-- Originally Posted 5/17/08 --

Some of the first, prototype resin-upgrade parts for this build are now reaching full cure; at the same time my 1/600 Sydney is becoming ready for them:


Click on Image to EnlargeAnd wham; suddenly she doesn't look like an Airfix Ajax anymore, but like Sydney (or one of her closer sisters).

Their epoxy resin origin recognizeable from their distinctive, "purple-primed" color, the funnels and a Twin-6" turret are receiving additional work to finalize them. At its top, each funnel is getting an identical tapered lip (which I really should do for only on one funnel, and then copy it, but I'm getting impatient! ), and at the base each is getting a different treatment for insertion to the deck. These are really entering into uncharted territory, based on very sparse or a complete lack of indications in historical reference photos, so are largely guestimated.

The block bridge is only dry-fitted; I'm thinking it should receive its (minor) modifications/improvements before being secured.

The turret is further behind in development - but the build will not require these to go on as soon as the others above, anyway. Note at bottom, in the left-hand picture, the prominent "bridge-of-the-nose" bump; the open hatch doors:


Click on Image to EnlargeJust as on the Matty's Models USN Twin-5" Turret, both open and closed doors will be represented, making for easy options to depict them in either state. Although this is not a very good (low ambient light) picture, already it does reveal detail representing the heavy, transverse hinge plates which made for the "shoelace" appearance of the fronts of these RN Twin-6" turrets.

When these are finished, I'm betting you will wonder how anyone ever could have put up with the original, Airfix turrets on these kits!

So, stand by...

Cheers,

-Matty