I've been attempting to gather information on this Leander class frigate and need help with detailed pictures or information of the missle system on the foredeck around 1981 and later. I assume it's Exocet launchers but all the pictures I've been able to find are not distinct enough to scratch build the wepons system. I would like to do a model of the ship for a former crewmember (who sounds like he ain't from around here in Georgia, US of A) by next Veterans day (he can be an honorary US vet for the day). I'm planning to use the Leander from the Airfix Falkland War set and would like to make it as accurate as possible. Any help or leads would be appreciated. Thanks - Jim

Hello Jim,
HMS Penelope had both Exocet launchers (the long rectangular boxes, four of those) and a Seawolf launcher for six missiles forward. Airfix has the Exocet missiles in most of the newer boxings but these are really underscale. Apparently Pitroad launchers are the best for this scale, even though they are meant to be 1/700 scale. There's Seawolf in 1/700 scale with this set too, but those are overscale even for 1/600. Here's a picture after a quick search that shows the Seawolf launcher packed up for bad weather forward of Exocet. Also note the extra MG's aft of the bridge.
One thing that I do not know is the situation on the aft deck - some Leanders had the Limbo well removed to increase heli pad size. It does not have the cutout on the stern for the trailing "whatsit" from what I know. Best thing to do is to try and pick a timeframe and try to find pictures for that.

HTH, best regards,
Maarten

Thanks Maarten. I found some 1/600 Exocet launchers from White Ensign models and ordered them with the photo etch for the Leander class. I was also able to order the Airfix Leander in a set from Squadron. The HMS Penelope web site has some profile views of the ship with missles aboard but I can't tell how they are mounted. I will try to find the Pit Road wepons set for the Seawolf launchers or see if anyone has any extras for sale or trade. I think the timeframe after 1981 is what I'm looking for; I'll have to ask the guy when he served aboard the ship. And sorry, your pic came up red x. If anyone can help me with extra references I would sure appreciate it. Thanks again. Rgds - Jim

Maarten - Would this be the set I'm looking for with the Seawolf launchers:
http://www.hlj.com/product/PITSW-32

Jim, I think Maarten was referring to a set that is no longer made. It used to be made by Skywave (Pit-Road was the parent company).

The sprue is included in the RN Type 42 destroyers now boxed by Dragon:

http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/reviews.html

Hmm... it doesn't seem to link directly. Click on "Ships" (3rd option in menu on left of page) and then 1/700 and there is a review of HMS York under the DML/Dragon heading. The sprue with the Lynx helicopter is the one I mean.

I'm finding out more and more about the Leanders as I go along. I found a build article on the Argonaut by Dr Frank Spahr which will help with the basic modifications to the Penny. I'll probably buy the York kit for the parts if I can't find someone willing to sell me what I need. At least they will help if I have to scratch build parts for 1/600. Rgds - Jim

...like DANAE which I served in in the mid 80s. I can probably find a photo or two if that helps.

Francis Macnaughton

Boy, would they. Modern, post WW2, RN ships (and USN) have never been in my scope of interest before but at least I'm learning about the Leanders. I would appreciate any information you could provide. I kind of have AMS and I would like to do the kit up right. Thanks. Rgds-Jim

... taken in Summer/Autumn 1985 during a Falklands deployment and on the way back via S america and Panama. (Now that was a good deployment!)The missiles on the launcher are drill ones for ceremonial purposes - the operational ones are white.

Francis Macnaughton

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Thanks Francis, the photos are just what I'm looking for. They will be a big help. Thanks again. You probably don't know him but the guy I want to do the kit for is Steven DeClassy-Walford. Rgds - Jim