I can't tell you how much I am enjoying these little posts - both the models, and (equally) the "spiel" going along with.

Again, regarding Sea Dart in the Falklands - and, mind you I wasn't actually there - however, as I understand it, their only failing was not "ceiling" (nor range), so much as minimum "deck": they could not lock/tag wave-hopping targets. But at higher altitude and long range, their downing of all kinds of Arggie aircraft (as you note), was outstanding. Also again, are your SeaDarts painted red - and doesn't that signify training rounds?

This ship herself is an interesting evolution: clearly, starting out with just one 4.7-incher, two 20mms and torpedoes - but accommodations for a helicopter - she was first meant to be a sub-hunter. But later, with (a growing number of) SeaDarts, and even Harpoons, she morphed into a more AA/general-purpose convoy/task-group escort.

This is all dangerously inspiring to build a bunch of the Falklands escorts - I have the entire bunch (the right classes, at least) of Airfix kits, in 600-scale, as well as the FROG (Improved) Ulster-class, in 1/500. And of course all of their detail-parts would have to be replaced (or at least re-worked).

If you have a bunch of good SkyWave RN leftovers - in "1/700" which might actually be perfect 600-scale, for my Airfixes, I would definitely be interested in those, Donny.

Again, Great Post on a great little subject.

Cheers,

- Matt