The model is a 1:400 scale Heller kit that was given to me as a commission to build for a serving RN Commander. I believe it will find a place in his on-ship cabin/office or in the wardroom.

The diorama depicts Hood just minutes away from the disaster that overtook her on that fateful day in May 1941. She is steaming at 28knots at a distance of 25,000 yards from the Bismarck & Prinz Eugen. I have depicted the North Atlantic in its typical state with high swells and wind blown. This is not completely accurate for the weather conditions of that morning. However, a little artistic licence has been necessary in order to create a North Atlantic ‘mood’.

This, one of the largest of injection-moulded kits at 27 inches long, was originally released in 1977. Even then it was not well received by the modelling community. The main criticism being that, compared with other Heller kits of the time, this kit was too simplistic and lacking in detail. More seriously, however, are the numerous constructional errors. If you can live with these, then the rather spartan kit can be modified and detailed into an reasonably acceptable representation of Hood. Indeed, the lack of detail on this kit invites the modeller to spend hours correcting and adding parts!! The trouble is where do you stop? Given the amount of time available, the resulting model is a compromise. It is interesting to hold up a completed model of Tamiya's 1:700 Hood by way of comparision - this tiny kit is far more accurate and representative of Hood in 1941.

I found that the HMS Hood website was very helpful in providing me with many references for painting details. Similarly, Warship Profile 19 HMS Hood / Battle–Cruiser 1916 – 1941 was most helpful, although don’t rely too much on the colour profile which adorns the middle pages!

A more detailed description of the build will appear in a future edition of Plastic Ship Modeller.