British Battlecruiser 1/700

[Thorvic]

Now that Pitroad/Trumpeter have released the HMS Renown kit, it give us modellers the chance to update the Repulse or the more importantly the Hood with a similiar late 1930s rebuild. Previously it has been left to using Battleships part for a KGV series.

The Hanger, the bride superstructure along with the secondary 4.5 guns can noe be used to update Repulse to be Renown standard, or better yet update the Hood in a similar manner to renown. Secondary armament could be revised to the earlier 4" twins as used by Warspite, the more standard 4.5 semi recessed turrets as used on Renown, Valiant, Queen Elizabeth refits along with the Illustrious class carriers, or possibly larger 5.25 turrets as used on the KGV & Vanguard.

G

[Sauragnmon]

Very interesting points and ideas indeed, I'm looking forward to where you go with this, Thor.

[Joe C-P]

Let's do all of them! 

I propose going with the 4.5" to allow extra armour for Repulse.

Hood didn't have that much reserve weight, though removing the armoured conning tower would have gained 600 tonnes. Perhaps she'd have kept the 4".
Hood is terribly damaged but not destroyed by Tirpitz, and after she limps back to the UK, shattered and burnt out, the RN gives her a Renown-type upgrade. The upper forward 15" twin was completely wrecked, so the weight saved is used to improve her armour and secondary, which also improves her freeboard.

(I have the parts to make a Hood, pieces of both the Tamiya and Italeri versions, but it is to become her carrier sister, HMS Anson.)

[Thorvic]

Well Hood was always supposed to get upgraded with a full 30's style refit, but was never free of duty to schedule it. She wouldhave quite a striking pose if she had her full rebuild.

Wonder if Trumpeter will do any other British Warships, perhaps follow the Battlecruiser trend and create our Battlecruiser based Aircraft Carriers. True two were sunk in the first 8 months of the war, but Furious served through most of it and would make a rather stiking model.

G

[pyro-manic]

Ark Royal and Eagle (Bismarck chase, Mediterranean or pre-war), as well as some of the Illustrious/Implacable class carriers would be superb. Also some cruisers - Fijis, Towns, Hawkins, etc - would be extremely welcome. And then there's Great War stuff - Iron Duke, Queen Elizabeths, etc would all be fantastic.

[Radish]

I like boats now....even ones not on skis!