MY FIRST SEA DIORAMA BUILD! Airfix 1/600 HMS Devonshire

[@lesvenus3788]

That’s an absolutely fabulous build Gary. The sea looks first class and overall I love the simple diorama. I hope you do another as ships can after a while get quite addictive. Great job!

[@thewildsimon1418]

Watching this while watching one of the boat I work on being brought on to the slip no better way to watch

[@davidhinkson8856]

It's always good to venture out of your comfort zone from time to time. The completed diorama looks great and the aftermarket bits really do enhance what is a very basic model kit. The way my eyes are now, I know I can't handle those tiny photoetched parts, but whenever I see these ship model builds I'm inspired to build one, although it's been 25+ years since I last built a ship and I've built less than ten overall in the 45 years I've been in this hobby.

[@nikjohnson9968]

crickey Gary not just a modeller but an artist as well. looks fantastic

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Nik!

[@marcblackburn5920]

So much content this week! Thank you!

[@garys_stuff]

More to come!

[@alexlupsor5484]

When I built these kits in my youth, I would locate the deck with out glue into the slot provided to help in lining up in locating the ships hull. The 2 hull pieces will fall in place. I would use elastic bands to hold things together and start by cementing the forward bow and the stern without going past the keel forward part of the bow. Make sure that when you cement the bow and the stern of the hull. Stop anymore wrk until the cement cures min of 24 hours. Be careful when you cement the stern together, do not pass the rudder post. There you go. Your on your own.

[@mikelewis6233]

Great effort. You turned the old classic kit into something worth seeing. Excellente...

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Grand job looks great 👍

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Gary, much anticipated build. I think you were suffering from the same problem I found in the group build (you will remember it was my first for 46 years) and that is old age fingers! When I was young I found hull join-up and such easy but when I was putting the top wing on that camel and trying to get all the struts in and lined up (I cut a box to make a jig to get the stagger right) but it seems dexterity goes with the years. You made the right decision to "bury" the hull rather than cut it down. You will have noticed in the "old days" pictures I sent you, some hulls cut down to the water line curling up badly at the ends. They all do that to a greater or lesser extent and it is the devil to get them flat. Guard rails are about 3 feet high so at 1/600 thats 60thou high (1.5mm). I really like your sea, very good. I only tried it once and then I tried painted paper across a cardboard box (I think it might have been the lower kit box) with a hull shaped hole, it was not a sucess. One other thought. I hope you have a matelot follower who can clarify the use of flags but my understanding was that the jack (ie up forward) is only flown in port. I thought the photo etch might be the only solution for railings and the detail of the "bedstead" (not so sure on the latter even) but seemed pointless otherwise. You have every reason to be proud of this build, particularly as a first ship, I like it anyway.

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Emma - I will wait to see about the Union Jack forward - maybe she's steaming towards port (he suggested desperately!) - Dad might know but as he was on a carrier they used the bow jack as little as possible because it was on the front of the flight deck and a little in the way! I did cut the hull down a little but not to the nominal water line as I wanted a bit of flexibility with waves and troughs.

[@emmabird9745]

@@garys_stuff Hi Gary, I noticed (after writing the bit about the hull curl) that you had your croc clip inside the hull so obviously a hole in the bottom is not so bad (except it might let the water in!).

[@garys_stuff]

@@emmabird9745 I put a bit of spare plastic frame across the width of the hull on the inside to allow for a croc clip...

[@emmabird9745]

@@garys_stuff Well done, I reconned that was the cure......

[@rogerramgoolam6939]

Very good model and sea base😀

[@jaws666]

Hi Gary.. amazing result.. you should be proud of this.....well done,sir👍👍👍👍

[@jonmorgan4233]

Excellent build Gay, you should be be proud of your work, your shelves must be getting full now…😊

[@newbymick1]

What I like about your builds is that they are the same as I can achieve and motivate me to improve, which I doubt I will. So many build videos are so unbelievably good but yours brings everything back into perspective.

[@garys_stuff]

I'm very glad to hear that - I am just an average, everyday kind of model maker trying to have fun and enjoy myself - pretty much what the hobby should be in my book!!!

[@crazylocha2515]

​@@garys_stuffso your saying your just an "Ordinary Bloke" 🤔😬☕🐢

[@garys_stuff]

@@crazylocha2515 yup! That's the branding!

[@typhoon2827]

Ouch 😂

[@crazylocha2515]

@@typhoon2827 it's one of those things those of us from the few years ago days remember, and laugh about when people make comments on Gary's style.

[@dannyhill5437]

Really interested to see this one, I have 3 x 1/350 battleships to build (Trumpeter - Dreadnought/Tamiya - Tirpitz/Tamiya -king George) and have thought about the sea diorama

[@adrianfriend7599]

Thank you Gary - a really valuable insight into the dark arts of modelling 1/600 ships. Enjoyed immensely and the sea diorama to boot too - top class!

[@chrisfirth1803]

Congratulations Gary, for a first sea diarama that looks fantastic. However, I still haven't changed my mind about photo Etch, it's a complete faff in my opinion. Yes it looks good when finished, but it's so hard to do. Especially if the old eyesight isn't what it used to be and shaky fingers means that the carpet monster is usually very well fed whenever I have tried using it. I am a big fan of the resin parts though, they look far superior.

[@garys_stuff]

Yes, if they could find a way of doing resin 3D for everything it would really help - not sure the railings would work at this scale though - those gun barrels were really flimsy in resin. Someone probably does them in micro-turned brass by now...

[@chrisfirth1803]

@@garys_stuff I've seen gun barrels at 1/350 scale, not sure about smaller scale, but yes it would be nice to have metal barrels all around.

[@martinfaherty7736]

Nice diorama and taking this vintage kit to another level. Just bought the kit, will use the kit parts, and have a go at the diorama having watched this video

[@stevesstuff1450]

That is fabulous! 😊 👍 The water effect is very convincing; the water effect acrylic gives a lovely depth to the base colours used..... The PE and resin parts have certainly raised the base kit to another level as well... 😃 Fabulous! 😊

[@garys_stuff]

Cheers Steve! Pretty happy with it - although I know what to do if there's a next time (maybe a Vintage Classics release of HMS Amazon?)...

[@jaws666]

​@@garys_stuffaircraft carrier next Gary...

[@garys_stuff]

@@jaws666 well I was thinking that some day I'll have another go at my Dad's first carrier, HMS Triumph. It would mean the Heller 1/400 Arromanches with the White Ensign PE set but I can now source 3D printed guns, tractors, etc as well as 800NAS and 827 NAS. There's a photo of her off Sasebo taken by a US Navy photographer I would try to recreate - the planes have a mix of Far East and Northern Temperate schemes still.

[@jaws666]

@@garys_stuff fantastic to hear Gary.. do it. You know you want to.🙂🙂👍👍

[@neilcarter872]

Quite something for a first attempt- inspiring for someone just breaking away from starter sets. Maybe someday I'll achieve something similar

[@MatterusOD]

Very nice result. The PE and resin certainly look more to scale. Sea looks good as well. A great effect overall I think. Kudos to you sir. Getting the hull together looked difficult, and then it just got harder! Unexpected snigger at the railing/chaff dispenser comment.😁 Thanks for the vid. 🦘🦘🦘

[@ModelNerd]

That water looks fantastic. The clay has worked really well for this scale and the painting and gel really make it stand out. Lovely job!

[@Claymore5]

Nice one Gary! The etch and resin parts make all the difference and the seascape is very effective.

[@lxtechmangood9503]

Really beginning to wish i hadn't sold on the airfix and matchbox ships i had in the stash. Photo etch or not i may have missed out! But not missed on the headache of the hull construction.

[@johndungate482]

Well, 94 comments - a success I would say...! I have tried photo etch once so far, a Heller 1/400 Zerstroyer kit and I failed. So, well done. The seascape was inventive and realistic, in my opinion. Just on the technical side - the 'Jack ' is not flown whilst at sea, only when alongside ( moored ) or when leaving harbour to a designated point, specific to that anchorage. Keep in steaming..!

[@soppdrake]

For a first outing, I would be very proud, too! And well done over the latest bump on the endless learning curve! ❤

[@barrywalker8790]

Well respect Gary that was one hell of a good build mate, that PE did make that kit pop and that diorama was well above just good for a first attempt when I'm at Telford l will look more closely at the table with the ship guy's on it and not just give it a quick look 😲knowing now how difficult there are in my opinion ships are most probably the hardest that's why l have never made one 😓surely one for the club 👍

[@garys_stuff]

Cheers Barry - yes have a look at the ship builds at Telford because many of them are truly incredible. Certainly I'll take this to my club at the next meeting - BTW the Harrow IPMS table will have my Arado E555 and my pink Spitfire on it!

[@FinsburyPhil]

Fab work Gary. So many firsts for you. The sea diorama is excellent. Certainly inspiring for a beginner like me.

[@Evertonian1968]

Wow Gary thats amazing . The sea is so realistic. Well done !!

[@peterfulgoney]

That's beautifully done Gary, I hope you're pleased with the build

[@adrianellis6902]

Hi Gary, absolutely fantastic mate, the sea is so realistic and HMS Devonshire came to life with your added extras, if I tried the sea it would probably turn out that she was coming up the river Mersey, anyway thanks for sharing might just get a ship and have a little play take care mate all the very best.

[@garys_stuff]

My dear wife wouldn't complain if it looked like the Mersey as she's from the Wirral!

[@adrianellis6902]

Hi Gary, that's great say hello to your Wife from a Greasby resident, looking forward to more videos take care to all.

[@garys_stuff]

She says hello from a former resident of Heswall!

[@acfnugget7880]

Tbh, I think you're being far too hard on yourself, as regards your efforts on your build. To me it looks absolutely stunning! The sea and waves effect looks convincing as does your model. I suppose like most of us modellers we can see things that could be improved upon on our own personal builds but to other people is a miniature work of art. Your efforts were certainly worth the time Gary! Best regards to you and yours!

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks mate, I'm happy with it but I know where I've made mistakes. But then if you don;'t make mistakes you never learn, right? I'm happy with it, can't wait to show Dad the real thing instead of just a photo.

[@Slycockney]

Looks superb Gary, well done

[@johnbrewer6330]

Thankyou for doing this Gary, I never had contiplated ships but really enjoyed this build and the base. Did stifle a laugh with the double tweezers on the chaff station, I thought Edward scissorhands had taken over!

[@guaporeturns9472]

Well done

[@austinschmitz628]

I really want to get into ship modeling, and this video inspires me to do so keep it up mate!!

[@NickAndrewsFaulkner]

BZ, splice the mainbrace, an excellent result!

[@schmedly014]

For your next ship would you consider building a kit from Trumpeter in 1/700 scale ? The mentioned kits are more user friendly and there is a wide selection in that scale .

[@garys_stuff]

Possibly so, I'll see what's on offer in the range...

[@williamporter7596]

Personally I like how your sea diorama came out. And all the extras really improve the original model.

[@dukewellington9308]

That looks awesome. Well done Sir

[@guidor.4161]

Now that turned rather nicely! I'm not really a fan of PE, but there is really no alternative for such fine parts.

[@ivorphillips350]

Cracking job Gary 👍 especially in 1/600 scale 🤪

[@JAFKARNAT]

Well done, not the easiest scale to start with. Great results, looking forward to seeing your next ship diorama. 👍👍

[@micheallivingstone9207]

Awesome work Gary

[@Jelly-B]

For a 1st sea diorama this is tremendous Mr Garys Stuff

[@iannicholls7476]

Lovely job Gary. That photo-etch looks fiddly but the end result is worth it.

[@nickbrough8335]

I made Devonshire as an 8 or 9 year old back in the late 70s. Whilst I cant remember (of course) if the hull was that difficult. I'd have probably given up (no tape back then with tube glue going everywhere). It just shows you how molds change. I alway think Airfix misses a trick by not issuing a simple new sprue to add detail/quality to these old kits.

[@mirrorblue100]

Patience rewarded - none would guess that to be a first diorama - great stuff.

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks mate!

[@WW2inscale]

I think it’s a bloody great diorama. Well done.

[@llqvz116]

Very impressive. I've never used photo etch, and after watching this, I don't know if I ever want to. A lovely build, but I think I'm going to stick, sometimes literally, to aircraft and vehicles.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Cracking job, Gary! Loving the seascape work ; knowing it was your first attempt makes it all the more worthy of high praise! With my eyesight, I struggle with seeing 1/72 and 1/76 models. I wouldn’t ever consider building anything in a smaller scale, so well done you for taking that particular baton up! I am looking forward to seeing some armour modelling from you soon, with a diorama base to suit. Until you try it, you cant say you don’t like it! And I’ll keep pestering you for it..! 😆 Best wishes from Wirral, ever.

[@garys_stuff]

Do keep reminding me Darren...! One day, I promise, I'll get round to my BT-7...

[@BobMuir100]

Gary, Gary, Gary that’s just WOW! all round my friend, you have completed a brilliant diorama a wonderful ship and amazing pimp extras, WOW! I now understand why the photo etching benders etc are so expensive! Sit back sir and relax in the sunshine rays your admirers poor on you! Bob England

[@garys_stuff]

Cheers Bob. Still lots to learn about photo etch but happy with this one.

[@davewinter5999]

brilliant Gary loved it

[@johnmarley6695]

You’ve knocked it out of the park, Gary!

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks John!

[@thewildsimon1418]

Beautiful model Gary bit of a shame you left out how you did the wessex but you’ve done a brilliant job for you first ship hope to see more in the future You should be proud

[@garys_stuff]

The Wessex comes as a single piece of resin, you just add the photo-etch main and tail rotors. That's it!

[@davevans_WW2_models]

Hi Gary, for your first attempt at a sea diorama it looks amazing.

[@ThePhosphater]

great model Gary

[@glencwilson]

Well done! That looks splendid. Just doing a tiny water diorama and this will be a useful reference for the waves. Have done a couple of ships bases before but I used aluminium foil to create the waves as acrylic water effects were not available then. PE on a 1/350 ship is bad enough but at 1/600, that is really impressive work. 👍 I hate PE but built a few of the Metal Earth kits and that got me more used to using the stuff. Still hate it but not so scared.

[@julianmhall]

Hi Gary.. I've just had a thought regarding model ship dioramas. I don't know if it would work TBH but if the water is resin, maybe place the ship in the resin before it goes off and push it a bit forward. That might make the resin form a sort of bow wave shape that can be painted once the resin goes off? BTW the comment about the triumph of hope over experience made me laugh out loud :)

[@garys_stuff]

I think the problem is that the acrylic is a gel so won't flow the same way as water with the scale effect and all. It would probably work for the lift in sea caused by those big underwater nose bulges (for sonar and for hydrodynamics, i believe), but that would be in a big vat!

[@julianmhall]

@@garys_stuff Fair enough, it was just a thought :)

[@paulcorrigan649]

You've done a superb job Gary. Absolutely first class. Using tin foil for the sea can help as it gives you that random directionality of the sea and a nice texture

[@alanmorris8783]

What an excellent job you have done Sir. Looks like it’s on patrol in the Med.

[@andrewcoley6029]

great that you can do all those fiddly parts without swearing!!!!

[@garys_stuff]

I turn the microphone off for those parts...

[@andrewcoley6029]

😂@@garys_stuff

[@jimbraiden2094]

The first go at this type diorama, pretty dam good Gary, having watched you doing this, I think it might a very long time before I have go at something like this.

[@garys_stuff]

Cheers Jim, may be a while before I go near 1/600 again to be fair...

[@bugler75]

That is a fantastic result and very inspiring. The ship and base are fantastic in my opinion and I learnt a lot from how you made the sea. I would consider building this in the future as my Cold War modelling is distinctly lacking in Royal Navy. I must congratulate you too, on filming the placement of PE whilst providing commentary! If that had have been me then the video would have been full of colourful Belfast colloquialisms……. Ian

[@robjohnson2821]

Have to say my friend, if that's your first attempt at water it has worked out really well. Another great video, thanks for sharing 👍.

[@Jimboshep]

The final result is awesome

[@datamek]

Great work!

[@stephenchappell7512]

HMS victorious would test your skills to the limit

[@guypenrose5477]

That is really great - not something I have ever attempted, so to me that is hugely impressive. Just to note for any future RN ship build the Jack is only flown whilst alongside or at anchor, never whilst underway. Cheers.

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks for the clarification Guy! May just take it off before it goes to the next club night....!

[@guypenrose5477]

One other note Gary ( I know this is going to sound a bit anal!) the railings should be level with the flight deck. During flying stations they are lowered to act as nets as you have them but they remain on the same level as the flight deck.

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

Looks really really good mate. And your first try too. 👍🏻

[@davidguy6823]

Impressive work. Well done. I too have the kit as work in progress but will opt for an OOB a build as I tend to avoid PE as much as possible! Tempted with the resin upgrade though.

[@garys_stuff]

I think the resin is worth it for the Seaslug launcher alone!

[@markfranks1329]

It's quite right that you should be pleased, Gary. For a first attempt, it's a triumph. Very well done indeed. Your wake effects in conjunction with the wave crests are really spot on. So, the world is now your oyster. What's next? Achilles, Ajax and Exeter engaging Graf Spee? Prinz Eugen, Scharnhorst and Gniesenau in their Channel Dash? Wonderful stuff! You've certainly inspired me to have a go. Though for the sake of my sanity and eye sight, I think it would have to be 1/350 or even 1/200.😅

[@garys_stuff]

What's next? A lie down. The one thing I would like to do is my Dad's carrier as it was during the Korean War - I was looking for a 1/400 Heller "Arromanches", they used to be everywhere now I can't find one! It would have to be a long-term project with the White Ensign photo etch set and loads of resin - you can get the 20mm and 40mm guns in the scale, deck vehicles and stores, also the Seafire FR.47 and Firefly Mk.I, I'd have to look for a Walrus. But one day I will do it...

[@markfranks1329]

​@@garys_stuffWell, I sincerely hope it comes to fruition for you, Gary. It would be nice to see you complete one of Special Hobby's 1/48 Firefly's one day, too, as it would Airfix's Sea Vixen. In your backdrop picture of FAA a/c, the Sea Vixen always seems to dominate simply by it's sheer presence. Did your Dad's Naval Air Squadron ever utilise this a/c in later years?

[@garys_stuff]

@@markfranks1329 I do have a Special Hobby 1/48 Firefly Mk.I I want to build - although I'd like some decals for the Korean War machines of 827NAS, the sister squadron to 800NAS with which dad served (they had seafare FR.47s). They never flew Sea Vixens, they had Scimitars and then Buccaneers. There is a new 1/48 Scimitar due out before too long from DBMK. I'd love a Buccaneer S.1 conversion for 1/48, or an earlier S.2 with 800NAS markings.

[@gavinbooth]

Super job Gary great work on the radar i am just working on HMS Avenger mats 🙃. The sea scape looks really good you might want to get a cheap submarine make it all about the sea as she runs on the surface . Regards Gav.

[@garys_stuff]

Might just do that marra. I've got a 1/72 Molch one-man sub but I have other plans for that! Maybe that Trafalgar class SSN that Airfix did in 1:350 as one of them was HMS Triumph, the same name as my Dad's aircraft carrier!

[@UnauthorisedService]

cracking me up at the start , with the hull😂 great stuff. From a seventies airfix kid 👍

[@MichaelCampin]

Did you ever think about using a paste made of soap powder to make the seascape??

[@garys_stuff]

No I didn't but it's something I can try!

[@MichaelCampin]

@@garys_stuff I remember using soap powder to recreate snow on a diorama back in 1970 when I was still at Junior school

[@stevendonovan5267]

Beautiful build and a real work of art. My old Chief Yeoman would have something to say about the Jack and Ensign flying from their staffs once we were underway though! 😅

[@garys_stuff]

So I hear - I'll do a bit of rigging and fly the ensign from the main mast when I've a moment or two...

[@stevendonovan5267]

@@garys_stuff Please don’t alter anything on my behalf. As I say, it’s a masterpiece. I just mention it so you can be prepared if said CCY gets hold of you 🤣. Thanks for the video, thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@garys_stuff]

@@stevendonovan5267 no, my dear father wouldn't approve of it being wrong as a naval type himself. Well, Fleet Air Arm but it kind of counts...!!!

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Hi Gary, this was a great watch as I am going to be building the same kit as HMS Glamorgan for a friend who served on her during the Falklands conflict. I would be very interested in purchasing from you, the resin parts for the Exocet missiles if you are not needing them? Lots of detail with the PE and hats off for opting for this. The diorama is something I can aim for so very inspirational. Thanks for sharing…Chris

[@garys_stuff]

I still have the resin frame with the Exocet bins and two 4.5" gun barrels, you are very welcome to have them. Drop me your address at [e-mail] . No charge - it's for someone who served. Good thing to do for your mate, well done.

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

@@garys_stuff you are a star Gary, thank you so much. I really don’t mind donating something your way in return. Will send info now..

[@ssanneru]

Very nice build. But for future reference - bow waves don't behave like this. You have a "V" going straight out from the cutwater at 45 degrees. It is much more complex than this, but for starters the bow waves should be confined to a narrow V-shaped area with its apex at the cutwater and widening out aft. You won't really start to see the expanding bow-wave "V" pattern until one wavelength aft from the cutwater.

[@garys_stuff]

Hydrodynamics is not my area of expertise, aerodynamics is, for the next one I'll use photo references.

[@garys_stuff]

Kelvin wakes - I had no idea the noble lord had made a mathematical analysis. Very interesting subject, although complicated by being real world rather than ideal fluids with point sources and stationary water uncomplicated by turbulence.

[@ssanneru]

@@garys_stuff Yeah - it's a small thing really in the great scheme of things but damned visible so worth knowing about :)

[@ssanneru]

@@garys_stuff Assume that the penguin is a circular cylinder...

[@ssanneru]

@@garys_stuff It is dangerous to assume that the noble lord did NOT do anything. A hyperactive if ever there was one!

[@alanrogers8535]

I tip my hat to you.

[@jaws666]

Does it actually float?

[@garys_stuff]

Hang on I'll find out....

[@jaws666]

@@garys_stuff lol.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MichaelCampin]

Do you know if anyone makes a model of HMS Amethyst ?

[@soppdrake]

Starling Models do one in 1/700 scale and Atlantic Models in 1/350 both resin and photoetch. Info from Scalemates

[@MichaelCampin]

@@soppdrake thank you. I've got the booklet as produced by HM Admiralty shortly after the Yangtse Incident in 1948. Having seen the film I thought a model of F116 may go well with the book.

[@jeremyalam480]

Cracking build! Amazing what new technology and photoetch can do for a hoary old classic, fiddly as the new bits are. Seascape is nice too, though aluminium foil may have been easier to work with as the base. May do one myself.

[@garys_stuff]

Next will be HMS Fearless...!

[@billclarke5916]

I cant understand why Airfix just don't bite the bullet and retool these classic kits, the old ones are really just terrible.

[@boz1561]

brb blub Get someone in who hasnt got arthritis

[@JohnVilla1960]

Great job on a poor kit. It is so inaccurate. The superstructures are set too far back. The quarterdeck (Seaslug launcher deck) is too short and should be extended forward. Anyone who wants to do an accurate build of this kit should do some research. There are differences between the Batch 1 and Batch 2 ships with Batch 2 having a slightly different fwd superstructure and having a double bedstead 965 radar. Only Batch 2s had Exocet in place of B turret. Batch 1 ships Devonshire, Kent, London and Hampshire. Batch 2 ships, Fife, Glamorgan, Antrim and Norfolk. I served on Fife 78-80.

[@garys_stuff]

I think Devonshire was commissioned in '62 and this kit came out in '63. It is likely that the designers were working from drawings from early in the design phase and not the ship as launched - happened with a lot of aircraft kits too! Incidentally, the Atlantic photo-etch does have the double bedstead as an option. I think it is a good general policy to regard Vintage Classics as likely not be approximate and not accurate! Starling, who make the upgrade, also make their own full resin and etch kit in 1/700, I think from 2021.

[@pofrof4910]