The final jobs.

With the model now entering its final phase of construction, various jobs require attention.

The first of these is the flight deck netting: this requires the construction of 27 frames.

To make this job much much easier, a very very simple jig was produced using a piece of 2mm plywood and the XY table on the drilling machine.

With this setup, the shape of the frame was milled into the wood, using a 2mm milling cutter. This allowed all the components for the frames to quickly assembled and soldered.

What at first appeared a tedious job was completed in only a few hours.

Twenty two of the frames completed and ready for the paint shop.

The frames in the paint shop, with a coat of filler primer applied.

The completed frames, out of the paint shop and ready to receive the netting prior to fixing on the hull.

Before the frames can be fitted we must finalise the flight deck.

The picture shows the flight deck with markings completed and also ship ident lettering.

Here we see the flight deck, completed.

Next we turn the kitchen into a woodwork shop!

Before the model progresses any further it's time to think about transportation.

After careful thought it was decided that the best way to transport the model was to construct a specialised container; this would allow the model, if necessary, to be transported on the ladder rack of a vehicle.

The picture shows the completed container, minus its lid.

This picture shows the start of one of the final jobs on the model - the railings along both sides, from the bow to the flight deck.

In the picture we can see the railings which form part of the modules.

Before we progress further with the main model, we have a very pleasant diversion in the form of building up the helicopter kit; this is a standard Airfix model of a Lynx HAS3 helicopter in 1/72 scale.

The picture shows the start of construction with some parts fitted into the fuselage.

Progress being made on the helicopter, with the fuselage now mainly complete.

Here we see the helicopter, completed, and ready to be installed on the model at the end of the build.

Making a start on one of the final jobs (and not one which the author enjoys!) - fittting the remaining railings to the deck.

The picture shows the hull with all of its superstructure modules removed and a start being made on the bow section.

The picture shows the bows complete with the railings, and now just waiting for the attention of the paint shop.

Here we see the midship and bow sections, masked up and ready for spraying.

It was decided to spend extra time prepairing and masking up rather than trying to hand paint the railings.

After completing the railings, attention was turned to the foremast, with the installation of specialised antennae and met instroments.

Here we see the bow section, complete with hazard markings.

We turn our attention to the very last job, which on this early version of HMS Monmouth is the HF aerial array.

The picture shows the broadside array between the funnel and the aft mast.

This second picture shows the whole of the HF aerial array.

Here we see the completed model of HMS Monmouth;  when not in use on the water she will be residing in the lounge!

We hope you have enjoyed this description of the building of HMS Monmouth and will join us again later this year when we commence building a type 42 destroyer in 1/96 scale - HMS York.