Black Prince-/ Bellona-/ modified Dido-class

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

Hello all,

I am interested in building a light British AA-cruiser of the Black Prince-/ Bellona-/ modified Dido-class (whatever YOU want to call them). I prefer Black Prince.

The only kit I could find by now is the metal kit from Skytrex in 1/700. Anybody ever build one of these?

Also in 1/700 there are Dido from White Ensign, and Scylla from WSW, both might be basis for a conversion. Iron Shipwright used to make Sirius in 1/350, but that kit seems to be out of production (and stock). Has anybody further knowledge of available kits?

If I will go for the converssion: where can I find good plans? I was told there are good drawings in the Raven/Roberts book “British Cruisers of WW2” - does anybody know if “Ensign 2 - Dido Class Cruisers” by Raven/Lenton also covers the modified Didos?

Thanks in advance for help!

Jörg

2

Yes, the Ensign #2 Dido Class Cruisers book does cover the Black Prince, with drawings, and the other modified- class ships with some photos. Black Prince is the book’s main subject for drawings and a large color profile, as on completion in 1943. The drawings are great detail drawings, suitable for detailing a smaller-scale model, but not useful for scratchbuilding.

My other reference is an old article from Airfix magazine about converting one of their cruisers - I forget if you were supposed to start with an Ajax or a Tiger - to a Dido or modified Dido class.

I’ve not seen the Skytrex kit as I am not ready for white metal as a medium for building ship models.

Please let me know if you need me to fish around for the Airfix magazine article.

Good luck,
Rick