HMS Belfast

[Portsmouth Bill]

Well I won't be doing the camo version of the present ship - not kosher IMHO, but the rebuild is going well and should be ready for the weekend

[Portsmouth Bill]

The last version, circa 1957, after the major rebuild. And before anyone points out the obvious, yes, I have shown the twin 40mm facing outward as these mounts are always displayed; for such an iconic warship I couldn't do otherwise and it just looks wrong if not. As for the rest, I've agonised over so many minor details and I'm sure there is still much room for improvement. I'm hoping to visit the ship later this year, so no doubt that will give me much needed close up inspection



For the OGFL Postwar AU, I have a project for a further modernisation that will begin with straight funnels; and after that I'm not sure, though at some time Seacat will replace some of the twin 40mm.

[ALVAMA]

Awesome. I was lucky to see her a year ago in real-life!

[Gollevainen]

im not sure about the port facing 40mm (they cannot traverse axis to the centrall line?) but otherwise this saga seems to get better and better by each drawing

[Bombhead]

A very good drawing PB mate.Something I have always admired in your drawing style is the way you somehow manage to draw 'age' into your ships.Eagerly awaiting Swiftsure/Superb.

[Novice]

Superb work Bill. I think that the upper bridge was enclosed after her last refit, but then I could be mistaken about that.
Any a real master piece, which will take enormous work to surpass.

[Portsmouth Bill]

Thankyou gentlemen; and I trully value your judgements. So:

im not sure about the port facing 40mm (they cannot traverse axis to the centrall line?)

I'm not sure I grok you here Golly. I basically drew according to the best high def drawing (courtesy of graham) and also from photo's I'd sourced. And the 40mm twins are accomodated on very wide plinths forward, and aft they seem o.k. But I'll definately gave a decko on my birthday treat trip

Superb work Bill. I think that the upper bridge was enclosed after her last refit, but then I could be mistaken about that.

I don't think that was the case mate; sure, the bridge was as she appears here, but I'm not aware of enclosing the compass platform.

I'm now working on various AU alternatives, so I'll post them soon.

[rifleman]

Very nice PB given the poor week I'm having a real lift thanks.

[Hood]

Another fine Belfast drawing in this series, well done Bill and I agree with the outboard facing 40mm. Using logic there is no other way to really show them without making the drawing less accurate.

[knut 75]

The new edition WARSHIP 2019 is said to have article about a proposal to convert Belfast to carry helicopters like Tiger and Blake, but for carrying
Royal Marines rather than ASW. Another Shipbucket drawing