The Ship Model Forum

Thanks guys.

Yes George it did take a lot of work! Plenty of Humbrol Filler. And sandpaper.

By today's standards the kit is better described as a scratchbuilding aid rather than a kit. The fit is desperately poor and it has more flash than the entire Royal Navy Battle Line firing full broadsides. But having said all that, fairplay to Ark Models for continuing to offer the kit and to Atlantic Models for producing such a fine photoetch detail set for it. Also Micromaster / Shapeways for the 3D printed turrets.

The ex Frog kit is the only show in town for the (in my opinion) overlooked and underrated 'R' Class if you want them in plastic. They are very attractive looking battleships I think. So much so that eventually I will get around to doing the entire class in 1/500.

Beautiful work!

Very nice work!
It is hard to believe that this is an iteration of the old Frog kit, which I deemed hopeless after a close inspection.
I can only guess how much work went into this build.
You really turned a sow's ear into a silk purse!
Congrats!
George Pék

Thanks for the kind comments lads. Yes indeed the 'R' Class are under represented model wise. I have more kits so ultimately plan to do one of each member of the class from various eras. There are so many different camouflage schemes and anti-aircraft gun configurations to choose from, which is great. Here are a couple more photos of Arkhangelsk:

That's a good looking model of a under represented class of ships. Well done!

The bluish tint to the background, the ship color and the water create a serene mood. Simultaneously, the bow shots give you a sense of the power of the ship and a feeling that the ship is on a mission. I love the nice details and the clean, pristine construction.
I have no idea how accurate it is and don't care--IMO it's gorgeous. Congrats to you, Mr. Church.

1/500 Soviet Battleship Arkhangelsk.

Ark Models Kit with various aftermarket parts including Atlantic Models 1/500 H.M.S. Royal Sovereign Class Detail Set and MicroMaster Shapeways 3D Printed Turrets. That and some kit bashing. Overall nowhere near 100% accurate as I did not have sufficient references: