HMS Onslow

by Glen Porter

images by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

This is Tamiya's O Class Destroyer kit in 1/700 scale built as HMS Onslow.

I was unimpressed with the accuracy of this kit when I bought it, so it remained unbuilt for some time. Eventually, when I had more reference on HMS Onslow, I opened the box again and decided that it was possible to make the kit more accurate.

I performed the following additions and modifications to the basic Tamiya kit:

• The bridge, funnel and masts were rebuilt from scratch (kit radar was used)

• All decks were altered

• Bulwarks / solid side railings were removed

• AA platforms were scratchbuilt

• Kit boats were used, but they were relocated lower

Even after this work, the model is still not accurate because the bridge is too big, making the other major features (such as the funnel) out of proportion.

The colours were matched to the boxart using White Ensign Models' "Colourcoat" Enamels. The camouflage finish was a combination of AP 507A Dark Grey, AP 507B Medium Grey and AP 507C Medium Grey. The deck was finished in another WEM Colourcoat colour.

The paints were sprayed by airbrush after masking. The rust streaks were brush painted.

I applied a gloss coat before adding the decals, but my final flat coat (using Testor's Dullcoat) was too thick, obscuring some of the kit detail.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model and Text Copyright © 2003 by Glen Porter
Images Copyright © 2003 by Brett T. Green
Page Created 06 January, 2003
Last Updated 04 June, 2007

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Features Index