A 1/700 model of Rurik II   as in 1913
------------------------------------------------
 
Having in recent times built some complex models with a lot of scratch built replacement parts I fancied a a model based on a recently released starting point--with less removal of incorrect or crude features and thereby a more pleasant and speedy build to a completed model.
 
 
Rurik II is a not unfamiliar name to those modellers who have been buying Combrig kits for the last 15 years....
 
This ship had been kitted by Combrig previously-- an 'older' kit that was alas based on dimensionally flawed plans That depicted the vessel in her as-built status--with all-lino decks with only a small amount of planking near the anchor handling gear- exactly as per the builders model.
 
This new kit has been engineered using the latest technology—and it certainly shows with  sharp edges and crisp outlines—albeit lacking in any vertical bulkhead details.
 
 
A blow-by blow account of the work done as well as all the alterations and improvements carried out can be found in the forum here:
 
http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=85230
 
 
 
A bit of history …
------------------------------
 
Rurik was unusual in that she was built in England, by Vickers in Barrow-in-Furness.
Laid down August 1905, launched 4 November 1906, completed July 1909.
 
 
The main armament consisted of 4 x 10-inch guns in two turrets; the secondary armament consisted of   8 x 8-inch guns in four twin turrets located at the corners of the superstructure.
 
The anti-torpedo boat armament comprised 20 x 120 mm guns in casemates. There were also four 1.85-inch (47 mm) guns and two 18-inch (460 mm) torpedo tubes.
 
Rurik was commissioned in 1908. She carried out a deployment to the Mediterranean in company with the battleships Tsessarevich and Slava, where she represented Russia at the coronation of King Nicholas of Montenegro
 
She was the flagship of the Baltic Fleet during World War I and saw much action, engaging a number of German warships. She was however also  damaged by mines on several occasions.
 
By 1918 the ship was worn out and at the end of her useful service life. Hulked in 1922 she was sold for scrapping in 1930.
 
 
I have always been enamoured with the rakish Rurik, with her long elegant hull, minimalist low superstructure and three funnels hinting at power and speed....
 
The NEW Combrig kit is a solid and far more accurate starting point, with much fine detailing incorporated in the castings.
 
 
 
The model was painted using Humbrol paints No 28 for all vertical surfaces
 
I have rigged the ship entirely with stretched sprue; using the techniques which I have described here:
 
http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37536
 
 
I have depicted her speeding thru the water at around 18-20 knots; the method of my water construction can be found here:
 
http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37223
 
 
http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37406
 
 
 
I was very pleased with the final model, the basic starting point being dimensionally accurate, totally symmetrical and very well cast. As perhaps the ultimate pre-dreadnought era armoured cruiser, Rurik makes a fine addition to my miniature WW1 Tsarist fleet; sharing the glass cabinet shelf  with her contemporary ultimate Pre-Dreadnought Battleship Andrei-Parvozvanny.
 
­­http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/ru/bb/Andrei-Parvozvanny-700-jb/jim-baumann-buildup.html