Whereas I agree with everyone that those who dare to cut off the lower hull have done a good job, I actually think there are OK models of QE in 1250 already in waterline. However I do disagree when folks say the corgi model is the best in this scale – It’s the small details that let it down. For me I judge any aircraft carrier model by two things – the flight deck markings and the aircraft. The aircraft and chinooks on the corgi model are very poor for the £50 price tag. Having spent 42 years at sea and working closely with helicopters for a lot of that time, I got very closely acquainted with various flight deck markings – and during four year’s service on RFA Argus I was responsible for ensuring flight deck markings were maintained and correct.
So sadly on viewing the various photos of the corgi model placed here on Dockside I have to point out a few errors. With reference to the main fore and aft black and white edged line, the “SPOT” numbers on the model are just to the RIGHT (Starboard) of the line – but on the ship they are NOT THERE – but are just to the RIGHT of the double white line than runs parallel to it fore and aft.
The short “45 degree” white lines are also MISSING on the model. However for some reason there are number of pale blue?? 45 degree lines off to port on the deck – these are not on the ship.
The transverse white lines across the deck are also in error – all being correct to the point they cross the deck, but the second from forward ALSO crosses on the forward lift on the model– it should not. The same error is repeated on the after lift.
The after end of the deck is also incorrect in that there should be a “dotted” white line running fore and aft parallel to the one that is marked on the model. This line goes from aft forward and over the after lift – about where the tails of the chinooks are. It can be seen in the photo of the ship.
My last point may well be a bit for discussion, but it is clear in that the “spots” are numbered 1 through 5 from forward to aft on the “main section” of the flight deck. The additional “spot” off to port is numbered “8” on the model – and although it looks like that on the ship, I would reckon it actually should be “6”. IE where are “spots” 6 and 7 if it is “8”. I say this as the “spots” on Argus were numbered from forward 1 through 3 and the one off to port was “5” – many folks thought it was wrong, but “spot 4” was forward of the island.
So the evidence is at hand – have a look at jeff’s photos of the 1st January which I do not have permission to repeat here, but below are two photos one of QE from overhead which shows the markings, and the other of POW which I think is clearer as less cluttered. I have included the best photo I can find of the QE model by Corgi.
The next photo also from corgi is more of a diagram but shows the layout of model, the aircraft etc and markings. Interestingly the aft lift is UP.
On google I found two photos of a waterline model of QE which I think is far better than the corgi one. It was courtesy Britmodeller and is a 1250 kit of QE by Mountford, suitably enhanced of course, with lovely aircraft and helicopters from SNAFU (Shapeways). I have now seen for myself some of these aircraft/helicopters and they are great.
Also it may be because I was at sea – but parking aircraft/helicopters at 90 degrees to the deck just does not seem very “seamanlike”.
So sorry -- waterlined or not the Corgi model of QE for £50 is NOT for me.