Horizon Class Frigate by mikegr - 1/700

[mikegr]

Horizon class is a modern type of warship a product of joint development by Italy, France and UK (which later withdraw to develop its own type 45 destroyer).

Although classified as frigates at 7.000 dwt they are rather destroyers than frigates

A comparison to the previous project

[mikegr]

Like in the previous project I start building the hull with a piece of Swedish pine

[mikegr]

The next part was the forward superstructure. Sanded down to fit the hull then gave a coat of wood sealer.

Then, bridge and hangar was printed and test fitted.

Then I realized that I wanted to work the interior of the hangar, but at a dimension of approx. 12x30mm that was simply too narrow. So I decided to reprint it in two pieces splitted in 2/3 of the total width.

Then work on interior begun. A paint disaster led me to a 3rd print but after work and experimentation I got a positive result.

[BANYAN]

An interesting mix of modern and traditional modelling techniques Mike.  Interesting subject also.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[mikegr]

The hangar is complete. I did some test fitting experimenting with the LED fitting while paint was fresh yet.

Then I test fitted some others printed parts, bridge and radar mast

[mikegr]

Back to work after recovery from some neck pain

The mast is ready. It was printed in two halves. Then I added details by hand. Not easy to mess with brittle resin tiny parts. But there supposed to be some fun right? Besides the final outcome was satisfying so worth the effort.

Next part was the vertical launcher in front. With such details only a print was possible and it came as expected. One of the few parts that there was no need for a reprint.

[mikegr]

.Next part after gluing superstructure and main radar was the funnel along with the base and the secondary mast. I made it in 3 pieces and glued them together. Then I paint it before test fitting. Finally I scratch built the middle section. Only main pieces left are SMART radar and rear funnel.

 

[mikegr]

Last major piece in place except some putty on the joining point with the deck. It is the rear mack, (combo of mast and stack, very distinguishable feature in Knox class frigates).

Time to put some teeth to the dragon while keep working on paintjob. Note the forward mast broken on top. Water washable resin is no where strong as resin used with moulds, I think polyurethane.

 

 

[mikegr]

Did some minor improvements, I printed the Oto Breda 76mm guns. The barrels were a product of scratch built using 0.4mm , 0,3 needles and 0.20mm wire brass

Edited March 12, 2023 by mikegr

[mikegr]

Some progress has been done.

Added smaller parts like torpedo  decoy launchers, ECM devices, hangar door, 25 mm guns, SMART-L radar, mast antenna and some satellite systems. Few details like handrails, liferings left before start railing and rigging.

[mikegr]

Long time after update but progress didn't stop. I managed to add final details, correct bow shape and more.

I'm satisfied with the result except the painting and decals on the heli deck which proved wrongly calculated. A helicopter was added to cover a part of it instead or reworking on it. Its also my first attempt to built a detailed open hangar with light, I won't make a sea base for this instead a dock layout with her sister Type 45 is planned as a future built, so I can demonstrate the differences of these vessels.

Edited June 11, 2023 by mikegr