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Author Topic: Researching a ship, how \ where to start?  (Read 2550 times)

justboatonic

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Researching a ship, how \ where to start?
« on: April 22, 2012, 09:53:57 pm »

OK, after a lot of deliberation, I've finally decide what the next build is going to be. It's going to be a Fleetscale 1\72 scale RN Batch 2 Type 42.

Now, my preference is to build it as close as possible to 2011 \ 12 fitment. Plans available from Jecobin date from 1983. So, how best to research this? I've searched the net for pictures of the ship in 2011 but, that doesnt always produce results of the ship as she was in 2011  or 12 and, can include older pics just posted during this period.

By looking at some pictures of the ship that I know were taken very recently, I can see there are additions to the superstructure so these can be built. But, weapons fit seems to be altogether different. When I've looked on the net, I can find information on what weapons and radars have been fitted from commission to date. But thiese tend to be long lists and dont tell you this or that radar was fitted up to a certain date or, those weapons were only fitted after a certain date.

So, Im no expert in the different types of radar the ship could have. What's the best, easiest way to find out what radars and weapons were fitted at a specific time? Yes, there may be lots of pics but I dont know a 992 radar from a 1006 if you get my drift.
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tassie48

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Re: Researching a ship, how \ where to start?
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2012, 07:54:39 am »

I enjoy the research side of the build you can learn so much doing research the way i do mine is as follows i get a hard cover book or a spiral bound book number the pages and write down different sectionss to the build this is my build book,every time i get information i write this into the build book and update it as i go I have done this over thirty years.
Also write to the Navy or ship owners for details when the ship is in port and get as much photos as you can when she is in port and get the local skipper on side as well currently writing a book on IJN AKITSUSHIMA seaplane tender research started 1995 on her .
Research is the fun side of things building and sailing are fun as well enjoy tassie48
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John W E

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Re: Researching a ship, how \ where to start?
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2012, 06:29:12 pm »

hi there Justboatonic

Have you decided on which stretched Type 42 you are going to build - cos there cannot be many left in service just now.

A whileback in about 2009, I built HMS York - at 1:96 scale and she is built as an up-to-date model.  As you know, you have to do a lot of research; I found there are 1 - 2 people on this actual forum, notably a guy from France - who has an X in his name - was very very helpful to me.  One of the main differences/alterations was the 'go faster flap' on the back of the hull of these vessels.  Also, there are multi-barrelled morter firers on them; there is one other alteration which you need to watch for too - its the rear lower deck.  The openings in the back are different from port to starboard.   Here's a link to the build I did :

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=15073.90

aye
john
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justboatonic

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Re: Researching a ship, how \ where to start?
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2012, 08:48:46 pm »

Thanks for the info.

It wont be a Batch 3 stretched 42, it will be Liverpool which has recently been decommissioned. I've already got some pictures of her from when she was at the liner terminal.

I can see in these some differences to the jecobin plan. I've also found some other web pages detailing the weapons and radars fitted to the Type 42's. Trouble is, these dont say when one radar was superseded by another nor which ships specifically had each type of radar. Im pretty certain though, these web sites wont be definitive information. Although I have some pictures with most of the radars fitted very recently, I dont know for sure which is which. For example, this shot shows main radar, a masthead radar, scott domes and 2 other domes in front of the main radar. But,  dont know what they are. I think the main radar is 1022.


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mikearace

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Re: Researching a ship, how \ where to start?
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2012, 08:54:55 pm »

One of the best ways to help your research is to contact those who actually served on the ship.  Often official records vary from reality at certain times and asking those or getting their own photos can help.  You could contact the HMS Liverpool Association and ask their assistance in verifying any research.
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justboatonic

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Re: Researching a ship, how \ where to start?
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2012, 09:32:04 pm »

One of the best ways to help your research is to contact those who actually served on the ship.  Often official records vary from reality at certain times and asking those or getting their own photos can help.  You could contact the HMS Liverpool Association and ask their assistance in verifying any research.

Thanks for this suggestion!
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