I’m almost at the end of this build, but I thought I would share some pictures of my journey through the Speedline 1/12 kit. I’m presently finishing the painting of the hull. All work above the fenders is done. Not an easy build but a good model is achievable.

The kit.

I have fitted the as supplied Speedline water jet drives.

The deck of the Shannon had raised areas pre moulded in for cleats, anchor, areas around the rear deck access doors. I decided to remove most of this and make my own.
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The brass work on the Shannon is not easy ( not for me anyway) many other builders will know how difficult the rear railing is 🤔🤔

The windows of the Shannon are a main feature of the superstructure. They have to sit flush, and unlike other lifeboats there is no overlapping outer frame to conceal any small gaps. Each window has an inner and outer black surround. Hopefully my pictures will show how I solved 2 problems.
1. Gaps between windows and openings.
2. The supplied windows being of the wrong thickness material. The recess being 1.5mm material supplied 2mm.

Quite a way in to my build I noticed a problem with the superstructure moulding. There was an error in the roof panel lines. Some filler and a bit of sanding sorted it out.

The main moulding of the superstructure glues in to a moulded slot in the deck. The rear is a set of cast resin, highly detailed mouldings. Once assembled it’s a case of cutting the main moulding to suit.

Wonderful upgrades Alan. Might as well have bought the MBD 😊

I decided to improve some parts of the kit they include:-
Cabin door detail
Rear deck access door
Mob crane
Ladder section of mast
Aerial bases
Mast top
Bolt details
Anchor shoe
Anchor chain ( made from solder wire)

I was so involved with the brain scrambler of a rear railing that few pictures were taken. It was a sod to do!! The lifebelt holders are bolted on with machine screws and acorn nuts… not to be dropped. The yellow parts were turned from brass to aid paint definition.