Topic: HMS Illustrious.

[paul swainson]

Here is a close view of the 4 S/L sights.

[ship's doctor]

Hi Paul,

Been having a look through my books to see if I can find a photo of one- nothing that looks like the drawing as yet though. I've used the ones from John Haynes for Suffolk- though they look a bit different to the ones in your drawing. 

The bridge is looking great- very quick progress!

James

[paul swainson]

I think I have resolved the problem on the S/L sight.  I think they are Searchlight sights and have found some drawings for them so will go with that.

Can any one point me to a place where I can identify Naval terms like A.D.O. and N.U.C lockers and others?

[radio joe]

Hi Paul, It would be good if they put the full title in the plans we are not all ex navy bods, I came across these photos you may have already seen them but I hope they help. Joe

[ship's doctor]

ADO could be air direction officer?- 'ALO' is Air look out'.  NUC is 'not under control' I think...

[paul swainson]

Thanks Joe for the photos, they are from the year 1943 to 1945 when she had her first refit in the USA after the Malta convoy.   The period I am building is 1940 to 1942.  You can tell if that is the correct period if the mast has the big drum cylinder above the HADT Mk IV director then you are in the period I am looking for.

[paul swainson]

Hi James,  the NUC was actual given to lockers on the top bridge. (N.U.C. Lockers.)  I am sure this is some type of equipment as there are other lockers for Keys, Lights, etc.  So some guide would be usefull.

I have completed the conning bridge and fitted it to B deck and it will swing out to be held in the sea navigation position.  Also completed the inside of the Captains bridge and fitted it out with box's control panels, voice pipes,Binnacle and Compass.  Installed the LED lights to both bridges, so all I need to do now is prime these area and then paint with Naval grey and black and then bond the decks D to C and then that to B and A deck.  Port holes have been drilled and will fit them out with nice brass detail.   Will post photos later.  Made a start on the main mast.

[Tanzy]

Not under command - lights and shapes to be displayed.

http://navruleshandbook.com/Rule27.html

[paul swainson]

Here are some photos of the work so far.

[paul swainson]

Here are some photos of the deck assembled.

[paul swainson]

and some more

[swiftdoc]

Hi Paul - looks great to me so far. Very unusual round forms of the superstructure I think but I am not into warships. I will meet up with Ron Dean tomorrow at the Dortmund fair Intermodellbau and look what he presents for us addicts

[radio joe]

A fine piece of work Paul, well done. Joe.

[mikearace]

Very nice Paul

[paul swainson]

Well the last deck has been done and again the shape was not easy to obtain as the rear end of and lower half has a bow outwards to compensate for the funnel.  Have primed the inner decks and cut all the sliding door ways in the supperstructure.  Sill working on the mast and making sections to install once complete.