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HMS Rodney: The Winter Refit World Naval Ships Forums Archive

HMS Rodney: The Winter Refit

Posts 1 to 50

Hi everybody. I have taken my 3 metre 1:72 scale battleship off the water for a winter refit. Would you like me to post a pictorial progress report very much in the same vein of the HMS UNDAUNTED build? I'm happy to do this if enough members show interest.;):D
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Always happy to see what happens when model ships have refits. If I can get my hands to work properly again, I will continue with my r/c Ton class sweeper, so all bits about models is always welcomed by me. Thanks Jack.

Cheers Jack.;) We have a 1:48 scale RC Ton class in the club. Lovely feature boat, it trails and fires depth charges along with others during displays. Image courtesy of [url]www.pmbdt.co.uk[/url] website.
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Enjoyed your Undaunted series, look forward to Rodney regards

Would love to see HMS Rodney under refit and returning to the fleet!

Thanks gents.;) (One request is more than enough to get me started!).:D First, a little 'taster' from a colleague who videoed one of the last sailings in August. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CC3jXXYK-4&playnext=1&videos=bYPjMCXkC5Y&feature=mfu_in_order[/url] I hope this link works properly.:rolleyes: In the clip the upper deck is painted in the short-lived 1943 camouflage scheme. I want to display RODNEY as she was on my birth date, 31:10:1942. The decks were planked and unpainted then.

Tested the link ......it works. Have taken the added precaution of downloading the clip to my PC in case U- Tube move it at a later date. Had read somewhere on this site how to maintain the link but cannot remember where.:confused: Anyway, prime targets for the refit are: 1. [U]Plank the decks.[/U] RODNEY (and NELSON) were planked from stempost to stern. However, I am not going to actually plank the decks, but rather scribe their outlines on bare wood. This is a much less expensive and time consuming procedure, but if done sympathetically, can look impressive. 2. [U]Fit plating to the ships side.[/U] RODNEY had a plated hull and the mould that the model came from had not got this important feature. I must stress from the outset that I did not build the model myself, but acquired it a few years ago as HMS NELSON. Hopefully a successful refit will permit me to claim some credit for how it will look. If the refit does not improve the model, well, I bought it from somebody didn't I ??:D

For ease of transport, the model is split into two sections. As the forward section is less complicated, I have decided to refit this first and gain some valuable experience prior to tackling the more involved aft section.:rolleyes: Image 1 shows some of the damage sustained over two years of displays. The starboard bower anchor has been knocked-off and the sheet anchor was never there in the first place. There are no hawse pipes to stow the anchor stocks securely in. The gunwhales are showing evidence of collisions (not me Chief .....it's the Corvette drivers wot does it!). The refit will provide rubbing strakes to eliminate this damage in future. And finally, the hurriedly applied paint job will be renewed and improved. First priority is to remove all of the upper deck fittings, the 16" gun turrets, capstans, winches [I]et al[/I]. (Do this carefully and try to retain some of the fittings to use again).:D 2. Then thoroughly remove all paintwork from the hull and topside.
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1. Anchors moulded from lead amalgam and dockyard matey sitting on one munching his oggie. (Devonian ...oggie; Cornishman ....pasty).:rolleyes: 2. Hull completely stripped of paint and washed down. Hawsepipes manufactured from 5/16" plastic tubing. Apertures drilled and tubing force-fitted into the holes. Trimmed to fit. The 'paint shop' will be completely filled with car body filler to secure the hawsepipes inboard and so that any future accidental damage to the bow section can be easily re-profiled, being a solid lump. Anchors dry fitted for effect. (The plating will be located under the anchors and over the existing scuttles {portholes} later). Thanks for stopping by.:)
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[QUOTE=Destroyerman;133536]Thanks gents.;) First, a little 'taster' from a colleague who videoed one of the last sailings in August. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CC3jXXYK-4&playnext=1&videos=bYPjMCXkC5Y&feature=mfu_in_order[/url] .[/QUOTE] Nice model Destroyerman and hope all goes well in refit and it comes in well within budget!! Having seen the youtube video of her last sailing I was wondering if there is need for some changes to her gearing and rudder settings. A constant problem with model ships is how to achieve a realistic scale speed and to try and replicate the movement of the original at sea. Does any one know how to scale a maximum 23 knots down to an equivalent speed in 1/72 scale? It also needs to be borne in mind that the designed maximum speed would rarely be attempted or even achieved in service and cruising speed would be the norm. I do not know the economical cruising speed for the RODNEY in service during 1942/3, possibly 12 knots, but according to Parkes oil consumption dropped from 16 tons per hour at full speed to 2.7 tons per hour at cruising speed and one can judge from these figures that for the vast majority of the time RODNEY would have been underway at less than full speed. The other consideration for realistic performance is the scale turning circle given to the model The full size design had a turning circle of 670 yards or according to Parkes 2.7 times the ships length. I am not sure about the mathematics but if the turning circle was 670 yards and the NELSON's were 710 feet (oa) then they turned in 2.8 times the ships length. As the model is 1/72 scale presumably she should have a maximum turning circle of approximately 26.6 to 27.7 feet depending on the calculations used. As I am not a modeller I do not know if modellers take speed and handling criteria into consideration when build models of particular ships and others may have a different views on the visual effects these aspects have on a models performance. I would be interested to hear other peoples views on this subject. Regards stontamar

stontamar, valid points. In the video clip, the model appears to be exceeding scale speed, but actually 'on the water' it is relatively correct. I take your point about the economy of cruising speed and the ten warships in which I served would always, where possible, reduce speed to conserve fuel. This almost always happened when steaming overnight. "Full power" (not maximum speed) was generally worked gradually up to during annual full power trials. The telegraphs would only read "Half Ahead" when steaming, and the ships speed would be regulated by the number of revolutions "rung-on" the telegraphs. "Full Ahead" and "Full Astern" were emergency telegraph orders and when these were rung-on, we gave it all we had, depending on the number of boilers we had flashed and connected.:) The turning circle on the model is pretty representative of how these monsters turned and the model turns in a smaller circle one way rather than the other.;) There are mechanisms on the market which aid the ability of the model to turn, but I do not subscribe to these as I tend to keep it as realistic as possible. However, it is sometime a good thing to have speed and manoeuverability in reserve, just for the occasions when other (less experienced) waterborne drivers cross ones bows.:eek: So it is always advisable to have something in reserve in case of incident.;) Not forgetting that various ponds have larger and smaller operating areas as well ......:rolleyes: For instance, the mast pond in Portsmouth Dockyard, where we put on pyro displays, is much too restricted to operate these larger battleships and aircraft carriers. So the pursuit of complete accuracy in ship modelling really is a non-starter.:rolleyes:

Many thanks Destroyerman for your very interesting reply. Regards stontamar

stontamar, you are more than welcome sir.:) Very many thanks to you for looking in and also for your informed comment.:) It is always gratifying when somebody does comment on a project. However, something I omitted in my previous post ...... we, in the ship modelling world, find that if we slow down film footage of models slightly, the whole appearance of the subject becomes slightly more realistic.

1. Cable deck 'planked'. The red tape marks the end of each plank where it meets the margin plank. It ensures that the ends are 'open' so that they can be 'joggled-in' to the margin plank as is the case on the starboard side. The process is worse than the 100 lines we used to be punished with at school.:( As each line is drawn in indelible ink, an accidental curve round a fingertip involves the whole lot being sanded down and started again.:eek: The cable deck 'planking' extends up to the first breakwater where a fresh piece of laminate will overlay the existing deck. The rubbing strake is yet to be positioned around the gunwhales. 2. The cable deck fittings dry-fitted to evaluate if there is an improvement. The sheet anchor 'scotchman' (horizontal cable protector) is not in place yet. In place, behind the breakwater outline, is the fresh piece of laminate that will form the main deck. This has yet to be 'planked' and stained to suit.:) Do you feel that the planked effect improves the model? Please feel free to comment. Once again, thanks for looking in and keep the comments coming.:D
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1. The ships side plating and the rubbing strake progress. The rubbing strake has been 'rivetted' on to the gunwhale. This comprises of 3/16" "L" section plastic which has been given a rivetted effect by using an automatic centre punch at small intervals along its length. This creates the illusion of hundreds of rivets. The top row of plating is nearing completion whilst the lower row progresses. Top row presents some difficulty where the plating fits over the existing scuttles (portholes). Each hole has to be accurately measured and drilled to fit neatly around the scuttle. 2. Closeup showing a section of plating offered up to the scuttles to determine whether the holes line up. The plating fits just under the lip of the rubbing strake. Also visible are the lines of the lower plating. The plating looks pretty stark against the hull, but will look better once an overall grey primer is applied. 3. Plating completed on the starboard side. Note the vertical bolster plate below the bower anchor. The sheet anchor did not require this. Both anchors are now located firmly in their hawsepipes. The plating still looks pronounced but allowances have been made so that the final camouflage coat will subdue the whole effect. Thanks for viewing.;)
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1. The forward section, port side, complete with grey primer, "A", "B" and "X" gun turrets in situ. The plating is still fairly prominent in places. 2. Similar angle with boot topping and camouflage scheme applied. Plating not so prominent now, but sufficient to recognise. The camouflage on each 16" gun turret is yet to be applied and will be sympathetic to the lines of the hull camouflage scheme. 3. Closeup of the overall effect. Hopefully the reader will find an improvement on the original.;) Thanks for looking in.:)
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Hello again Sandy, have just found your thread, your model certainly puts mine to shame !!!:o Wish you all the best for your winter project and look forward to the final outcome. Incidentally, is the picture in your 1st post taken down at Southsea lake? which I believe is salt water?? Regards Alan

Hi Alan, many thanks for your kind comment. But let me assure you, no model of mine ever puts anybody elses to shame. My models are distinctly average when compared to some creations that are out there. But they are functional. You are correct, the image in post #1 and the video clip are from Canoe Lake in Southsea. And the water is certainly "Solent salt". Canoe Lake is topped-up from the Solent by way of a semi automatic sluice valve. I would much prefer to operate in fresh water, but I suppose that as I spent 25 years on salt, I should be used to it by now.:rolleyes: Thanks for looking in.:)

'B' 16" gun turret modifications. The barrels on this turret 'drooped' noticeably. To correct this it was necessary to determine how it was all constructed. The original model builder could not remember so it was down to trial and error when it came to dismantling the turret. It transpired that the turret moulding was glued to the baseplate, so the moulding was carefully prised away from the baseplate. Unfortunately part of the baseplate came away with the moulding leaving a large hole. The barrels were held together with silicone and held down to the baseplates with it as well. Over time the silicone had deteriorated and lifted, letting the three barrels droop. To overcome the problem, and to bring the elevation of the barrels into line with the other two turrets, a little trestle was made, much the same as the old village stocks. The three barrels would rest on this at their midway point whilst the breech ends of the barrels would be secured firmly to the baseplate. Simple enough. But no, one of the barrels was shorter than the other two so a spacer had to be made for that one in order to keep the barrels in line.
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Next task was to align the other barrels fore and aft and at the same elevation as the centre barrel. Meanwhile, the barrels should be in line at the 'business end' with each barrel centralised in the turret apertures. It was simple enough to achieve this and securing the barrels to the platform at the breeches was done by the use of cable clamps. The masonry nail that was supplied with the cable clamps was removed and some well known servo screws inserted instead and screwed to the baseplate. These were then copiously covered in glue and should remain secure.
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The baseplate hole was then repaired and the turret buttoned up. Just have to apply filler to the gaps in the join and respray prior to camouflage painting. Happy with that 'fix'.:D
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All turrets and barrels in line now. The Walrus ("Shagbat") is perched on its catapult atop 'X' turret. For the more astute of you, she is in British Pacific livery.;) The bolts either side of 'X' turret on the bulkhead hold both sections of the model together. This arrangement proves to be 100% watertight after four or five hours on the water. The only times that there appears to be water ingress is after prolonged spells of going astern. This tends to force small amounts of water up the prop shaft tubes and into the stern section. But not enough to be a problem. The prop shafts are lubricated with white silicone grease regularly.:) More soon. Thanks for your continued interest.:)
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Next task will be the continuation of the decking effect.:)

With the 'winter refit' progressing at a rate of knots, what other projects have you got in hand to keep you occupied after November is out??? Cheers Jack.

Thanks for that Jack!:D Plenty to do yet. Don't forget that I have also got the 'blunt end' to do as well! That is going to prove a lot more tricky. Have to plan that around "ships side painting" in early Spring. Sometime, mid refit, I hope to marry up both sections and have a recreational sail . It may look a little odd, one end 'planked and plated', the other not.:rolleyes: I do miss her not being on the water every weekend. Plenty of fiddly small stuff that I can do indoors when the weather is freezing. Thanks for stopping by.:)

Destroyerman that is a fine model of Rodney, had a neighbour a few streets away who was aboard the real thing, he died a few months ago. Also have a neighbour who was aboard HMS Mounsey (Russian convoys ) and after HMS Orion (liberation of Malta) still going strong! I still have one of my fathers models RAF Tender that was a simple battery operated working model but always promised myself to convert to RC but do not have the know how so have not got around to it. I only have Daughters and no sons! which does not help!

Wellbran, very many thanks for your kind comment. Some months ago, whilst sailing the model on the lake, I was approached by an old gentleman who said that he served on RODNEY in her final two years. It really was a privilege to meet somebody like that.:) Regarding your Dad's RAF tender, why not look up a local model boat club and consider joining. You will find many members more than willing to help and advise. Don't worry about only having daughters, I have two (disinterested) sons, one (disinterested) daughter and four (disinterested) grandchildren. And a further three (disinterested) great grandchildren!!:cool: The foregoing is possibly why I bore everybody on this site with my model boats!:D:D;) Regards, Sandy.

Sandy, I was interested in Dads models as a boy BUT There was a rule when entering the inner sanctum ie the workshed in the garden I was NOT allowed to touch anything! it was a serious business! He was a FANATIC at the four letter word...TIDY all small washers screws bolts or whatever were labelled in old coffee jars and the likes of washers were tied together in dozens and labelled! I think it was the Navy that beat that into him! so tidy! (good thing he cannot see my shed now!) He made several models but only one survived I will have to go where no man has been in an ion...ie my loft! it is in a box and sealed and packed but should be okay still it ran off a simple 996 battery and the switch was on the deck! before the days of RC...motor 2 wires to battery you could pre set the rudder on a rachet system and off you went in a straight line! I often wonder if he would still be model active with all the new equipment these days as he was quite a dab hand at spotting a new gadget in his travels.

Sandy - I should really pay closer attention.........but are these postings of yours repeats of those om XMM, or new? For those who maybe have missed it.......whilst in awe of those who can scratch build working models..........I was limited to this. :o
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Scurs, the images are the same but the text is different. When XMM's went 'new' the thread was scrapped. Rodney was taken off the water on Sunday 15th August so what you see here is how she stands at present. Obviously, now that I have "caught up" the progress reports will slow down to refit pace. Wellbran, you wouldn't want to enter my workshop, totally different from your Dad's.!;) But we have a colleague in the Team who's workshop is scrupulously tidy. It's a wonder he finds anything!:rolleyes:
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Hi Sandy,it's not much of a model of a refit!, where are all the welding and other cables, ship to shore, and all the Dockyard Mateys 'lurking' around, and do you have the 'Conveinence' buckets in the for'ad Heads, great job for men under punishment, emptying them ashore. Seriously, its looking good, keep em comming. Jim

Absolutely correct Jim.:rolleyes: Failed to capture the atmosphere of the subject!:D Guilty as charged with no mitigating circumstances.:o "Night Heads" buckets. When it was your turn to empty 'em they were always brim full, with a mile to carry them and a million dwarf bulkheads to negotiate. I purposely took the photographs at 16:02 hours, just when the Dockyard mateys were spilling out of Unicorn Gate like lemmings on pushbikes.:D That's why they are not evident in the images (except for the one munching his tiddy oggie on the anchor stock). But beware!:eek: We have an excellent model builder just joined the site. His work is world class and his prowess will no doubt become apparent over time. Thank goodness the hobby is not that competitive and we all admire at least some aspects of each other's work. [SIZE="1"](Hopefully)[/SIZE]. Have you had a look around the Glasgow Transport Museum, now moved to Kelvin Hall I believe? The examples in there are magnificent and I hope to visit there before I go to the great model shop in the sky.:D Thanks for your kind comment mate and keep up your excellent work. It brings great satisfaction to a multitude of people.:)

I found a few moments during the wet weather to fashion a couple of steam pinnaces for RODNEY. Whilst not exactly accurate representations of the original pinnaces I feel that they look good and will suffice. They have smoother lines and will be easier to keep relatively dust free on an active and well used model. Have fitted brass grab rails and these will need careful varnishing to prevent the onset of verdigris from the salt water environment at Canoe Lake. Thanks for stopping by, and also many thanks for your kind comments. Sandy.
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Hi sandy, not got to the Transport Museum yet. I think my favourite model of all time is one of a County class Crusier in dry dock, it used to be in the IWM foyer. I used to work on a coaster (London Merchant) in 1957, ran between Leith and London, the old London dock near the Tower. IWM was within walking distance, so I spent a lot of time there. The Museum Of Flight at East Fortune, has a 'mock' model shop donated by the family of the late owner, unfortunately you can only stand with your nose pressed against the window and drool at the kits from long ago. Jim

Jim.........I doubt there are TWO model dioramas depicting a County Class Cruiser in dry dock.......so.........have to tell you the last I saw of this brilliant model, was that it had "migrated" to the naval section, of the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambs..........or had in 1985'ish period when I was there. Wonderful model.........even got pusser's paint pots littering the place!

Thanks for your contributions gents. Weekend before last our display team visited Beale Park, Pangbourne, near Reading Berks. There is a little model boat museum there and in it are two scratchbuilt 1:72 models by Alex McFadyen. HMS ANSON and HMS VANGUARD. Unsurprisingly they are in locked glass cases. Both are exquisite and VANGUARD won the builder the prestigious Gold Medal Award. Absolutely amazing detail on each, I believe that the 8 barrelled Pom Poms actually train via the little handwheels and ratchets. My models, by comparison, could be described by a word that is very similar to "ratchet".:D:cool:

Today I made some progress with the 'planking' on the main deck aft of the foc'sle breakwater. Next job will be to create the breakwater which incorporates the two Torpedo/Paravane storage 'huts'. Following the recent Defence Cuts and todays Spending Cuts, I have secured permission from 'er indoors (C-in-C Home):rolleyes: to continue RODNEY's winter refit. Budget restraints have meant that the grandchildren will discover that Christmas is cancelled due to the critical necessity for RODNEY to re-enter the (newly depleted) Fleet. As has been explained by the Chancellor, this measure has been taken to ultimately secure their financial future and is not a family driven decision.:p It has been suggested by C-in-C Home that inferior materials be used to facilitate the refit in future. No change there then.:D I shall update either weekly or bi-weekly depending on progress now that I have caught up with the refit work. And I intend submitting progress reports up until completion, scheduled for 18th May 2011. Once again, very many thanks for looking in on progress.:cool: Sandy.

[QUOTE=Scurs;134962]Jim.........I doubt there are TWO model dioramas depicting a County Class Cruiser in dry dock.......so.........have to tell you the last I saw of this brilliant model, was that it had "migrated" to the naval section, of the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambs..........or had in 1985'ish period when I was there. Wonderful model.........even got pusser's paint pots littering the place![/QUOTE] Sounds like the one, I think it was the first model ship I had seen that wasn't like a builders model, complete down to the muck in the bottom of the dock. Something rings a bell it was connected to 'Underhill', he of the detailed ship plans, may be wron though. Hey, Sandy, looks like you might have to share her with the Americans and French, when you get her commisioned again. Jim

[QUOTE=Vegaskip;135011] Hey, Sandy, looks like you might have to share her with the Americans and French, when you get her commisioned again. Jim[/QUOTE] Guess you are right there Jim!:D I remain convinced that a future Royal Navy will be absorbed into a European Maritime Defence Force (or Farce) and the remnants of our once-proud Fleet will become meaningless. Progress on RODNEY (by kind permission of HM Government:p) over the past week. 1. The upper deck prepared for final glue-down. The light in the garage has a yellow tinge so the photo has a strange light. The main gun deck sits above the cable deck and is separated by the forward breakwater which shelters the Torpedo/Paravane handling rooms. RODNEY had two underwater 24" torpedo tubes fitted at launch. The spurnwater on the main gun deck creeps further inboard than on the cable deck. The aperture on the main deck gives an idea of how much space is available in the forward section of the hull. Dissimilar woods have been used on cable deck/main gun deck but judicious staining and upper deck clutter will make it not too obvious. The main gun deck is propped beside the hull ready for placement. How do you like my cake decorating skills?:rolleyes: 2. Main gun deck fitted and held down overnight by no fewer than 10 lead acid batteries. This is when it pays to have a mini Fleet.:D
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State of play this afternoon. 1. Forward section decking completed. All that remains on the 'planking' is to mark out the caulking between the plank ends. (Then I can figure out how many planks make up the forward section). Any guesses?:D This image shows the correct camouflage colours: MS1=Tank grey; MS2=Sea grey; B5=Intermediate blue; MS3=Slate grey and 507C=Light grey. 2. Full deck without the 'planking' detail. There appears to be a slight rise where the gun deck access hatch locates at the starboard edge. Once all three 16" turrets are in situ I hope this disappears.:rolleyes: 3. As she used to look before 'planking'. Thanks for looking in again.:) Next task is to apply rivets to the roof of the 16" turrets prior to painting them.
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Rivetting day today ........:rolleyes: Have just completed applying the "rivets" to all three triple 16" gun turrets. I had a choice of two methods: Method 1. Using the smallest needlework pins on the market, drilling 235 tiny holes in each turret roof and gluing-in the shortened pinheads.:eek: Method 2. Using a homemade template, and using a cocktail stick to apply a tiny drop of thick superglue to where each rivet is located and quickly applying a squirt of cyanoacrylate activator. (This would instantly dry the drop of superglue whilst it still had a peak).:cool: There are no prizes for guessing which option I chose.:D The two attached images describe the process, but unfortunately I don't possess a camera with a macro facility, so cannot show a close up of the individual rivets (over 700). Perhaps at a later date when a colleague comes round. Thankfully, I am pleased with the effect and it's the first time I ever tried it. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your continued support and input.:) Sandy.
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Gapes in awe! Now that's what I CALL patience Sandy...700 plus rivets! To think I thought running rigging was fiddly and time consuming......was a doddle to that! :)

Thanks Scurs, but one reward for my patience was that I was able to insert a GOLDEN RIVET on each turret.;) Now if you were to come down here and view the model I could maybe point them out to you ................................ :D By the way, it seems like only last month that I was an Ordinary Seaman on this site. Now I is a fully fledged Lieutenant! I have had to promise 'er indoors that I will not be too hard on the men and try to be a good leader. Mind you, Lieutenants were almost as common as the total number of rivets throughout the whole of a WWII Battleship!

Quick updade: Progressing the painting of the 16" gun turrets this week. Quite interesting ploughing through all of the images I have, they reveal several differing camouflage schemes on each turret at various times throughout 1942. The painting process will take the whole week.

[quote=Destroyerman;135582]Thanks Scurs, but one reward for my patience was that I was able to insert a GOLDEN RIVET on each turret.;) Now if you were to come down here and view the model I could maybe point them out to you ................................ :D By the way, it seems like only last month that I was an Ordinary Seaman on this site. Now I is a fully fledged Lieutenant! I have had to promise 'er indoors that I will not be too hard on the men and try to be a good leader. Mind you, Lieutenants were almost as common as the total number of rivets throughout the whole of a WWII Battleship![/quote] Hmmm think I will forgo that offer Sandy Will you be going to the Model boat show this year in Warwick on the 14 Nov ? I have been told I can go if I leave my card at home .....tough call

Ivor, I'm afraid that I cannot make Warwick this year as I have a 90th birthday bash to attend in Cornwall on the 13th November. (Wife's relative). However Ivor, it's still possible for you to order a new debit card and have it delivered before Warwick. That way you can leave the cancelled card at home .......... :D ............... and have fun with the new one!:D Devious I know, but practical.:rolleyes:

Looking good Sandy, after the riveting did you have to go into 'a darkened room' and put a couple of slices of cucumber on your eyes?!! Keep up the good work Jim

Congratulations, Destroyerman, your supervision of the Rodney whilst under refit at the yard has been rewarded with a will-deserved promotion! Fully expect you to make flag rank someday. The superintendant of the yard was wise to put you in charge. Your model refit is truly impressive and your rivet work reminds me of putting the detail parts on the 20mm for my USS Missouri. Every time I looked, there was another gun barrel needing a five-part assembly. And I am very glad my turrets came "pre-riveted!" The realism factor on your ship is truly impressive as the refit progresses. I can tell you've really planned this project out in advance. I'm wondering when I can report aboard for duty? I'm a very competent gunner's mate and have turret captain experience. A final question...how on earth did the Walrus get the nickname "Shagbat?" I thought I'd heard them all, but that's a new one! :)

[QUOTE=Vegaskip;136011]Looking good Sandy, after the riveting did you have to go into 'a darkened room' and put a couple of slices of cucumber on your eyes?!! Keep up the good work Jim[/QUOTE] Jim, how right you are mate! My eyeballs felt hollow.:eek: It even affected my golf the following day ................. or was that just a very convenient excuse?:rolleyes: I expect you experience the same visual problems after many hours at the easel doing detail work.;)

Thank you very much Don, I shall certainly bear you in mind for Captain of 'X' turret.:) I started a debate online via a modelling site about which was the correct abbreviation for the aft main 16" turret, either "C", "Q" or "X". The definitive answer came from a countryman of yours who is a noted ship designer and he advocated "X". As for the nickname applied to the Walrus, I'm afraid I haven't got a clue.:rolleyes: It more than likely originated from some disgruntled matelot and it certainly has a "Jack speak" ring to it.:o:D Tonight, I shall research .................................................:)

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