :)

astraltrader

07-03-2009, 17:48

Thirty-one feet long!

Where does he keep/moor it??

MartinH-K

07-03-2009, 18:52

I do feel I need to make a point though...
This is essentially a cross between a working boat and a scale representation. There is NO way it would ever be museum quality. There is an expectation that, the bigger you get, the more detail you can show. The bigger you get, the less detail you build in because there is more that can break, would be closer to the truth. I have seen r/c models of Hood at 1/200 that have working turrets and four engines. Can you imagine me trying to manage four engines at 1/35?! I am not a fine art modeller. I have neither the time nor the financial resources to build this the way I would like to. I am however going to do the best I can to build the world's biggest scale model of the Hood. And, from a distance, if you screw up your eyes, she just might look something like the original.;)

MartinH-K

07-03-2009, 18:59

If you go to;
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Manned_Model_Ships_International/
and then to new photos and/or gallery, you will find a number of nutters like me.
We have a sort of plan to go to Weymouth Maritime Festival, en masse this year. That would feature, HMS Invincible (31ft), HMS King George V (25ft), HMS Hood (7.42m), a Leander class frigate (15ft?) and a nuclear submarine (15ft?) and possibly more that I don't know about yet. Can you imagine dawn breaking over Weymouth harbour. Out of the gently rising mist comes a flotilla of manned model warships... :D

CGRET

07-03-2009, 19:25

All I can say is "Bravo".

This kind of model shipbuilding is growing faster than most people think. If only I had the time and resources!! Your endeavor to build one of the most famous ship's in nautical history is in my book very admirable and show's talent that some only dream of. Your desire to share your building of the Hood put's some of us in waitting to see the Hood completed in all her glory!

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

07-03-2009, 19:42

Thanks Charles... that all helps.
If you google... Portsmouth Model Boat Display team... they are total LUNATICS!
:)
By the way... I am building in three sections that bolt together at two bulkheads. It will make transporting in a converted horsebox quite simple- racking!
It also makes it easier to lift... downside is that she will take about an hour to dress for the water... just like a woman! lol

CGRET

07-03-2009, 21:54

When you bolt the two sections together at the bulkhead, do you have a rubber gasket prevent water intrusion? Also what type of ballast is used, Lead?

I did visit the web site you suggested and WOO! What a way to preserve our Maritime History.

With the Man type's is the person the ballast for the ship? Now that would be a thrill!

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

07-03-2009, 22:27

Each of us have different methods... it's virgin territory after all.:)
Below the waterline are lever catches- a bit like what you get on some guitar cases for example but heavy duty- they came from ammo boxes! Above that waterline... a LONG way above the waterline, the sections are bolted all the way through. I'm a belt a braces kind of guy so also below the water-line will be up to five lengths of steel tubing that will provide a further connection, some ballast, stability and protection against grounding and underwater obstructions. Due to the material used in the construction, she will be VERY light so will need ballasting. I have a choice... I could use compartmentalised concrete but I'd have to lift them in and out. What I will probably do is use 50 gallon plastic water containers which I can carry empty and fill before sailing. One of the first tasks during the sea trials will be to see what her displacement level is and work out both how much ballast is needed and where it should sit so she rides in the water properly. I have done it this way for several reasons but principally ease of transporting... its easier to lift a 2.5m section three times than a 7.5m section once. Also, if one hull should lose its integrity, the other two sections should be enough to keep me afloat. Safety is paramount in a build like this- fast exit must be factored in.
My Hood will be able to accommodate up to three people though two will be the norm... can be done with one but then... who'd fly the aeroplane?:)
Ballast will be adjusted by taking on water in the relevant compartment. Stability is also a serious factor. She's flat bottomed with a three vestigial keels but I'm concious that, even though the upper works are light, they could act like a sail so I am including two parallel angled drop stabilising keels- a little like the drop boards used in sailing dingies only shorter.
The bow contains bouyancy, ballast and batteries (mostly). The midships are where the two crew sit. Due to the design of the Hood's upperworks, I plan to make some use of CCTV to allow me greater vision... it also means I don't have to disguise my view ports as much. The stern will contain the two engines plus fuel. Exhuast will vent through the stern most funnel... both funnels will be fed 'smoke' from a professional disco smoke machine with the a.c. transformer removed. The main 15in batteries will have two modes... the first mode will be the 'bang/flash' where a standard thunderflash will be ignited within the turret and expell through the barrels. Mode two will enable the guns to fire (using different barrels) potato 'chunks' via compressed air. Eight giant 'spud' guns if you will...:D I also have an idea about the 12 x 5.5in guns and some rice... Need some way of keeping the seagulls from crapping on my decks! You may have gathered by now that a lot of thought has gone into this... I'm in my second year of building but she was nearly three years in the design! I know... I should get out more. Really happy to answer ANY questions folk might have... if I can...;)

CGRET

07-03-2009, 22:56

It's sounds like to me that your idea's of Water ballast is one that I never would of thought of. That makes sense! As for the construction I think you have it well in hand on the method's used. You have a good plan for the hull's interior! What light weight materials are used for the hull since that will bear the weight sort of speak? The turret idea is spot on!

The motor for the ship is it close to those RC type motors? Is there a fuel/oil mix or just straight fuel?

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

07-03-2009, 23:33

I toyed with the idea of using twin 80lb thrust electric engines but cost (think how many batteries!)... The plus side would be little in the way of vibration and that could be crucial. I am also considering straight fuel outboards (they would still be unseen but there are issues with this as well so, while I don't have to make a decision yet, I won't... the design allows both options. As far as the construction is concerned... I have used standard 3/8 builders ply for the base and bulkheads and used 3/16 ply around a frame for the sides. The frame gives it strength... it's built a bit like a pram dingy! The difference between builders and marine ply is mainly a quality one. Marine ply is a higher spec though made in the same way. The spec 'promises' less/no open spaces in the core sheet. The thing is, if the surfaces are properly sealed and painted, the core need not be an issue. Also, all seams are fibreglassed. As far as general construction is concerned... the base goes down first, then the frame is built on to it, then the bulkheads go in and finally the sides. Side bracing and then 3/8 ply decking completes the gross build. Most of the hull has been primed, undercoated and, so far had three coats of grey gloss. I will be adding at least another three coats, then spraying the whole thing with a nitro-celulose varnish before the hull goes to a friend who owns a car body shop repair centre. He is going to spray both undercoat and top coat before baking it in his oven. The formula he will use is designed for VERY hard wear. The final coat will be a matt/dull gloss battleship grey as used in the Mediteranean during the 1930s. He will also open all access panels and 'mud' spray the interior- this is a system designed to fill cracks and holes that are either all but invicible or hard to reach by conventional means. Side panel in the hull will then be injected with cavity wall insulation which is essentially expanded polystyrene for general bouyancy and safety.:)

CGRET

08-03-2009, 02:43

I would say the hull is strong enough. It's alway's nice to a friend who can spray paint in a shop where it can be done safety. As for the motor,electric would rechargable Nicads be of any use? But you are smart to the have options built in.

Await your next post!

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

08-03-2009, 09:37

The electric engines are the big, comercial outboards used to power proper boats and use batteries not unlike car batteries. They cost about £200 each plus about £50 per battery so I'd be looking at about £600!:-(

kookaburra

10-03-2009, 07:20

Martin: You are not alone...

I happened on this ... American guy who has built 1:20 model of the Graf Spee. It is on a site called 'Lost Weekend'

http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lostweekend.tv/admiralgrafspeeterra01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lostweekend.tv/2007/09/&usg=__8V-kLXenzhugSoHvLWQbNF-S6R4=&h=301&w=440&sz=35&hl=en&start=277&tbnid=asQmiLaCmHVjuM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwar%2Bbride%2Bships%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp% 3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D260

and here's his story, as reported on that site:

Bored American William Terra has just completed a six year project that has seen him build a 1:20 scale "model" of German Second World War pocket battleship the Admiral Graf Spee, a ship famous for both its comparative success and, conversely, its scuttling in the first year of the war.

A man with too much time on his hands i.e. he hasn't got a girlfriend, William has spent over £5000 pounds over the years, building the giant toy/tiny ship from scratch using wood, fibreglass and metal. The ship runs on 15hp outboard engine, can Carry two people and even has a built in sound system on which he apparently "likes to listen to Wagner". William has also admitted that he'd like to see other people build similar models, presumably for reenactments.

Now I'm worried he's just looking for a tiny version of Europe to conquer...

and continued best wishes for your project. K.

DAVIDJM

10-03-2009, 19:33

Congratulations Martin on your attempt to build HMS HOOD and the purpose you are intending to use her for.

When I was 12 I read her life history in a book by??? Bradford (I think) and was hooked, and now had a lifetime interest in shipping.

I will look forward to seeing the photos and narrative of your achievements and seeing the completed project

When is the event in Weymouth?? I hope I can rangle th time to go down and see it

MartinH-K

10-03-2009, 20:00

Hi David
Weymouth is on from 4-12 July. Nothing confirmed yet though...
The Bristol Harbour Festival is from 31 July to 2 August and I'm planning to be at that one!!!
Thank you for the nice words.
Martin
:)

designeraccd

10-03-2009, 21:32

I do hope you will CONTINUE to show us your progress with photos as you go forward. Truly an amazing effort, best of luck! DFO :D

MartinH-K

10-03-2009, 22:00

Of course... if there's anyone out there who doesn't live too far away and wants to help or even crew...:D

MartinH-K

14-03-2009, 13:31

I mentioned earlier in this thread that I'd come across a table (teak) that was being thrown out... I've now found the piece with the plaque on it. It reads...
"Made by The Hughes Bolckow Shipbreaking Company Ltd, Blyth, Northumberland from TEAK TAKEN FROM HMS Powerful" :)
Would anyone like to tell us about her?;)
I can tell you that she's VERY famous... 1895-1929. The Naval gun competition held at Earls Court commemorates the Naval Brigade from HMS Powerful (1907).
I have a REAL bit of history here...

Batstiger

14-03-2009, 23:04

Here are the latest pictures from Martin with his accompaying note:-

Hi Bpb
Here are some more showing how I gor on up to an hour ago...
Pictures include one of the 8 barreled pom poms (another to build). Made
from...
one cd container base and assorted bic pen barrels, a bit of lego and the
trees from an old airfix model! The other pics are of the ship...
thank you for doing this. More on 2nd mail...
Martin

Bob.

MartinH-K

15-03-2009, 01:57

Thanks for putting them up.
Yes... I know the pom poms are not very accurate (come to think of it- they weren't in real life either...) but my plans were not very good either. When I have time, I will rebuild them. They have 'improved' a bit- more bits added since the photo was taken. They will look better in place and... why am I making excuses???:confused::o

bob shayler

15-03-2009, 18:15

Hi Martin,
HMS Hood being my favourite ship of all time, I will endeavour to make it to Weymouth in July. What is the location of the venue,
regards,
Bob

MartinH-K

15-03-2009, 19:02

Weymouth is still in the hands of someone else at the moment. I'll let you now here when I have more details. I am going to be at the Harbour Festival at the end of July in Bristol however...:D

MartinH-K

19-03-2009, 19:59

Today before I carried on with some more gray paint!:)

.... if you look closely at the bridge section, you may notice a fairly significant error!!! Fixable but irritating! I keep saying to myself... "measure twice, cut once!"
My problem is that I'm working from Anatomy of a Warship plans (in a variety of scales) and largely based on Hood when she sank, and a 1/400 scale airfix model that is also circa 1941. Trouble is, I'm building her as she looked ten years earlier in 1931 so I'm having to rely on photo's and 'best guesses'! I may have to put up with some 'comments' when she sails from those who get 'pissy' about detail. Guys, I'm doin' the best I can with little or no money.

MartinH-K

20-03-2009, 18:46

I thought some piccies from the end of today's work might be in order...:)

MartinH-K

20-03-2009, 18:48

You never know... by the time she launches, I might have made flag rank here...:D

CGRET

20-03-2009, 20:05

Martin,

You have made some serious progress! As for the mistake, you can correct it i would assume. As for the POM POM mount, you have given it your best effort. Can it be or are you going to re-make one? All in all you have got a winner in my book! Good Job!

Cheers
Charles

MartinH-K

20-03-2009, 21:09

Thanks Charlie
I think I'll leave it be for the moment- other fish to fry! After I've got her 'wet', I'll attend to those and other little details.
More pictures at the end of tomorrow.:)

MartinH-K

21-03-2009, 18:56

Well... Saturday is over (as far as boat building is concerned) and I have a few more piccies (let me know when you get bored:o).
The major part of today has been spent in working on the main bridge super-structure. Why did they have to make it so bloody complicated?:confused:
Anyway, when I got bored I did LOTS of filling, sanding, priming and repainting.
In one of the pics, you can see one of the proto 5.5in guns. Construction constraints mean that not all of the twelve5.5in guns she carried will rotate. You can also see (looking past the gun turrets), where the crew will be.:rolleyes:

designeraccd

21-03-2009, 19:34

I sure hope her "scale armor belt" and "decks" don't cause her to SUBmerge!!!! Keep up the fine work; look forward to seeing her in the water! DFO ;):D:D

MartinH-K

21-03-2009, 20:30

To be honest, for the moment, she won't have an armour belt. That's on the list for next year. I will be adding it as a 'cosmetic'. She will have two drop boards for stability/anti roll anyway but the armour belt will be blue foam overlaid with fibreglass. It will be part of the 'let's get this bugger fully 'glassed', phase. As a 'flatty' she will be quite stable in the water anyway but I will be adding four lengths of tubular steel under the hull both for additional stability and ballast. An added bonus is that they will also provide further rigidity and connectivity for the seperate hulls.:)

Bill Slater(Scouse)

22-03-2009, 10:12

Hi! Martin,
Sorry I have taken so long to get back to you about the location of your article on the HMS Hood project.( have been a little busy)
I have taken the time to find it and see the photos, Like everyone I am amazed at the size of your Model, it looks as though you will be needing a Maratime insurance certificate before you can take it to sea " LLoyds is not a bad idea", Look forward to it's completion photo.
Kindest regards
Bill

MartinH-K

26-03-2009, 20:57

Check it out!!! Awesome!
http://olli.freeweb.hu/hd.html

CGRET

26-03-2009, 23:34

Martin,

I would agree it's truely a awesome ship. Amazing.....

Regards
Charles

Alan B

27-03-2009, 15:24

Hi Martin
Keep up the good work. You and all the other model-makers must have the patients of a saint building these ships.
Here are some I took photos of at the Explosion Museum. The weather stopped them from sailing that day unfortunately.
Alan

MartinH-K

30-03-2009, 19:27

From this weekend's work...
'Railings 3' was NOT an outstanding success but... it's fixable.
They are made with soft iron nails. I have tapped the shaft and made three groves. I then used craft wire... I cut myself! <:(
As they are nails, they have no groove so... I inserted the head end into my drill and slowly screwed them in that way. %%
I put the wire on afterwards! The effect is quite pleasing I think...

CGRET

31-03-2009, 04:42

Martin,

Nice work on the railings! The ship is coming together nicely!

Cheers
Charles

MartinH-K

11-04-2009, 18:55

A couple of new shots... note the new gun barrels!!! and all sorts of other bits!:)

MartinH-K

13-04-2009, 22:12

Took all the sections apart today and turned the midships upside down. I then glassed the seams with fast glass and P40. Should be dry tomorrow and ready for... another layer! It all came apart (properly, not falling apart) in about 15 minutes.:)

harry.gibbon

13-04-2009, 22:29

Absolutely fascinating MartinH-K, I'm sure this thread is going to be well observed through to completion and beyond.

Good luck

Little h

MartinH-K

14-04-2009, 15:24

Thanks... all the encouragement really helps. Should have some more pics up in the next few days.:D

Aidan

14-04-2009, 19:13

Hi Martin, brilliant work, I've always wanted to do something like that, maybe when my (lying, cheating, soon to be my ex) wife leaves, I might actually have a go and build something similar. There is a huge lake about 1/2 a mile from me which has a good jetty to launch from, car parking and all the goodies required to play with a monster like that, cant wait to see it in the water.
If I may be so bold Sir, and I intend no offence whatsoever, just a couple of teeny weeny things from your earlier post's are a little incorrect,,, The "official" date of Hood's keel laying was indeed 1st September,1916, but the first couple of pieces were actually placed on the slipway for assembly on 31st May, 1916. However, work was immediately suspended when news of the loss of the 3 Battlecruisers at Jutland came through and work did not resume until 1st september when design modifications were approved, which is why 1st september is given as the "official" date.
Also, it wasn't Hood's wreck that was found in 1989, it was Bismarck, she was discovered by Doctor Robert Ballard, the same guy that found Titanic. Hood's wreck was discovered by David Mearns of Bluewater Recoveries Ltd in July 2001, the expedition being sponsored by the Channel 4 T.V. company. Videos/DVD's of both these expeditions are available to buy and are well worth getting. Sorry if I appear to be a "know it all", just surprised no one else mentioned it. Anyway, best of luck with your Hood, hope you have lots of fun with her, best wishes, Aidan.

MartinH-K

14-04-2009, 20:53

Thank you and I take no offence.:) I have been more concerned with building her as accurately as I can with little money and less time so my researches have been occasionally lacking beyond what I need for the build. You're right, she is a monster isn't she? My wife thought I'd gone nuts when I started this but she has now officially accepted that it actually begins to look the part.:D
The work won't be finished when she hits the water though. Adding detail will take at least another couple of years plus necessary repair work, overhuals and repainting. Upgrades to make the armament functional (though NOT with real ordnance) and the installation of CCTV (so I can see!) will also take time. I don't think this will be my last build though... Once I've proved the design... who knows? Bismark next...?:o

Aidan

14-04-2009, 21:31

Have you seen this kiddy Martin, apparently some fella(s) makes them to order from what I can remember, they sell for about 2 grand assembled, with running gear etc, and there designed so that you can actually sit in the thing and be your own captain. I believe he does a Graff Spee as well.

MartinH-K

14-04-2009, 22:17

That would be Roger from Kittywake boats. He has a somewhat different approach but has been really helpful. He also has a nuclear submarine! Met him at a couple of events. Mine too, is manned rather than radio controlled but will feature some things that Roger hasn't got around to yet. We were trying to arrange a fleet event but the steam seems to have gone out of it a bit...
Because this is a prototype, I'm allready at about £900 for this build though, once 'proved', I suspect I can do it for a fraction of the cost though I still have more to spend...:(

CGRET

14-04-2009, 22:27

Martin,

From the look of things in your post, you are indeed well on your way! Hope to see your finished beauty when she is out of the builder's yard.

Regards
Charles

harry.gibbon

14-04-2009, 23:29

MartinH-K,

You;ll need to have your second fleet addition in the water before you take the original out for refit... or othewise... the local lake or waterway will be without proper big gun long range protection!!!!!;):D:rolleyes:

Little h

Aidan

15-04-2009, 01:55

Hi Martin, I've got a fair bit of info, pics etc for Hood around '31. If you get stuck on anything, give me a shout and I'll see if I can help out, BTW, you probably already know, Heller's 1/400 Hood is dreadfully innacurate, every single item of the forward tripod superstructure is wrong and a number of platforms are totally missing, I've been "correcting" one of these models for the past 17 months (shows you how bad the thing is), if you find that you have to use the model as a guide for certain parts, let me know, I've found a couple of things on it that so far (going by all the Heller Hood's I've seen) I dont think anyone else has spotted and they do make a big difference to the end result.

MartinH-K

15-04-2009, 09:44

Hi Aiden
That's great! What I really need at the moment are any shots you might have of the main bridge assembly including the tripod assembly. The Anatomy of a Warship plans, while accurate are not particularly informative in that they don't show which bit goes on which as it gets higher so I'm doing way too much guessing. I don't want to guess, I want to get it right first time. Everytime I guess and get it wrong, it costs me money.:(
Cheers
Martin

Francis Stanley

16-04-2009, 06:12

Martin
don't know if this is of any help a contemporary diagram C1940

MartinH-K

16-04-2009, 09:00

EVERYTHING is useful and I thank you!:)
Martin

MartinH-K

20-04-2009, 14:01

If ever you do something like this, don't be tempted to think you can substitute a different fibre for glass fibre! It doesn't work. :mad:

MartinH-K

21-04-2009, 15:50

This is weird... I seem to have my own section... at leastfor the moment...:o
Can anyone tell me the average length of 2ndWW deck planking?

MartinH-K

21-04-2009, 19:26

Well... thanks to Charles, I was able to start planking!!!:)

MartinH-K

21-04-2009, 19:28

LOADS of sanding to do when this is done BUT, it did come off a REAL battleship and pre-dreadnought as well!!!:D

CGRET

22-04-2009, 03:10

Martin,

So far your planking is top notch!

Do have any holy stones to clean the Deck planking with? Just Kidding.

Keep up the good job!

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

22-04-2009, 09:53

No but I suspect I will have to go a buy several pots of elbow grease.;)

DAVIDJM

22-04-2009, 12:33

Just thought

Is your bath big enough to try it out before going on public display :p

good work i will look forward to seeing the end product

MartinH-K

22-04-2009, 14:03

Thank you and, no my bath isn't big enough but... that's my NEXT project!:D

MartinH-K

25-04-2009, 12:49

More planking...

MartinH-K

25-04-2009, 16:29

Forgot the pics...

Aidan

25-04-2009, 18:18

Mousey

25-04-2009, 18:58

Very interested in what you are doing Martin and the whole thread. No doubt you have visited the Hood Association site? Are you aware of the church at Boldre and the models and paintings there which were altered to ensure they were accurate? Finally the book HMS Hood, Pride of the Royal Navy by Andrew Norman, ISBN 1-86227-152-6? Maybe your local library could get it for you? It contains quite a few photos which would help especially an aerial view showing from the bow back to the bridge and main mast. Also the anchor chains and hawse pipes are clearly seen - huge! Strangely enough, to me anyway, she is under way but has several boats swung out. Good luck, I admire you tackling such a large project.

MartinH-K

26-04-2009, 12:18

Thats looking real good Martin, very realistic, that wood is a lovely tone. Are you going to add the forward breakwater storage lockers next or will you leave them untill after the planking is finished?

Its a great colour isn't it? I have a polishing compound to use as well. I'm going to leave all the assorted deck furniture until the planking is done for obvious reasons. I think my mum wants to spring for the twin Mincotas and batteries!!! :)

Hi Mousey
The build is featured in a small way on the Hood Assocuation site. I mentioned earlier that this will never be museum quality and I will have to take some artistic licence initially or I'll never get her in the water! As time progresses though, I will replace those 'questionable' bit with more accurate representations. :)

MartinH-K

26-04-2009, 13:21

Planking and sanding and planking and more sanding... I have just about given up the will to live...:eek:

Aidan

26-04-2009, 23:57

Oh well, in that case, any chance you could leave me the model in your will??? :D:D:D

BTW, if you guys want a good laugh, get on to You Tube and check out "Akmed The Dead terrorist", excuse my french but, it's f**king brilliant :p

MartinH-K

27-04-2009, 14:14

I have now run out of the teak from HMS Powerful so, as I have an abundance of pine, I'm switching to that and will teak stain it. Won't we the same but... any port in a storm!

MartinH-K

28-04-2009, 19:29

So... here's the first bit of pine planking. I will stain it and the different ages of the pine will mean a slightly different density so each plank will soak up a slightly different amount of stain... that's the plan anyway. I now have a plank production line! That's REALLY sad isn't it?:o

CGRET

28-04-2009, 19:58

Martin,

Looks great!

Do you plan to try and fill the seams as it was done in her day?

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

28-04-2009, 20:03

Oh yes....! I have a cunning plan! I will stain, then sand, then fill with car body filler BUT before it's fully dry, I hit it with a stiff brush to remove all but the filler that's in the seams. Then, I will lightly sand again (being careful not to lift the stain). I will let you know the results as soon as I do.:D

CGRET

28-04-2009, 21:14

Martin,

Looking forward to it!

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

29-04-2009, 16:21

Today's planking shot! :D I feel like a plank at the moment...

CGRET

29-04-2009, 18:13

Martin,

Making some measurable progress! I can understand you feeling like a plank! Any would after cutting ,fitting, installing as much as you have.

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

29-04-2009, 22:51

The progress is ALL that's keeping me going. I stand back after the day is done and I've cleaned up and look at it... sometimes I don't move away for about ten minutes! If all goes well, come Sunday, I can order the engines!!!:):):) THe good thing is that, although I've got LOTS of planking still to do, the hard bit is actually done.:)

MartinH-K

01-05-2009, 19:37

okaaayyyy.... slight but irritating (though fixable) booboo! I got so carried away with my planking that I wasn't paying close attention to my planking plan and planked the wrong bit- the 'red' section. It needed to be thicker anyway so I will simply body fill and re-paint. Don't be concerned about the different shade of plank- teak and pine... the pine is to be teak stained soon.

CGRET

03-05-2009, 18:19

Martin,

Very nice! Did you say you were a ship's carpenter? Looking Good!

Regards
Charles

MartinH-K

03-05-2009, 22:29

Thankyou Charles! No, I'm a housing manager by day and a musician by night. I only moonlight as a ships carpenter!:D I have no more than the usual range of DIY skills. There is so much I would do differently about this ship, second time around. My next one will be better and cheaper! The planking is just a case of getting a production line going. Over the next week, I should have ALL the midships decks planked and (maybe) the stern as well. Costing me a small fortune in glue though...:eek:

CGRET

04-05-2009, 17:56

Martin,
I think you have the right idea for the next ship, when it comes out of the builders yard! I can see where the glue would cost a lot! Anyway your planking is very good indeed, and await your next installment of photos.

Cheers
Charles

MartinH-K

04-05-2009, 18:22

I'm toying with the idea of a same scale Bismark... mmmmm:eek:

Aidan

05-05-2009, 18:58

Hi Martin, if you do get round to doing Bismarck, (which is incidently another of my top 3 ships of all time, Missouri being the other one), let me know, I've got some lovely stuff I can send you, not unsimilar to the Hood stuff I sent you, but with far more in the way of very detailed close up picture's, plus great graphics of every known variation of her camo scheme, would that temp you to burn some more midnight oil ???:D:D:D, the planking is looking great. Just a curiosity, is there a particular reason why your planking does not reach up to the barbette's, not fault picking in any way, just curious, all the best, Aidan.

MartinH-K

05-05-2009, 19:06

Probably 'cos it's not finished....? Actually, I've been planking things that shouldn't have been and vice versa.:o As far as Bismark is concerned... let's finish Hood first.:) (Thanks for the offer of the detailed stuff as well). More shots up shortly...

MartinH-K

05-05-2009, 22:59

Today's planking shots!

MartinH-K

09-05-2009, 19:42

I was REALLY not looking forward to doing the anchor holes... and it went really well AND I made the anchors as well!!! Thumbs upThe last shot is of the f'ward jack staff.

harry.gibbon

09-05-2009, 19:51

I was REALLY not looking forward to doing the anchor holes... and it went really well AND I made the anchors as well!!! Thumbs upThe last shot is of the f'ward jack staff.
Still keeping our interest in your project Martin.... well done.

An observation about pic No. 4; is it just MY eyes, but doesn't the pic viewed as a thumbnail look like an aerial shot down across the bow of a ship being launched???? (with the pebbles appearing as a crowd of people)!!!

little h

MartinH-K

09-05-2009, 20:48

I hadn't noticed but YOU ARE RIGHT! :D

CGRET

10-05-2009, 01:50

Martin,

Excellent work on the anchors and the hawspipes! Very nice indeed! Great photo's of your work in progress. Well Done!

Cheers
Charles

NASAAN101

10-05-2009, 05:13

Hi Martin,
The name is NASAAN101! Hood was a cool ship, i'll give her that. But she was old girl at the time she and POW went in to battle with Bismarck and Prinz Eugen. If they had time to re-build her could she have taken on BIsmarck and PR and won that fight? How long is she going to be when shes done?
Nikki

MartinH-K

10-05-2009, 10:44

Hi matey,
If they'd refitted her when they were supposed to... hard one to call but the shot that killed her was a lucky shot anyway. There is some argument that, had she completed her turn to port prior to that and got in closer, the tragectory of the German fire would have been flatter and she could have soaked that up with her more than adequate side armour anyway. The tactics may have been flawed but appear to have been based on getting Hood and POW 'inside' and close where 'lobbing' shots couldn't hurt them. At the time of the fatal explosion, only Hood's forward turrets could bear on the Bismark- the turn to port was to allow all of her batteries to bear. She never got the chance to see what that might have done. My ship will be 7.42m long and in three sections that are bolted together.

NASAAN101

10-05-2009, 14:17

Hey! what is 7.5 meters in feet? Nikki

MartinH-K

10-05-2009, 16:25

About 27 feet ish...:D

NASAAN101

10-05-2009, 17:10

Is she an RC boat or what? who building her for you? Nikki

MartinH-K

10-05-2009, 17:13

Ah...no. She's a manned model- crew of two. One skipper (me) and one pilot (flying the r/c float plane and taking care of business at the stern). I am building her in my back garden... it's about 30 feet hence the size I'm restricted to.:o

NASAAN101

10-05-2009, 17:31

Man she going to be a big girl! is she staying in the back yard or r u goinh tro get her on the eater at some point? Nikki

MartinH-K

10-05-2009, 17:32

I'm hoping to get her wet in the next 6-8 weeks... I'm doing detail at the moment but the only thing I'm short of are the engines.;)

MartinH-K

10-05-2009, 22:25

Piccies from today!!!:D

MartinH-K

10-05-2009, 22:27

Oops... in my excitement, forgot to put up the piccies....:o

NASAAN101

10-05-2009, 23:00

hey,
Heres what gets me. Hood sure not have gone up agaisnt PE and Bimsarck, what do you thing?
NIKKI

MartinH-K

11-05-2009, 01:00

She was a 'ship of the line'... what else could she do? Its a bit like the Polish Air Force trying to take on 109's with biplanes. It was all they had, what else could they do?

MartinH-K

11-05-2009, 14:21

I have to tell you... there are some days when I get REALLY sick of this boat.:( I'm glad today is not one of them!:)

harry.gibbon

11-05-2009, 15:07

I have to tell you... there are some days when I get REALLY sick of this boat.:( I'm glad today is not one of them!:)
keep going Martin, then what was a mirage in my post #95 can become reality that we can all witness via your fine pics.... good luck little h

NASAAN101

11-05-2009, 15:28

Martin,
She was an old, girl..
NIKKI

MartinH-K

11-05-2009, 17:58

She was also VERY fast (even by 1941 standards) and had 8 x 15in guns. With good deck armour... who knows?:confused:

NASAAN101

11-05-2009, 19:38

Ya,
but she was an old girl, to do forget.. i think they should have waited for KGV and her group before going on the attack, but that just me!
Nikki

MartinH-K

11-05-2009, 23:53

Just a couple of shots from today... what I made in front of the tv rather than the anchor and chain work I did on the boat! The ladders are made from an old, metal file tray. Recycling at its most extreme! When one has no money, one must needs be inventive.;)

NASAAN101

12-05-2009, 00:13

She was still a cool ship, dont get me wrong on that ok, but whos building her for you! Aand r u puting those part together! nikki

Aidan

12-05-2009, 02:41

The tragic irony about Hood's deck armour is that contrary to popular belief, her main deck armour had in fact been upgraded at various points during her life and by 1941, was reasonably comparable to the majority of Capital ships of the time, and her main armour belt, due to it being sloped, was probably equal, if not better than anything afloat at the time. It was her quarterdeck armour that hadn't been upgraded sufficiantly, and that was her undoing. If, at the time she took the fatal hit, the shell had landed on her main deck forward, she may well have survived and indeed prevailed. There were other factors involved in the saga, Hood's 15 inch Mk 1 guns were arquably the finest and certainly the most accurate naval weapon at that time. Almost everyone credits the German's with exceptionally accurate guns, the simple fact is they weren't that accurate, it was their optical equipment that was exceptionally accurate, and that enabled them to "lock on target" quicker, thus allowing them to usually get the first hits in. In his book "Battleship Bismarck - A Survivors Story", Mullenheim-Rechberg states that when Hood shifted target to the Bismarck, he was convinced that Hood would have got Bismarck with her 3rd salvo, Bismarck got Hood with her 5th, and thats where the second factor comes into play, a combination of misidentification by Hood, which allowed Bismarck more time to target her, and (in my humble opinion) shockingly bad tactics by Admiral Holland. Ok, I appreciate hindsight etc, but Adm Holland should and could have split Bismarcks fire by allowing Hood and Prince of Wales to approuch Bismarck independantly rather than side by side, He knew where she was and what direction she was coming from, and on the same token, Norfolk and Suffolk should have used a little initiative and taken out Prinz Eugan in the same way which, with twice the firepower of the Prinz, they could have easily done. But I think ultimately it was Hood's famous last turn that sealed her fate, yes, it allowed her to bring her rear guns to bear, but it also exposed her very vunerable quarterdeck, and thats what really killed her. But the good news is, Martin is bringing her back to life with his fantastic model and absolutely no offence to you Nikki, but if you read thru this thread, you'll see that Martin is building this model himself, and, I think he's doing a brilliant job of it as well.

NASAAN101

12-05-2009, 03:39

ok, i was thing some one was helping him, that a 30-foot-model, from what he said.. Norfolk and Suffolk, may have had an Little more firepower then her but she had, her big brother, one well place shot from bis and their day done.. anyway, i love models, im actally looking to go gett a nalready mad e model of bismarck.. its 25inches long..
NIKK

MartinH-K

12-05-2009, 18:34

I just measured her again... I think she's growing... well, she is in the garden!!! Latest measurement is just over 8m! That makes her just under 27 feet!:)
I put her together (without bolting etc) and will post up the piccies in a min. JUST FOR FUN I put up a very temporary mast so I could fly her brand new Battle Ensign. Had to have a major clear up as the Evening POst is coming in the morning to put it in the paper...

MartinH-K

12-05-2009, 18:46

And here they are....:D

Aidan

12-05-2009, 19:37

I think the reporters will be gob smacked when they see that monster, she's coming along really fine Martin.

NASAAN101

12-05-2009, 22:05

Martin,
Are her gun going for fire BB or what? the photos are great, i cant wait til shes done..
NIKKI

MartinH-K

12-05-2009, 22:13

Hi Nikki
You really should read all the way through this thread... no disrespect intended.
Earlier in the thread I say that (next winter) I will be putting in place two firing systems.
1) Will be a compressed air system that will fire potato pieces.
2) A simple fire cracker (banger) that will just produce a bang and smoke.
At launch, the guns are simply coffee table legs... they won't fire anything.
Thank you for the comments about the ship in general.
Cheers
Martin

NASAAN101

12-05-2009, 23:43

Sorry Martin,
i never intened to get to go you mad at me ok.. shes is the most misunderstand ship.
Nikki

tonclass

12-05-2009, 23:52

Martin, where will she be launched ? On the South Coast maybe. Sorry but don't have the time to trawl the thread to seek the answer, but would love to be there to support your efforts if nearby.
Rik

MartinH-K

13-05-2009, 08:44

I would love you to be there as well! She will launch in Bristol docks.:)

NASAAN101

13-05-2009, 15:39

Martin,
i never intened to get to go you mad at me ok.. shes is the most misunderstand ship.
Nikki

MartinH-K

13-05-2009, 16:19

I'm not mad. Slightly warped perhaps... but not mad. Seriously, I take no offence only it's sometimes a good idea to read through a post before you get involved as you may well be asking questions that have allready been answered. :)

NASAAN101

13-05-2009, 17:00

Martin, i think i did see it, but i Shouldnt have jumped in right away like that! Hood if u ask me wa snot the ship, i would pinned against Bismarck, what do u thing? Nikki

MartinH-K

13-05-2009, 19:40

The thing about HMS Hood was that she was an icon. She had carried the Admiral's pennant for 20 years and was seen by both the public and the Navy as the 'Mighty Hood'. Unstopable, unsinkable, undefeatable. She was a capital ship that (in almost every way measurable at the time) could outperform every other ship in the fleet in almost every way. Yes, some ships mounted more 15in guns. Some could go marginally faster, some had better armour. The simple fact was that the very idea of; 1) her not going into battle and, 2) being sunk was something the admiralty couldn't get their collective heads around. It is arguable that she was killed by a lucky shot. I believe there were a number of factors that contributed to her loss that would fuel, at best a rather academic discussion. Had Hood gone up against just the Bismarck and on her own, the outcome might well have been different. It is an axiom in martial arts that when you have two fighters at the same grade with essentially the same skills the winner is determined by who is the better athlete and who wants it most. Apply that to the Battle of the Denmark Straights. Apathy killed the Hood before she ever set sail.

NASAAN101

14-05-2009, 13:51

Martin,
Hood, KGV, POW, And there DD and Norfolk and Suffolk. Are both ships deadmeat? How much more do you have to do on the model, im just asking?

MartinH-K

14-05-2009, 16:25

None of the ships were 'deadmeat' just outclassed and/or unlucky. My dad was on Repulse when she was sunk by the Japanese. In a stand up naval battle, she would have done well but was killed by aircraft.
Still about six weeks work to do... mostly superstructure and internal control stuff.
Martin

DAVIDJM

14-05-2009, 21:09

Just viewed the Evening Post web page and the photo of you with the HOOD. a very nice picture and it shows the scale of the ships nicely.

but i notice on the web picture that the ship is so big they clipped off the bow stantion??

Keep up the good work and we look forward to hearing when the debut launch will take place, I hope i can pop over to see that.

David

MartinH-K

14-05-2009, 21:55

Hi David
Thanks... They used a parabolic(?) lens to try and get it all in so it actually looks smaller in the EP piccie than it really is. He was having trouble getting the shot. Hope you can make it to the launch as well and I will let all know just when that will be.:)

NASAAN101

19-05-2009, 15:02

Martin,
I Did know that, that cool. Did he ever talk about it or no? i'll talk to you later.. O how The model of Hood Going?
Nikki

Aidan

19-05-2009, 18:34

Hi Martin, if you get time, any chance you could post the EP article? Would like to read what the reporters have to say about your model. I put several 1/200 scale R/C Battleships into a local Village show just for the hell of it (I thought they would look good against the home made pies and embroidary) and a reporter from the local paper got all excited and did an article about them which when I read, revealed how I had built several different models of the Titanic!!!!!

MartinH-K

21-05-2009, 10:33

EP article...
A Whitchurch man has built a scale model of a World War II battleship in his back garden.It took Martin Hall-Kenny a year to build the 27ft long replica, which is one 35th the size of the original HMS Hood.
He hopes to sail the ship at the Bristol Harbour Festival this year but needs help to buy an engine.
Mr Hall-Kenny, 53, is a housing manager but is between contracts and won't be able to save the £600 needed in time for the festival in August.
The model battle ship is made out of plywood, scrap wood, polystyrene, the tops of paint cans and other recycled material.
An anti-aircraft gun was made out of the bottom of a CD tower and ballpoint pen parts.
Mr Hall-Kenny built the battle ship from scratch following plans in a book called Anatomy of a Warship.
Neighbours have been very supportive of Mr Hall-Kenny's labour of love but his eight stone German Shepherd Murphy is not too happy.
The ship takes up the whole of the back garden at Mr Hall-Kenny's home in Yeomanside Close, Whitchurch.
HMS Hood was sunk by the German warship the Bismark in 1941. There were just three survivors, the last of whom died last September.
Mr Hall-Kenny - who is also a local musician whose stage name is Martin John - has always wanted his own boat.
He said: "My dad was in the Navy for 37 years and that was the start of it. I couldn't afford my own boat so I thought I would build one.
"The ultimate boy's toy is your own battleship.
"It takes a two-man crew, smoke will issue from the funnel and the cannons will look and sound as if they are firing with thunderflashes.
"A radio-controlled sea plane will be able to take off from the back and land on the water.
"It's almost ready for the water but my real problem is that I can't afford engines.
"It would work with one but would be better with two. They cost £600 each and I am appealing to anybody out there who could help to get in touch."
Mr Hall-Kenny composed the music for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's appeal in 2005 and music for the Severn Area Rescue Association in 2007.
He plans to raise money for maritime charities by sailing his HMS Hood model at public events.
Anyone who can help Mr Hall-Kenny put the final touch to battleship in time for the festival can contact him via email at martin@martinjohn.me.uk

Here is the link...
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Bristol-man-needs-help-finish-battleship-replica/article-989843-detail/article.html

:)

JohnS

23-05-2009, 23:24

Great job Martin. :cool:

The large size of your model just boggles my mind.:eek::D

NASAAN101

31-05-2009, 02:19

Martin,
you got that right!! what your building is the biggest boy toy.. She still a very cool ship, not to mention, the fact that if i had a ship that big, id have known where to put her.. Any way, i'll talk to you later ok..
Nikki

Aidan

31-05-2009, 09:12

Hi Martin, what engines are you looking for?

MartinH-K

11-06-2009, 13:20

Hi Aiden
Because of the confined space, potential fire hazard etc etc.... I need something electric- preferally two somethings electric. I don't have either the skill or time to build something up from scratch- I had thought of converting two disability cart engines but don't really know enough. I was trying to get a Minkota deal from Roger at Kittiwake but he doesn't answer my emails. Time is moving forward and I am standing still. Its very frustrating. I had hoped to have her ready a couple of weekends ago, take her down to Portsmouth and surprise the Hood Association dinner by steaming past at flank speed! Ah well.... I've only just started back at work so am playing catch-up with my mortgage- no spare cash to buy engines. Not quite sure what I can do to resolve this right now.

Vegaskip

11-06-2009, 14:30

Martin for what it's worth what about a couple of windscreen wiper motors from a scrappy, I'v heard of them being used in large models, but they may not have enough grunt for yours.

ps did you see my painting of her flying off the 111F

regards

Aidan

11-06-2009, 16:59

Hi Martin, wiper motors are fairly common in models of 1/200 to 1/100 but would not be powerfull enough for the beasty. What you could do is go to a local scrap yard/recycling center and get a couple of motors out of a fridge/freezer or washing machine/tumble dryer, their very powerfull, have the benefit of having the mountings already built in and they would cost sod all, pick up a cheap voltage converter and away you go. Another way to do it is to go to a car breakers and get a couple of second hand car starter motors, run straight off 12 volts, make up a metal plate to mount them. If you can get 4 starter motors of the same type you can cut the Bendix (the bit with the gear wheel on it) off 2 of them and attach them to your propeller shafts and have geared drive, or if you get 2 motors, again remove the Bendix and atatch a universal joint to each motor shaft and connect the U'J to the prop shafts and have direct drive. You can find suitable U'Js on most older model small cars that have rear wheel drive. From the work point of view, the fridge/washing machine motors would involve less work as you can use the motors as they are and use the drive belts on them to turn the prop shafts directly, and you get the added benefit of almost silent drive.

NASAAN101

26-06-2009, 13:19

Martin,
And see how hood is doing, im looking forward to her getting on the water, do you think you would ever bring her to the US, for show or is she to big for that? Talk to you later ok...
Nikki

romft1945

18-07-2009, 16:37

Martin,
Any futher news of your ship have just read from front to back very interesting,
ROM

nigelweysom

18-07-2009, 22:40

im not sure if you need this but these flags flying on Guernseys mast are reportedly from HMS Hood , as far as i am aware its the two blue flags on the right
Nigel

romft1945

19-07-2009, 09:26

im not sure if you need this but these flags flying on Guernseys mast are reportedly from HMS Hood , as far as i am aware its the two blue flags on the right
Nigel

Just curious Nigel but what would a RN warship be doing with two blue ensigns
and they look rather new aswell
ROM

nigelweysom

19-07-2009, 21:39

Just curious Nigel but what would a RN warship be doing with two blue ensigns
and they look rather new aswell
ROM

rom , i knew when i posted this that i would be asked something that i didnt know , there was an article in the local paper about it , but i cant find it , we are very good at recycling our news papers , but in this case too good , as far as i can remember , they were spare flags that were taken off of her at some time , and because she came here at one time in the 1930s i think , they have considered it a good idea to fly them
Nigel

nigelweysom

19-07-2009, 21:49

As well as modern national flags historic flags will be flown including ones from the Second World War battle-cruiser HMS Hood. These are signal flags from the famous ship used in the 1920s through to the mid 1930s and are a significant part of British Naval history.

rom the lines above about the mast are taken from the BBC radio Guernsey web site
Nigel

Ednamay

20-07-2009, 09:11

In the 1930s (about 1937??) the Hood had a big refit in Portsmouth Dockyard, and a prestigious 'relaunch' - I was there! If you tried an advert or letter to the editor of Portsmouth Evening News you might be able to find some dockies in their 80s who (a) worked on her and/0r (b) went on her trial run

Ednamay

romft1945

25-07-2009, 01:06

alanbenn

25-07-2009, 08:13

The civil ensign of Guernsey is a red ensign with a yellow cross depicted exactly the same as one of the blue ensigns in the photograph, so presumably it is the Royal Navy version of that, the blue ensign on the left of the 2 looks to be similar to the Blue ensign of Jersey, so it maybe the ship was carrying those flags when visiting and flew them as a courtesy when entering and leaving port.

Regards
Alan

MartinH-K

26-07-2009, 14:02

I want to say thanks to everyone for their good wishes both public and private. Due to losing my job and being unable to secure any sponsorship or assistance, my project remains under a tarpauline. This has all been exacerbated by my wife and I splitting up after 15 years... my fault, not hers.
As the Bristol Harbour Festival is on this coming weekend, I think I can safely say that we won't be appearing... no engines, so no launch. So far, the build has cost me £1200+. It's a shame as there was little left to do.
Ah well, never mind.

Bee

26-07-2009, 14:30

Dear Martin,
Sorry to hear about everything that's beset you in recent months, and the fact that you've had to put your project on "ice". I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing that things start to work out for you again, sooner rather than later. It'd be nice if you stay with the forum, I'm sure that some of the people here can come up with some ideas for you and at least offer moral support.
Wishing you better times ahead,
Bee

nigelweysom

26-07-2009, 22:24

If you say so Nigel but never seen a signal flag like that ROM

i will have to find a copy of the newspaper that the article was in as it contained more detail , im afraid that the papers web site is not that helpful
Nigel

Aidan

27-07-2009, 10:48

Hey Martin, Jees Man, really sorry to hear about your situation, your not alone mate, I'm in the same boat as well, out of work and going thru a messy split-up with the missus (her fault, she's been messing around with other fella's). Whatever way it works out for you, dont give up on the Hood, you've put too much into it to let anything stop you finishing it. If there's anything I can help you with, just pm me, Aidan.

DAVIDJM

27-07-2009, 19:57

Hello Martin
I am also sorry to hear thing are not going well for you. I was looking forward to coming over and possibly be in time to help you launch.

I am also in Semi retirement (as i like to put it) and have been for 4 years, but i am at the third stage of getting a job, just an interview left to do in August.

I hope things will improve for you soon.

tonphil1960

03-09-2009, 10:22

Martin, A great project you have there. I hope you get back to it and finish it finally. Anything Hood is Good !!! Here's a link to a guy modeling the Hood in 1/350, I think when he is done he will have the most accurate Hood model in the world. http://blog.ontheslipway.com/

Tony P

Jackaroo

16-09-2009, 01:54