Conversion of RMS QE2 to Harrier Carrier

[davecov]

It has been a couple of years or more since I last did a "What-If" but here is one I have just finished. It is a conversion of the Airfix 1/600 RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 to a "Harrier Carrier".

The background story is that the Falklands Conflict did not end with the surrender of the Argentine forces on the Falklands but it became a much longer war with Argentina. The Royal Navy found itself in need of more amphibious ships and aircraft carriers. HMS Bulwark was to be brought out of mothballs and recomissioned as a stop-gap but due to her age and poor condition of her hull it was necessary to find another way to fill the gap. It was decided that the QE2 would be dropped from it's role as troopship and converted to a "Harrier Carrier" but with an amphibious dock at the stern.

The conversion entails removing all decks above the weather deck, building an island to starboard, building sponsons either side, with davits on the starboard side for landing craft, cutting out a stern dock and fitting a flight deck with lifts.

























White metal Harriers and helicopters came from Tumbling Dice. Landing craft were made from plastic card and apart from the Airfix QE2 there are parts from another six Airfix kits.

Dave

[Brian da Basher]

Wow is that cool, Dave! The little red guy on the end was an excellent touch!

Brian da Basher

[Volkodav]

That is awesome!

[davecov]

Thanks, lads.  :)

Dave

[Buzzbomb]

Nicely done

[elmayerle]

Beautiful piece of work!  I'm jealous :)

[davecov]

Thank you. :)

Dave

[35th-scale]

That is cool!

[LRB]

Great build and a novel concept.

[Volkodav]

The long bow sort of reminds me of the stealth carrier concept from the US a decade or more ago.

[davecov]

Once again, thank you for your comments. :)

Dave

[Camthalion]

Nice one.  Great work

[The Big Gimper]

Very nice sir!

[finsrin]

Must say if QE2 is going be converted, you configured and built it well.  Fine job all around.  :)

[M.A.D]

Wow, that's so cool Dave - congratulations!!
I'm impressed by the slight overhanging flight deck arrangement - far more creative and intuitive than the run of the mill flight deck conversion. Also an impressive armament arrangement!!

M.A.D

[pigflyer]

WOW, you should really be designing for the government or Thornycroft, that is just superb! Su bloomin perb.   

[davecov]

Thank you everybody!

I must admit that it was a real fun build!

Dave