AirFix / Humbrol’s 1:600 Queen Elizabeth 2
Kit No. 06203
Review by Arjay & Mike Cook
‘Long Live The Queen ……’
In 2002, after much anticipation, Airfix / Humbrol re-released their excellent Queen Elizabeth 2, the last of Airfix's original 1:600 scale 'ocean liner' issue which included the Mauretania, Queen Elizabeth, Canberra and France. All have been re-released except the France, for which, (according to A/H) the molds have been lost. Whether re-release in 2002 was a polite acknowledgment of Her Majesty's (the liner's Godmother) Golden Jubilee is speculative, the timing is particularly appropriate considering interest in the QE2, her history and design, is on the rise following Cunard's commissioning the QM2. Also, for the same reason the QE2 may be, unfortunately, sailing her twighlight years. Liner aficionados hope not, yet it is no longer a question of if, but when. She is presently Cunard's longest serving "Queen," and without doubt the QM2 is conceived to be her eventual replacement, just as the QE2 in 1964 was conceived to be the replacement for both the Queen Mary and Elizabeth.
Those familiar with our 2001 Canberra review will experience a sense of dejavu, as this being a re-release it will not be constructive to rivet-count all that we would have liked to see. Existing molds are better than no molds, and retooling to correct errors and omissions was probably not economically feasible. At best, the kit represents QE2 as she was introduced in 1969, or perhaps how she was intended to be. We suspect the development of the model was well underway prior to QE2's maiden voyage, which may account for several fairly obvious differences between the 1:600 and the 1:1. To highlight one: Part #7 features a broad staircase leading down to One-Deck. Considering the effort to detail this 'non-existent' staircase we can not imagine it represents a "short-cut" to avoid what actually did, which incidentally would have been much simpler. A design concept changed by Cunard during the liner's fitting out? We believe possibly so and perhaps only one of several not featured on the model. Also of interest, assembly instructions of the original 1969 issue do not identify the decks as they are known today, but rather as simply 'Foyer', 'Promenade', 'Main', etc., an indication that at the time of production the QE2's final deck designations had not been established.
This is an interesting study from another modeling perspective. Unlike the Queen Elizabeth, Canberra and France the deckhouse bulkheads, for the most part, are molded separately and feature a welcome degree of architectural detail. In this regard the QE2 compares favorably with Airfix's Mauretania. Attention to detail, compromised in previous offerings, was re-introduced with the QE2. An effort by Airfix to improve overall product quality or perhaps Cunard played a role in the development of the model of their new flagship, the pride of the line? Whatever the reason, we benefit.
As noted the kit represents QE2, circa 1969. Thankfully so. For better or worse the QE2 did not remain 'original' for long. Almost seemingly in a state of evolution her interiors, exterior profile, massing and livery changed during her years of service. Some exterior changes were subtle, others dramatic and in the opinions of many (ours included) detrimental to the graceful balance of her original design. (It is ironic the QE2 today, soon to be become a full-time cruise ship, offers less open deck area than when introduced as a seasonal transatlantic liner.) Yet she remains recognizably the QE2. Somewhat different, yet reassuringly the same. The kit offers a range of presentation possibilities, depending on the selected period of service. We chose 1969, the year of her introduction. While 'after market' assemblies are not available to assist the modeler in rendering the QE2 in any of her later configurations, the adage 'it is easier to go forward than to go back' applies. Scratch building to 'time advance' the QE2 is a task that should be, relatively speaking, easily achieved by dedicated research, patience and an ample supply of plastic stock. We are grateful the kit was not retooled to represent the QE2 as she is today, for to go 'back' to represent her 1st year of service, would be a major undertaking. Fortunately, for modelers who wish otherwise the QE2 remains, perhaps second only to the Queen Mary, the most successful and extensively documented Cunard liner. Most, if not all, ocean liner books devote a section (however brief) and several titles are exclusively hers. Two of the better publications in our respective libraries include QE2 (Captain Warick, 1985) and QE2: A Ship For All Seasons (Hutchings, 1988). As with any ship there will always be several less documented and elusive areas, both publications' color and b/w photographs (and Hutching's 1969 deck plans) are valuable aids. And considering she is still with us, one can not overlook the value of many years of Cunard brochures as modeling aids, most of which today are collectibles in their own right.
Before launching into the heart of this review, again like our Canberra to highlight optional corrective measures one may wish to undertake to improve the 'out-of-box' offering, a brief overview of the kit is warranted. In summary:
Flash on many pieces is excessive; especially the open screens and smaller parts, requiring careful clean up. Minor sinkholes appear on all lifeboats and motor launches, and on the funnel's curved windscoop surfaces, requiring filling and sanding.
Engraved detail is somewhat weak, most likely the result of well-used and aged molds. This is most evident on the 'planked decks'. It is almost unnoticeable and one should take extra care painting these surfaces, as the application of more than one coat may entirely obscure what little detail there is. In this instance, water based acrylics may prove more beneficial than enamels.
There are scratch marks on most parts, both 'public' and inside surfaces, perhaps the result of 'free movement' during handling as the kit within the box is not bagged. A light sanding may eradicate most, with exception of those marring the 'planked' surfaces.
Most assemblies appear to 'dry-fit' well, with exception of the hull halves to the forward forecastle piece. Clamping during assembly will be required. As the forward superstructure is a continuous surface, from port to starboard, care will need to be taken with the filling and sanding of the junction seams of these three pieces.
Surprisingly, the painting instructions have been revised. Although we do not agree with all the paint recommendations it is encouraging Airfix made the effort to correct most of the mistakes of its previous re-issue. However, it should be noted the 'box panel' listing of required paints can be ignored. Of the eight paints indicated two are not required, if the assembly instructions are to be followed: #30 (Matt Dark Earth) and #62 (Matt Leather). It also indicates #12 (Metallic Copper), where the assembly instructions indicate #55 (Metallic Bronze), for the screws. Whether one chooses #22 or #55 is a matter of preference. The instructions indicate ten paints required. At least one paint, khaki, is missing (more on this later). One item not revised is evident on the instruction's top view. It illustrates part #22; the screen dividing the Sports-Deck sheltered games area from the children's play area, still 'bowing' in the forward (wrong) direction.
The surface of the bi-level Signal-Deck, surrounding the distinctive open well and funnel house, was planked, not painted as indicated. Again, we believe the kit does not represent features that may have been changed at the 11th hour. The serious modeler may elect to scribe these surfaces, or cut away the offending unscribed deck area and replace with appropriately scaled pre-scribed plastic stock. However, given the weakness of the deck scribing overall, painting this area teak / tan, without bothering to scribe, may be the simplest solution as doing so will not require the removal, or fitting around, the curved open well. As for the open well, although 'off' in terms of scale thickness, it will visually benefit by the application of thin structural members to the inside surfaces, as was on the actual liner.
In 1969 - 70, the 'top of bridge' was painted green, not white as the instructions suggest.
All glazed screens are inaccurately represented in terms of unit divisions. These may be difficult to modify; thus scratch building may be the better solution if one is aiming for enhanced accuracy.
The kit makes no attempt to detail rigging. Given the scale, perhaps only the major rigging should be considered.
Now on to the joy of painting! We always take painting instructions with a grain of salt, finding that dedicated research is almost always guaranteed to result in a more accurate, and eye-satisfying, render. As many 'more experienced' modelers recommend, when in doubt 'scale down' the paint. In most instances a particular color will appear darker, and more intense, when applied to a 1:600 scaled surface compared to its 1:1 counterpart. As for the QE2 several paints deserve discussion:
Bright Red (Paint #19) for the funnel scoop. Much has been discussed regarding what exactly constitutes traditional 'Cunard-Red', which is more orange-red than red-orange or the 'Coca-Cola / cherry red' many modelers elect to use. Early photographs of the funnel scoop suggest traditional 'orange-red', however a richer red seems to have been adopted with the change of funnel livery, post-Falklands. As for traditional 'Cunard', we have a preference for 'Modelmaster Chevy Engine Red'. Inspite of the name it is, in our opinion, almost a near match requiring no experimental mixing. As for 'today's' red, given its limited surface area, the recommended #19 is suitable.
Gloss Black (Paint #21) for the hull, funnel pipe and base of the radar mast. 1969 color photographs suggest QE2's hull to be a flat black, somewhat lightened as if powdered. Where publications refer to this being charcoal-gray we prefer to call it charcoal-black, similar to a BBQ briquette, so not to be confused with the unfortunate gray applied post-Falklands. (Although 99.9% of the modeling community is well aware of the fact, it should be noted for the record that the QE2 was not painted gray, as were her predecessors, resulting from her call-up for military duty.) Our choice is Humbrol # 85, Coal Black (Satin).
Matt Blue Gray (Paint #79) for the davits. Although we have yet to find this particular color locally, contemporary color photographs suggest the davits were painted the same charcoal-black as the hull. This is close enough for our purposes. This is one area where photo-etched davits will not be suitable. Being ultra-thin (most davit assemblies are approximately 12 - 15" wide), P/E will not offer the same visual punch, even after being painted black, as the kit's plastic components. This is one instance where bulk is best.
Humbrol #28, for decking. Our Humbrol list references #28 as being Matt Camouflage Gray A misprint? A curious choice for planked surfaces, if not. We all have personal preferences for teak / tan decking, thus to recommend one paint over another is folly on our part. It should be also noted the painting instructions suggest the Sports-Deck surface, and the forward area surrounding the Officer's Accommodation (beneath the bridge, also on the same deck), to be painted 'green'. We disagree. 1969 photographs indicate the sports area (beneath the open well) was planked (as is the model piece), and believe the same applies forward. An interesting observation regarding this piece. Forward, if one looks closely, a faint scribed line demarking the limit of planking can be seen. As this thin line does not represent the 'plan' of the bulkheads (the obvious limit of planking), we can not help but wonder if the superstructure on this deck was originally planned to be 'less tapered' compared to what was actually built. Can anyone shed light on this?
Khaki: although not indicated by the assembly instructions several areas of QE2 were rendered this color, as follows:
The forward recessed bulkhead beneath the bridge, terminating at the windbreaks screening the open stairs leading to the bridge wings above (windbreaks are not featured on the model). Photographs also suggest the two bridge wing support pylons, parts #17 and 18, may also have been painted khaki, if only their inboard surfaces.
The Boat-Deck bulkheads, parts #10 and 22. The curved sections forward were painted white to the position of the 1st motor launch. Inconceivable as it may seem one photograph in Warick's book (page 90) suggests no stanchion, brace or break in the bulkhead's surface demarked the transition from white to khaki. This appears to be no more than a straight paint line, as suggested also by the box art rendering. We have not been able to uncover earlier photographs of this area to determine whether this was indeed the case. However, like the Mauretania (ship) the QE2's Boat-Deck (and Signal-Deck above) featured deck-to-bulkhead wedge-shaped vertical plate stanchions, thus we believe one of these stanchions (not featured on the model) may have marked this transition. To our knowledge khaki survived on the boat deck up to the time of the ship's post-Falklands refit.
The aft-facing bulkhead of the Boat-Deck house, part #16, and (subject to verification) the aft wind screens, parts #13 and 22.
Now, with kit in hand we offer the following observations:
Assembly Instructions ~ The six-steps are clearly detailed and accurately referenced with respect to part identifications. However, the sequence of assembly is illogical. Assembly #1 suggests building the superstructure almost in its entirety prior to attaching to the hull, Assembly #4. Although such instructions are at best a guide (we rarely follow then them to the letter) we believe Assembly #4 should be undertaken first as the hull / Boat-Deck interface will require clamping to ensure proper alignment and fit. To attempt to do so with the superstructure in place would be a hindrance, subject to damage. We prefer building from the keel up, attaching minor pieces (screws, stabilizers, etc.) during the final 'finishing' stage. Several hull areas, bow and stern, will require painting of their inside surfaces prior to positioning deck components. This can be easily overlooked and not easily corrected once the decks are in place, especially if one wishes to embellish like adding clear plastic to the inside surfaces of the aft screens to represent glazing. All glazed screens, in our opinion, will benefit by the application of clear, or slightly tinted, plastic to their inside surfaces.
Hull ~ Typical of most offerings it is a two piece assembly. As mentioned the two halves do not join together well, and the positioning pins / holes are too small and too few to be of much help. With our kits the bottom of the hull halves were distorted by the heavy tree, causing the 'flat' at the center to be pushed upward and requiring quite a bit of work to set straight. We have added several transverse styrene bulkheads in this area to flatten the distortion, which will also have the benefit of strengthening the hull for permanent (bolt down) mounting on custom display bases. One may also consider adding additional 'plate' gluing tabs to one half of the hull, overlapping the seam, to increase surface contact. Compared to the other parts, hull detail is reasonably crisp, with most, but not all, paint lines indicated. With exception of the tri-part ovals of the One-Deck deluxe cabins the ports, gangways and Upper-Deck / Quarter-Deck public room fenestration is molded 'raised'. Owing to the ovals we do not recommend 'opening' the ports, thus rendering by permanent paint marker may (as we recommended with Canberra) provide better control and a sharper finished product. Not indicated, the lower hull should be painted two tones: a band of bright red boot topping, with deeper 'brick / red-wine' below. (Masking the boot topping, for painting, may prove easier without the shaft bossings in place.) Bow thrusters, bilge keel and stabilizers are featured, although the bilge keel seems heavy and perhaps slightly out of scale. Not surprisingly, the aft glazed windscreens, due to the difficulty of molding ultra-thin components, are inaccurate in terms of unit divisions. The same can be said for the open slits of Two and Three-Decks: the stanchions of Two-Deck are not featured, and those of Three-Deck are molded flush with the hull's outer skin. On the actual ship these are recessed. Removal and scratch building can easily correct these features.
Presented as near mirror images of one another, hull fenestration is incorrect. There were differences in the groupings, and number, of the large plate-glass windows, from port to starboard, especially on Quarter-Deck owing to the location of the original portside Grill Room. In addition, both the Quarter-Deck, and Main-Deck, windows and ports is positioned ½ deck lower than on the actual liner. A strange error for such a finely executed model.
Decks (in hull) ~ Before positioning the Boat-Deck, part #9, the aft decks, parts #3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and the bow assembly, part #3 need to be rendered and set in place. If you wish to add clear plastic to the inner surfaces of the aft screens, to represent glazing, now is the time to do so, prior to positioning the decks (hint: consider fog-free glue). Of note:
Part #4 / Three-Deck: This deck is not planked, as indicated. Owing to the weakness of the scribing this can remain as is, painted Humbrol #101.
Part #5 / Two-Deck: This deck is also painted steel, not planked. A check against contemporary deck plans indicates this deck, and the one below, are not as clean-swept as the model represents. Structures on these decks can be scratch-built if you are the fussy type. We doubt they will be noticed in any event. However, two small cranes positioned at the extremity of part #5, within the void created by the deck above, are not included with the model and should be scratch-built. Being a 'working deck' we suggest the same green paint as the deck below, Humbrol #101.
Part #6 / One-Deck: The two stairs aft descend through 'openings' in the deck, not framed by notches. (Interesting to note: early deck plans do not feature these stairs.)
Part #7 / Quarterdeck: This piece features the descending stairwell, previously noted. The former 'Q4 Room' was located here; thus the stair opening needs to be blanked over and the resulting bulkhead detailed. (One thought is to cut the stair away for possible 'slicing' and reuse elsewhere.) It is interesting to note that this feature, if built, would have provided 1st Class passengers of One-Deck, in various states of disrobe and with towels and other pool paraphernalia in hand, a direct interior link to their pool one deck higher, aft. In 1969, no such link was provided. This is the only deck piece that features molded stanchions, below. These are out of scale and should be cut away and replaced by more slender elements. All other deck overhangs will benefit by adding slender stanchions as well, number and position as per the original design.
Collectively, these pieces are a fair representation of the QE2's 1969 aft configuration. Although the instructions are somewhat ambiguous with respect to the color of the pool surrounds / splash baffles, photographs suggest the 1st Class pool, part #7, was a light blue while Transatlantic Class, part #6, an olive green. Also, four 'mushroom objects' were clustered around each pool, function unknown to us, and are not featured on the model.
Part #3 / Forecastle Assembly: As earlier mentioned, similar to the Canberra this piece combines both deck surfaces and superstructure into one. Like the hull pieces public room fenestration is molded raised. The vertical seam between this and the hull pieces, due to the close proximity of glazing, may be an issue. One may wish to apply a small piece of flat plastic, covering the seam inside, to keep both pieces more tightly 'in line' and provide a backer for putty. Also of note, the top edge of the curved superstructure piece is near flush with Signal-Deck, behind. In reality this edge extended vertically the scale equivalent of approximately 4' above the deck surface. Without this extension the bridge appears to be riding 'high'.
Boat-Deck: Although scribed to suggest full planking, the areas (railed) in the vicinity of each pair of lifeboat davits are painted steel. Again, given the weak scribing one could easily mask off the painted steel areas (including scuppers) and paint the appropriate color. Deck machinery, for the lowering and raising of the boats, is not featured. Also, like on the Queen Mary, the floor level of the Boat-Deck interior rooms is elevated. The stairs accessing the raised interior from the Boat-Deck are not indicated on the model. (It may have been one of these stair enclosures that marked the transition from white to khaki.) Also, the stairs which led up to the Sports-Deck (note the door between the grouped glazing of the games area and the children's area), are not featured. (Again, the open glazing is incorrect. The model suggests a forward - aft grouping of 5 - 4, on the ship the grouping was 6 - 4.)
Signal-Deck: Apart from the lack of scribing, previously noted, the model features nine deck openings in a fan-shaped pattern aft of the open well. These were skylights above the children's play area. The only photo we have of this area (thanks Scott) suggest these openings were actually raised units (perhaps 10 - 12"), divided into four sections of glazing each. Utilizing clear plastic pieces of appropriate thickness, with vertical surfaces and horizontal glazing frames painted white, these skylights can be easily rendered.
Signal-Deck open well ~ note planked surfaces, structural supports of the well's inner surfaces, skylights and the Boat-Deck transition from white to khaki.
Lifeboats: These are molded 'covered'. As late as the early 1980's the lifeboats on the QE2 were open; thus the paint color to represent canvas is debatable. Also, the launches lack detail.
Funnel Casing: The 'white' funnel halves (surrounding the exhaust pipe) come together at a sharp edge aft where on the ship there was a gap with a black 'strip' recessed behind (see photograph). One could create this gap by careful sanding of both pieces equally and inserting a painted strip of plastic stock.
Photo-etched components: As with any kit the QE2 will visually benefit by adding P/E railings (we have already commented on the use of davits). Owing to the 'in-out' configuration of the boat deck railings around the davits, railings on the model should be positioned prior to the lifeboats above. It should also be noted that while the aft facing railing of part #6 is of the 3-bar type (plus handrail), those of part #7, and #8 above, were solid glazed screens (since removed). Most stairs on the QE2 are oddly shaped, thus not lending themselves easily to P/E replacement, or enhancement.
Summary Comments: To repeat an earlier statement, this review is intended to serve as a simplified guide to identify (we have not identified all) optional corrective measures one may wish to consider. Apart from personal pleasure from doing so few of our suggestions, if adopted, will be noticeable by the untrained eye, thus the decision to build straight from the box will still produce a highly detailed, and fairly accurate, representation of this beautiful one of a kind liner. Although QE2 is offered in 1:450 and 1:1200 scales, the Airfix/Humbrol is an absolute 'must-have' to complete one's 'Cunard 1:600 scale Quartette': Mauretania, Queen Mary (although hideously inaccurate and slightly off-scale it is close enough) and Queen Elizabeth. Collectively, they represent the evolution of the 20th century ocean liner: from four, to three, to two, and finally one stack. They also represent the vision, and aspirations, of one shipping line, a rarity in the nautical modeling world, and all served His / Her Majesty's Government in times of crisis. With many representation possibilities one could (and perhaps should) acquire at least two kits, as we suspect once this limited production has run its course it will be a long time (if ever) the 1:600 will again be available 'off the shelf'. At approximately $30.00 Canadian (+/-) this kit is more than affordable.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
RMD/MC ~ 10/03