1/350 HMS New Zealand (Combrig)
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by Nick Dogger |
1/350 HMS New Zealand (Combrig)
Here is my version of HMS New Zealand. I made several modifications and additions to try to replicate the ship as she was in 1913 at the time she visited New Zealand. Fortunately, there are photos of her from this period and other useful references. The hull side plating was made from tape, which involved re-drilling the portholes (some of which were relocated or resized, based on the photos). To my eye, and as evident from the photos, the main turrets seemed to be too small with insufficient span across the barbettes, so I enlarged these appropriately using plastic sheeting. Other major changes, also in line with what I could see from the photos, were as follows :Removal of the turret roof range finders, apart from on "A" turret; making the wing barbettes fully circular (so as not to extend out square to the ship's sides). Adding shields to the 4" secondary guns. Many detailed additions were also made to the three main superstructures, the decks, funnels, foretop and masts. These, as well as the two "trawler" boats, were scratch-built, with some help also from the spares box.
The "on-board" ship's boats were re-built and detailed, with the photos and "Anatomy of the Ship" publications as a reference. The two naval steam pinnaces, and the small "civilian" rowing boat, around the ship were adapted and detailed from the spares box, and added to provide further wave movement and colour to the scene.The hatches and doors on the ship were opened up, and the funnels hollowed out. Stretched sprue was used for the funnel top cages, and for the funnel and boat boom rigging. Caenis thread was employed for the mast rigging and aerials. Creating these aerials, using fine wire spacers, was a new experience! The masts themselves were made from metal rods. The railings were from WEM, and the stern name plate lettering from Aber. The crew figures were supplied by Arsenal, and painted by me to depict the uniforms of the time. The sea was formed from plaster, and then coloured in various shades and varnished.
All in all, a complex but enjoyable build of an interesting ship.
