Building Airfix HMS Belfast. From Start to Finish

[@dmflynn962]

Thank you for the video. It is a good kit, you did a nice job building it, and the video was well done. You have a couple of surprising major techniques: spraying black first, and then bright colors. I have had good luck without employing them. I have seen another modeler use a black primer, but I would think you need a lot of paint to cover that. Here are a couple of ideas you might want to consider trying. Generally I have found that a white primer works best for me. I built the Belfast about 20 years ago. I assembled most of the model, airbrushed the gray including parts still on the trees, airbrushed the wood deck, then hand painted the gray details around the wood color, and then added the details. I back dated it to 1939 when it was completed. For Airfix's King George V, I airbrushed everything before removing the parts, and then used ACC after scraping paint from the appropriate areas. Although that worked very well, I never did it again because I prefer regular model cement. Thank you for the ship's tour. When I visited London 9 years ago, I got only about 5 minutes on the ship. Thanks again. You are informative and interesting at the same time.

[@qdc748a]

Wow, I don't know you but it certainly appears that you like this video and are impressed with my work. I'm just a normal guy enjoying this hobby and I try my best to inspire people like yourselves to build their own model kits. Thank you very much for watching. I honestly appreciate it. 😀😀

[@RWHobbies]

You’re modeling skills have really increased over the years. Nice touch incorporating the tour.

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome.

[@Bolter617]

Just been bought this kit for Christmas...it'll be my first model EVER and I'm terrified but excited 🤣

[@qdc748a]

You will be just fine. Enjoy it! I wan to wish you and your family a happy new year!

[@christmaspudding7856]

I like how you can always hear the same clock ticking in the background in basically all of his videos

[@qdc748a]

A lot of people like my clock. It's a curiosity to me.

[@jonathancharlesworth3155]

@@qdc748a It has a pleasant tick....very soothing

[@svenva]

@@jonathancharlesworth3155 this is extremely accurate, ASMR

[@dark_SDKR]

asmr... that clock puts me to sleep.

[@vincentlussier8264]

You notice that too? I think it's a good old fashion sound that we don't hear anymore because of digital clocks on microwaves and stoves!

[@northwoodslife5964]

Thank you , Q. I'm an older guy and I still build static model build kits. Like I did when I was in grade school. But a bit better now because I can afford the paint, compressor, and finer kits. Etc. If nothing else it's relaxing and takes one back into history. For the sake of history, and the fallen heroes of the past... thank you Q for your KZbin channel. God Bless. "Building kits for relaxation, memories, and as an honor to those who gave all".

[@michaelevans205]

Good to see you back 'in action.' I'm operating from a very old memory here so forgive any inaccuracies! I bought and built Belfast when she first came out, which would have been about the time she was saved for preservation and moved to the Pool of London. The kit was one of the very last 1/600 scale warships Airfix produced and was easily better than any of the rather clunky predecessors. They did, if I remember correctly, bring out a Prinz Eugen, a King George V and HMS Repulse afterwards but I don't recall any others. The last few models they released in this scale were pretty darned good by the standards of the time and it's sad that the company's financial woes, coupled with the growth of 1/700 scale, meant the end of Airfix's once quite prolific ship range. A tip, free and for nothing! Do not, whatever you do, buy their Tirpitz /Bismarck........absolutely dreadful! And if you fancy a really good one with a suitably tragic history, try their Repulse; arguably the best one they ever did. I have it in my stash together with a lot of photo-etch to go with it. Now all I have to do is pluck up the courage to build it. Good grief, a 2pdr pompom is SMALL in 1/600!! Great build, and I really like the diorama. Stay safe and I'm ready for your next video right away. All the best from the UK.

[@qdc748a]

Thanks for the long comment. Your advice sounds good but I probably won't build another ship model for a while.

[@SteveBennett2910]

I've been on the HMS Belfast in around 2014 and I've loved the ship ever since

[@qdc748a]

It's a real nice ship! The layout is spacious compared to United States warships of World War Two. I like it for it's spaciousness and his historic role!!! 😃

[@themajesticmagnificent8561]

Thank you for a great video.God bless you and please keep safe yourself🇬🇧🇺🇸🌍🌎🌏❤️

[@qdc748a]

😊

[@Twirlyhead]

Excellent video and build and I love the format. I bought the kit when it first came out in 73ish and it was a nice and well detailed kit indeed. The new kits and figures that Airfix were bringing out around then were a new generation for them and all good kits.

[@poly3706]

I just wanted to comment that your videos is very calming and have watched you since years ago, your videos gave me insight like you are my teacher. they made me interested in modelling again and that helped me go through some unpleasant times, so thank you for your videos and keep doing them and stay healthy

[@qdc748a]

Thank you Daren for your kind works. It's very heart touching to know that I helped you rediscover this old hobby again. Things that we done as children does resurface again as adults either good or bad but it seems that this hobby made you feel better. My current project is the Academy B-29. Last month in July, I flown inside the real B-29 for 30 minutes. Here is the link to the KZbin video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWfHm4KPqpuHiKc I should be finished the Academy kit soon I hope. Take care 😃

[@GNBcorporal]

Really enjoy your work!

[@qdc748a]

👍😊😁

[@dgvinn]

you can really tell how much you enjoyed building this wonderful little diorama , its great to have an upload from you . All the best and keep safe .

[@qdc748a]

thank you

[@CarlMarxiswild]

Awesome video. Really helped me get through this kit. The first one of this difficulty I’ve ever built. It was very nice to see the boat itself. Brilliant video I am now subscribed. Thank you

[@qdc748a]

Thank you for subscribing. I plan to building another ship this year.

[@JohnnieE1961]

Nice video, nice model ...sounds like a really nice guy.

[@qdc748a]

Thanks. I would like to think I'm a nice guy 😁

[@4ngu54110tt]

Thanks QDC. Glad to see your staying healthy and safe. Cheers 😸

[@qdc748a]

That is very thoughtful. Thank you.

[@Hakumai_o7]

Hey Q, great work on this one! Im a big navy buff myself, and sadly naval modeling doesn't seem to be as popular as armor modeling, so this video was a treat!

[@thetourettesgamer8851]

Hakumai I must admit I’ve never built a model ship but I’ve always wanted to, though I think some people are nervous to give it a go they often take up a lot of space

[@qdc748a]

You are welcome. Building model ships are pretty cool it's strange you don't see that too often on KZbin.

[@KJ-kn8pg]

Yeah most popular are aircrafts. I am building mostly aircrafts from ww2 and sometimes ships.

[@tonyperez4791]

Great build David ! Love the way your supervisor checks your build ! I went to that ship , back in Sept 2001 , but couldn't get in because of 9/11 , everything was closed. Those molds look goods for an old kit. Hope you and your loved ones are safe . Take care, tony

[@qdc748a]

Thanks Tony. If you ever visit London again, try going back onboard the Belfast. You won't be disappointed!

[@michaelmolina6267]

Really enjoyed watching this build and tour of the real cruiser. Currently, I am working on an Airfix 1/600 scale ship HMS Fearless, and despite some issues, I am enjoying building it. Really not my first time with the kit as I built this same one when I was in high school when MPC was putting out Airfix kits under their brand.

[@braille9920]

Awesome build complete with a tour. Stay safe and enjoy each and everyday!

[@keithscott9571]

Wow!!! Outstanding work and also the tour of ship. Retired USN.

[@johnashley-smith4987]

Nice job on an old classic! I really enjoyed the Airfix 1/600th H.M.S. Iron Duke I built years ago. Seeing how easy to do an at sea display was enlightening and makes me want to try it with a couple of ship kits that I currently have in the process of building! Thanks for the inspiration and the video!

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome. Building a diorama is not hard. Try it.

[@7BearBrown]

I built this kit when I was about 10 maybe 11 and it was...(sigh) piss poor. I've built most of the major Airfix 600 ship kits in my youth, Bismark, Hood, Ark Royal, Graf Spee etc. although they were never really good - this one always bugged me since it was so much worse than my other efforts. After watching your video - I'm gonna give it another go. Your inspiring dude.

[@qdc748a]

Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure when you were younger that kit was built right given your ability back then. Try it again, I'm sure it will turn out better! Stay safe.

[@danieljohnson1401]

Ah man, that was an excellent build. I love HMS Belfast and have visited her numerous times and you’ve done her proud! Also thank you for giving a “regular guy” tutorial on how to make a sea diorama, will certainly be having a go at this. Be well and safe mate!

[@qdc748a]

Thank you for your kind words. COVID-19 is getting worse everywhere in the world so I wish you and your family safe from COVID-19. Take care.

[@ModelNerd]

Very nice build. I especially like the mix of build and real-ship tour. It's tempting me to get the HMS Prince of Wales off the shelf and have a crack...

[@qdc748a]

Thank you for your kind words. Try building it. It may be fun.

[@afdb6924]

Looks great , very nice build ,thanks again for sharing ,stay safe my friend ,god bless you to.

[@qdc748a]

Thanks

[@albertomonsalve5639]

From Chile!!! It is an excellent video! Congratulations!

[@qdc748a]

You are very welcome. 😀 Thank you for watching my video.

[@JAGRAFX]

Thank you for your tour. Great job on the Belfast. We used to do a special trick with the Revelle model ships back in the late 1950's: by sawing or somehow cutting the bottoms of the ships off just at the waterline. The models wold be cut to bare details, filled with clay and a conforming bottom would be added. Subsequent to an all-dark-gray monotone paint job -- the models had the look and feel of large versions of collector's die-cast versions.

[@desiringgold]

Please never stop uploading Q. I love your enthusiasm. It's so genuine and pure.

[@qdc748a]

Thanks. I'm already starting on my next project.

[@desiringgold]

@@qdc748a Awesome to that man, I'll be waiting to see what it is! And thanks for being awesome and replying back! 😁

[@gliderroos]

Great little model, thanks for sharing. Good to see you again. You stay safe as well, ok? 🙂👍

[@LeeAirVideos]

Lovely video and model. I first visited HMS Belfast back in 1973 aged eight! My late father and grandfather were both in the Royal Navy; grandfather in WW2 and father in the 1950’s. I have since revisited more recently with my young daughter in 2009. It’s a very interesting ship and tells an amazing story.

[@nicktwolf]

I really enjoyed seeing the ship and thank you for sharing your tour of it with us. It's a lovely kit and I hope your supervisor approved of your work.

[@templeofgold748]

Old time viewer here, hope you're staying safe and healthy for us. Been watching you since I was a kid, you've improved my modeling skills immensely! I appreciate you for sticking with this passion for so long! I wish u the best.

[@qdc748a]

Thank you

[@multipl3]

Love your videos man!

[@qdc748a]

You are welcome. I wish you and your family safe from COVID-19. Take care.

[@subliminalstyrene811]

A lot of people bad-mouth Airfix (I used to be one of them many years ago) but really they are well thought out kits that go together really well and you did this one justice, looks really nice and the water base Dio just sets it off beautifully. Should take pride of place on the display shelf !

[@qdc748a]

Thanks. I am proud of this project I made. Airfix did get it right the first time in 1973. Take care.

[@ryanyoung8245]

nice work all round, the water turned out really well

[@jpboucher1039]

Hi Colin, I hope you're fine! Thank you very much for this new model, HMS. Belfast is one of the last ww2 ship you can visit in Europe. Hope to see you shortly in Paris! Take care!

[@dz313191]

Always love watching your videos. Wish you had time to do more. Thanks again!!

[@qdc748a]

Thanks.

[@bleedgreen263]

Looks great! Love your videos! Sometimes I don’t have the time or energy to enjoy working on my own kits and I honestly enjoy watching your videos just as much. Thank you for sharing your time and your hobby!

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome. 😃

[@iainsimpson1816]

Thanks for bringing my childhood memories back we had a school trip to London and we visited H.M.S Belfast I built the kit but not to the finish you have done excellent job Cheer's

[@crazysoxcourier]

great build chap! i built this one last year, i must of got a bad moulding there was more flash than kit in someplaces! it fought me all the way! it got sacked 2ce but i got there in the end! thanks for sharing!

[@qdc748a]

Wow. I didn't have much flash on my kit.

[@dochouse889]

Top job as always... with all the extras... clock ticking.. the pauses... the ASMR sounds... the simple and great models/dioramas.

[@atomickitten2013]

Your work inspires people from all round the world, I hope to see more! Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@qdc748a]

Thank you for your kind words! Gee, I don't know what else to say but I'm flattered. 😊

[@corsariox2603]

Thanks QDC for another great video. I love your technics for weathering and water fxs. Can't wait until your next build! Keep safe and best regards from Argentina!

[@Markus68Scale]

I like your video very well also that you have the original in the video. 2012 was the last time I was on the old lady, until then it was the biggest ship I visited before I was on the USS Texas and the USS Missouri (BB-63).

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome. I never visited the USS Texas but I have visited the USS Iowa (USS Missouri's sister ship). I should see visit the Texas.

[@christaljohn]

We went on a field trip and went on a sleepover in this boat we had pizza as well and this was all so long ago thx u I feel so nostalgic 9:08 looks like our place we slept

[@christaljohn]

Unfortunately the hotel was only for schools and field trips

[@jonfast16]

When you started this kit , like you I was wondering what you could get from a 1:600 model and I'm impressed you made an excellent job . I was curious about the colour scheme but it made sense , it , for some reason looks really good and your personal look over the ship was a nice touch , being ex RNZN to have the personal touch with the ship herself just adds to the hole building experience . Well done I hope you do some more Tamiyas 1:350 done in a similar video format done by yourself would be of interest which I'm about to start . My local model shop has Airfix's HMS Belfast is currently in-stock and after your video the kit will be coming home very soon . Just FYI the RNZN is for Royal New Zealand Navy which mean s living this far south the opportunity to see on board the real thing is limited so your video is of real interest. Well done Sir . John Christchurch , New Zealand.

[@qdc748a]

Thank you John for your kind words. I hope you enjoy building this classic kit. Take care

[@jonfast16]

I just looked at your video again and noticed in my comments about the Tamiya 1:350 model I'm about to start ! what I didn't say was which one , sorry bout that , it's the 'Missouri' one of my favorites from the past and the present the kit is great and I can't wait for the wooden deck to arrive so I can start 😁. Also since writing my comments earlier Ive ordered Airfix's Belfast and Devonshire , the latter also being 1:600 so your video being so good has started something half a world away , well done and thankyou . 👍 Kind rgds John

[@qdc748a]

@@jonfast16 😀😀

[@juanpedromoralesvieyra3757]

Hola amigo Q. Great build. Great music. Good to see you are well. Dios te bendiga a ti y a tu familia

[@sergiogarcia6774]

Hermosísimo!!

[@qdc748a]

Thank you 😊

[@MikeyRumi180]

some of your best work. amazing

[@trade0714]

Betty Grable's rear end provides good motivation for model building.

[@1faustus]

That was fun to watch and it looks great with the sea. I built one of these in '74/75 but it didn't come out like yours. The nearest my child's mind came to detailing was putting holes in the Bismarck. I will have to do one properly now

[@robertvoss6145]

This was a really good build Colin and the diorama shows it off to perfection. I hope every time you look at it , it will remind you of your visit to the UK 🇬🇧

[@qdc748a]

Yes, this is a good diorama I made. Believe it or not, I plan to visit the UK again next year when the Pandemic is over.

[@charlie418791]

Good to see you're okay , David. Great job on the ship.👍

[@lfriccarpj2004]

Such a wholesome channel. Keep up the work good sir! Your videos are always a joy to watch!

[@13bravo72]

Wow! Very nice ship dio!! Well done sir! Thank you for sharing the tour of the ship! Be safe!👍👍

[@grahambaker9377]

Very nice build and paint job. Looks like the cat was giving it a once over just checking.

[@RollingThunderModels]

Interesting paintjob! Great looking water effect!

[@mikemodels928]

I wish that someday someone will make a 1:1 replica of any mighty battleships like Bismarck or Yamato so their legend can become alive. You have done a great work with this model.

[@qdc748a]

Thanks. 😊

[@donrobinson6613]

My Uncle Don who I'm named after served on HMS Belfast from 1943 including when it took part in the bombardment of the Normandy coast before the D-Day landings in 1944. My father was on HMS Cossack (R57) a C-Class Destroyer from 1945 but went straight to the Pacific. He later served on the carrier HMS Venerable (R63) before transferring to the New Zealand Navy 1948 & then leaving the navy in 1952 & immigrating to NZ.

[@qdc748a]

Wow, you must feel honored to be named after your uncle. Thank you for sharing your story about your uncle and family's proud service history.

[@typhoon8711]

Nice QDC!!! Your skills really made this model come to life

[@BigFred1925]

Awesome as usual. Watching you work and the clock ticking make it so relaxing.

[@damianmullan8239]

As a belfast boy I've always meant to build one ! Will now with seeing your build ! Super stuff QVC

[@BrbWifeYelling]

The IWM HMS Belfast is an awesome museum!

[@alknud9448]

Love your channel, everything always inspires me to work on my own models!

[@outrider7577]

Great video, qdc! Thanks for the tour. Truly interesting. I wish that you and your family (and your kitty) stay safe and well and happy modeling. We will get through this!

[@qdc748a]

Thank you. I wish your family well too.

[@lawrencemaderia3323]

Absolutely an excellent video, excellent footage of the Belfast and slide show with sound score 👍

[@SC457A]

The supervisor checked in on the shipyard, seemed okay with the work, and left. Good job. lol

[@qdc748a]

My cat is my boss.

[@johnphilipburdis3798]

Great photos and model of the HMS Belfast, qdc. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🙏🙏🕊🕊😷😷🤧🤒🦠stay COVIDSafe.

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Getting ready to build 1/350 of the HMS Warspite. You always do a fantastic build. Nice diorama. Think we have the same clock.

[@qdc748a]

Cool. I hope you enjoy building the HMS Warspite.

[@melvynjones3904]

Nice one. Loved the cat paws!

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome. My cat loves me. He's like glue-everywhere I go, he's with me.

[@Argovia1803]

Hallelujah QDC you are BACK. How great !!!! All the best !!!!

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

Real quality!! Great to see. Thanks for sharing

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome

[@warraupe9373]

Thanks for the great video.

[@basicminiaturepainting]

Thank you for this qdc i hope you are staying safe

[@MrJimmyGiblets]

Great job! Well done! You stay safe too.

[@JoseDanielMassterOzymandiasMx]

Magnificent build. The paint job is well done and the detail is fantastic. Greetings from México!

[@qdc748a]

You are very welcome my friend! Thanks for watching my video.

[@gnazkull]

Wow, the water effect is incredible

[@joeshmoe9978]

I agree, it looks really convincing.

[@swimmerbc]

came here to say this

[@qdc748a]

Thanks. It's both simple and impressive.

[@andrewnoonan4044]

Lovely build - thank you.

[@markmccann5711]

Your correct mate this kit takes a lot of patients it’s loaded with parts on a small kit , l’ve done this one and the 1:350 scale buy trumpeter and the Airfix one was the hardest , l remember when it came out my best friend and l were into model kits l was so frustrated with it l put it in the pool and shot it with my slug gun . But l must say you have done a great job on it .👍🇦🇺

[@qdc748a]

Thanks for your kind words

[@rikbryan9709]

Great build bud!Welcome back and hope you are safe and well.

[@marcosfernandez7207]

Very good video, really good. The ship's tour added a lot of interest to it, and the final diorama construction was very instructive. I used polyester resin and silicone to make.seawater, with a lot of styrene monomer mixed in it to get a rough effect out of the otherwise plain resin surface. I think the result was good, but the odour of these chemicals was awful, and your process seems to produce a similar result without this problem and the possible health risks. I was much younger, of course... I also agree with you that this rather old kit is still one the best from Airfix, and a good value today. Other fellow mentionef the Repulse kit, another very good one produced by Airfix. I agree with him, and strongly recomend this kit for you to apply your skills in the future. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Kind regards from Brazil, also by now suffering badly from the pandemic. Stay safe!

[@qdc748a]

Thank you for your kind works. Yes, this method of making a diorama is less toxic than your method so give it try. Stay safe too. Thank you again.

[@lancecaldwell3874]

Great job for that scale. The tour was good too. I've got the tour book, but it's nice to see actual vid. Watched your vids for some time and impressed with your skills. Loved the colour modulation you did. I'm convinced on black base issue. Thanks for sharing and stay healthy brother.

[@qdc748a]

thanks

[@allanstott6999]

Good to see you're OK, and I've missed your videos.

[@PetrvsMaximvsChannel]

love your video !! God bless ya too ! Super project as allways!

[@SoRTs6233]

Thanks for a great video. I'm just about to embark on 'HMS Iron Duke' so found your video very inspiring. Love the diorama at the end. Cheers, Jim L

[@qdc748a]

I wish I can go back the UK and see more ships. I want to see the HMS Victory.

[@SoRTs6233]

@@qdc748a Hope you make it over here (I'm from Scotland). Love the Victory, I built the Airfix version 3 times

[@qdc748a]

@@SoRTs6233 Once the pandemic is over, I'll go back 😃😃

[@goodo5691]

well done mate...great idea to build and a tour as well.....went there myself in 1983:)

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Wow, turned out great!!

[@aiden9142]

another fine job, ive seen this ship in person too, but only from the outside. stay safe :)

[@iancooley6308]

Lovely work mate, looks great in the diorama. HMS Belfast is special to me as my father served on her during WW2 and the Korean war as comunications officer. He took to see her when I was young and I had a very personal tour of her. I love seeing models of her , I've built the Airfix and the larger Trumpeter models and enjoyed building both of them. Great job you've done there.

[@qdc748a]

Thanks for sharing your personal story on KZbin. You must be proud of your father.

[@jostscalemodelling]

Hello QDC, very entertaining and worth seeing video. I really enjoyed your little tour of HMS Belfast. Many thanks for this! Your calm manner and the contemplative ticking of the clock in the background - simply wonderful! Your diorama is a beautiful eye-catcher! All the best to you and your family, stay healthy and see you soon. Greetings from Germany, John

[@qdc748a]

You are very welcome.

[@samsscaleproductions2514]

great build! i really like the fact that you visit the ship and decide to buildit! you always do your best! that's why i start my own YT chanel! great ship and great work you have donde! congrats! -samuel-

[@terryxperry]

You did a great job

[@MJ-nn1ox]

one of my favourite models to build of all time

[@Mike-mm4mx]

Dear QDC thanks for another great video. I always learn from you and some of your tips I have used in my own modelling. I have been tempted to make a ship model but was not sure how to make a base for it. The way you have made this sea diorama is absolutely brilliant! It looks a fairly simple and cost effective way, very ingenious well done. Stay safe my friend and look forward to your next project. Mike in England.

[@qdc748a]

You're welcome and thanks. Making a sea diorama like this one isn't that hard. Try it. Take care.

[@ShortFinal]

Yeeeesssssss I love when you build ships and planes!

[@marcogazaneo]

It turned out pretty nice :) good job!

[@evanobrien9415]

Good work Q!

[@naenaebeanus6253]

Please post more ur the best

[@erees155r2]

Always a good day when the notification comes up that you posted!

[@gregscollectables6006]

Great video. Thanks.

[@qdc748a]

If you like that, I trying to make a video of me flying inside a real B-29 bomber. It should be uploaded to KZbin by this week. I invite you to watch it once it's uploaded 😃