ex-MAJESTIC class carrier in Soviet service- finished

[sandiego89]

Ex-MAJESTIC class carrier (ex-INS Vikrant, ex-HMS Hercules) in Soviet Naval Service. 1/700. Scratch built. 

In the last 1960s and early 1970's the Soviet Union was moving ahead with their domestic aircraft carrier programs, and was very keep to acquire an interim carrier to begin building carrier proficiency.  In 1972 the Soviet Union gave India "an offer they couldn't refuse" for the Majestic Class Carrier the INS Vikrant.  The Vikrant had seen some success in the conflict with Pakistan, but the need for a refit and a very attractive offset package of the latest versions of MiGs sealed the deal.  The Vikrant underwent a lengthy rebuild and began trials in 1975 as a light attack and training carrier....

Ex MAJESTIC class carrier (ex-Vikrant) in Soviet Naval Service 

Scratch built, 1/700 scale

Plans and plastic laid out.  Will be similar to my scratch built 1/700 Melbourne at the top of the picture, but with some improvements, and some unique Soviet systems..... 



Keel and flight deck cut out.  .030 inch sheet styrene for the flight deck, .040 for the keel- My Melbourne was a bit too floppy, so .040 will stiffen up her backbone ...


Stay tuned!- Dave

[tigercat]

Always like to see more floaty things

[Thorvic]

Nice one, although you could have the Soviets getting the Leviathan in that 45-48 period before the Cold War started to kick in, possibly as a way to sway their demands for their shares to the Italian & Japanese fleet survivors.

Going to be interesting to see how you refit her especially with Soviet Weapons and Sensors, I can see a Soviet Weapons sprue being made the most of 

[sandiego89]

Work has begun.

With my prior Melbourne I used more traditional framing, but getting the height consistent was difficult, so I have places several large pieces of square evergreen tubing along the hull.  This will give a nice flat, consistent surface to lay the flight deck.   



The bow is a complex shape, so lots of cutting and gluing.  Will all be hidden by the hull plating. 






Now you can see some of the sides of the hull.  Thinner .020 inch, bends better around the hull.  Cut out areas for boat davits. etc.

[sandiego89]

Starting to look like a ship...

[MAD]

I'm impressed sandiego89!!
Especially the bow!!

MAD

[zenrat]

How did I miss this?
Your shipbuilding skills amaze me.  Awesome, in the true sense of the word.

[sandiego89]

Thanks guys!  Her yard period has run into some unexpected delays- but a few teaser photos have been snuck out via secret agents, in typical gaudy Soviet deck colors:

[sandiego89]

Finished, ex Majestic class aircraft carrier in Soviet Service.

1/700 scale scratch built from evergreen sheet, plus various accessories/aircraft.

The Soviets were desperate to dip their feet into carrier aviation and gave the Indian Navy a very attractive offer for the Vikrant (ex-Hercules)

Always seen as a transitional carrier until larger ships could come onto line the ship was christened as the OMSK and sailed for many years as a training carrier.  She is seen below on her first operational cruise in 1976, which saw much attention from USN Orion's and RAF Nimrods and other aircraft and surface ships.   

Although outdated the MiG-17 proved a capable training and light attack aircraft.  The training version of the Mig 17's were left in natural metal, while the MiG-17m was an all purpose fighter and was painted in dark blue.  The air wing was complemented by Hormone B for spotting, missile guidance and general SAR duties. Naval versions of the Yak-18 for basic carrier qualifications were also spotted aboard, as were a pair of Yak-36's.









For scale:

[Gondor]

WoW !

Not just for the idea but scratch building an aircraft carrier too     

Gondor

[Joe C-P]

Interesting concept behind the build. 

[NARSES2]

Come out well 

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Great work!

[zenrat]

 

[proditor]

Holy crap that is some serious styrene work! Excellent build.