Harbour directory

HMCS Snowberry - Revell 1/72 basic kit RC Conversion

Listed by Summerisle ·

Photos

On the water - maiden voyage, New Brighton Model Boating Lake
Rear view
Gun crew
Bridge

About this boat

My first model boat in many years, and my first RC Conversion! Started making models for my dad and brother's model railway, then sort of got into it a bit. This was an unplanned purchase, bought almost 20 years ago on a rainy day out to York, along with all the required parts needed for the RC conversion.

I got as far as the RC working and hull, decks and wheelhouse done, then it had an accident and fell from the top of a 6' wardrobe and got damaged. All the bits were gathered up and it almost went in the bin, but hubby persuaded me to put it away and look at it another time - he is from Yorkshire so doesn't like to see money wasted!

It sat gathering dust in the back bedroom until November, when hubby decided he wanted to make a wooden sailing ship model, so we got him a couple of kist for his xmas present, and after he started I thought it was time to resurrect Snowberry.

A deep and careful clean removed all the dust, and showed just how much had been lost - the gun baffles, wheelhouse support and walkways, the bridge deck, cabinets, the superstructure under the funnel, and the Hedgehog mortar and bombs all gone!

A daunting bit of scratchbuilding was needed, which I was dreading, but actually I enjoyed the challenge, and once they were replaced I carried on with the build of the rest of the kit, augmenting the crew with some 3d printed figures from ebay, extra decals from Above and Beyond Scale grahics in Canada and some scratchbuild additons - such as the wall mounted cabinets next to the depth charge davits, the hose reels and hoses and a few other bits.

Finally, I weathered, she is painted with enamels and a lot of layers of drybrushing and careful painting were used to provide the beaten-up, hardworking aura of a WW2 convoy escort.

Loved the process, and have had her on the water thrice now, with some lovely comments from folks at New Brighton and Bury Model Boat Club.

Comments

  1. Summerisle
    Leading Seaman
    @TonyG thank you, I didnt know Tamiya made a Flower Class... Time is always an issue, but for me creating something gives me a chance to focus and to forget everything else, giving me ood mental health - but I do have to pivot from hobby to hobby to prevent getting burned out in any one field - drone flying, leatherworking, hobby blacksmithing - I will do one while inspired and then pivot back into another... Autumn to Spring is indoor work, so leatherworking, forging, or model making; summer and hot weather are for drone flying and running...
  2. TonyG
    Recruit
    What a fine job you have made building her and the finish is very relistic, I have 2 of these still in kit form untouched the very early version made by Matchbox with material flags and the Tamiya one just cannot ever find the time to build them...
    Liked by Summerisle and RNinMunich
  3. Summerisle
    Leading Seaman
    @jostro65 thank you... I have a touch of perfectionism and hyperfocus - aligned with a low self-opinion- that makes me want to do everything I can to do the best I can at everything, both a blessing and a curse - especially as I am my own worst critic!

    The kit is a good one - although the later-released Tech versions with lights and photo-etched brass parts are much more detailed, they aren't the kit I had, so I did the best I could and added what I was able to create to make her as good as I could... And the weathering really adds to her...

    If I can do it, then anyone can, all you have to do is not stop until you are happy with it and you will get the results that you want :)
    Liked by LewZ and hermank and
  4. jostro65
    Master Seaman
    Just an incredible piece of work. I have just started this kit, same scale, not intended for conversion. There's just no way I can see it ending anywhere close to this. Fantastic job. 👌
    Liked by Hsailer and hermank and
  5. Summerisle
    Leading Seaman
    @chugalone100 thank you for the kind words, it was definitely a fun model to build, and reignited a passion for modelling that has been long buried, she may be my first RC boat, but I am certain she wont be my last...
    Liked by LewZ and Hsailer and
  6. chugalone100Silver
    Commodore
    This is a model I once owned but never had the chance to build.

    Now that I see yours, it brings back many wonderful memories. Your model is absolutely gorgeous and looks so alive, especially with all the figures you added.

    I truly enjoyed all the photos and the attention to detail shown throughout the build.

    Thank you for sharing them with us.
    Liked by LewZ and Hsailer and

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