Canberra Class LHD

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:25 pm

I've been away for a while and do not normally post over the Summer Months.
A change of plans yesterday gave me the chance to sit in the sun, drink beer and pull out an old project.
Thanks to Allen for the inspiration and Chris for the push.

A long unanswered message from Chris had inquired about my progress on a plan to build a LHD.
Back in May 2012 I had posted my grand plan to build a "Canberra Class" LHD when changing my self styled Defence Force from South African to Australian equipment.

This was cut down in Dec of 2011 and then put away.
I have done very little in the way of micro armour in the last year or so but I have been picking up the odd pack of GHQ (Australian equipment) to add to the growing "to be painted pile".
As of Saturday morning this week it looked like this.

Allen's excellent 1/285 Wasp LHD project made me want to get started again.
This would not be a scale model. It was never planned to be any more than a close look a like.
With a few pointers and insights from Allen's blog, I came up with some fixes to problems that had bugged me for the the last year or so.
After that I was able to make more progress in one day than I had managed since 3rd May 2012!
It did take a large amount beer and there is still a long way to go. It will take a LOT of sanding and more filler but it now kind of looks about right (for a non scale model).

Thanks Chris, I'll try and get the Chinooks shorted out soon too

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:40 pm

A few more.

So much more to add, thats your fault Allen

Thats the basic look I was going for.

lots of sanding to look forward to.

JMBaker · Post by **JMBaker** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 8:16 pm

Geez man, good work! I'd take your approximations and guess work anyday. Keep it up.

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 11:30 am

Looks great, how is your ship coming along?

AllenRockwell · Post by **AllenRockwell** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 4:08 pm

7.62 wrote:So much more to add, thats your fault Allen

I'm glad I could be of service

It's looking awesome.

Now you've inspired me to finish up mine. My ship is so close to being done, I just need to paint the hull, mount the superstructure and then add just a few more details .... now I'm inspired to wrap it up.

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Sun Dec 29, 2013 1:27 pm

Chris, very little progress from the last photo, I'm sorry to say.
Kind of hope that the M113AS4 & G wagon release in a few days will kick start me back into the Aussie equipment again.

I've always had a problem running more than one Nation at a time

It becomes a one man arms race. Lots of buying but little painting/finishing.

I did down size some of the South African kit when I started picking up the Australian.
However on a trip to pick up M777's the store was out of stock.
So I pick up a "few" packs for a small red force, you know just a little target really.

Big mistake!

Next thing I know I've got a growing DPRK force coming along!

Still hope to finish the LHD one way or the other.
Would make one heck of a mother ship for the mini subs & MD500's .

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:34 am

7.62
What helos do you think will be on the Canberra? or what types and numbers? What about camo/color scheme for them?

Planning to run a Chinese vs. US & Australia battle for Historicon in July 2014.
What ideas do you have, scenario. I am certainly thinking post-landing engagement.

May run a second game Saturday morning. thinking also in China with US and can use some other stuff, but definitely need to have a change-up.

So please provide some insight for the Thread "Historicon 2014". Thank you, Chris

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 12:32 pm

BUMP!

Just dug the LHD out of it's box for an update for Chris (and to work out how to post a photo again).

I'll try to get some daytime photos tomorrow or Sunday, same old crappy camera I was complaining about a few years ago, my kids got all the NASA quality equipment.

Last chance for all the Navy types to turn away as I have little knowledge the difference between pointy end and the round end, sorry.

AllenRockwell · Post by **AllenRockwell** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 1:09 pm

That looks really good. I like the rampy bit up at the pointy end.

7.62 · Post by **7.62** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 1:14 pm

Just in case the Stampede gets out of hand and I can't make bail.

Rutgervanm · Post by **Rutgervanm** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 4:33 pm

Wow, that is amazing. I thought she was a bit high in the water, but pictures of the real thing show the same. Fantastic build!

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 12:26 am

7.62,
That really looks nice, well done!!! I now which end is the pointy end, so if it is steering towards me, my forces will back up and give up terrain (possibly riches) to you. Looks super, Any pics with recent helos on deck and landing craft.

I look forward to this, just wonderful.

Congratulations. I appreciate you sharing.

Chris