1:350 HMS Cornwall Wooden Deck (For Trumpeter 05353)

Wooden deck HMS Cornwall in 1:350 scale

An accessory for a plastic kit, not a model on its own. The contents are a wooden veneer cut to the shape of the deck of a model of HMS Cornwall in 1:350 scale, with printed plank laying and an adhesive layer on the back. Once glued down it replaces the engraved imitation of planks on the plastic with real wood; in photographs and in a display case the difference in material is readable at once.

A sharp knife is half the success

The veneer is adjusted by cutting in the places around superstructures, hatches and anchor gear. Use a scalpel or a modeling knife with a fresh blade; a dull edge does not cut the wood fibers but tears them, and the edge then stays frayed. Always cut with several shallow strokes rather than one heavy one, guide the knife along the grain where you can, and put a cutting mat under the part. Keep the offcut; it comes in handy as a test sample for stain or varnish.

Trimming and cleaning up the edges

Once it is glued, check the perimeter. Level any small overhang past the edge of the deck with a light stroke of the knife run along the plastic, or with very fine sanding paper drawn only toward the edge, never away from it, or you will lift the veneer. The light edge of a cut can be toned with a weak stain so that it does not glare. At the seams around the cut-outs, check that the veneer nowhere stands above the plastic, or dust will collect behind it.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building British ships in 1:350 scale
• Those who are confident with a knife and fine trimming
• Builders looking for a visible step up in quality without major changes
• Display builds, where the deck is the main visible area

An accessory for a plastic kit, not a model. The part is cut for the Trumpeter 05353 kit and need not meet another one. The tools, paints and model are not in the package.