Kit Backgrounds
These miniatures were created primarily for use in naval wargaming. Both represent Hood in her final (May 1941) configuration. Both appear to be made out of pewter (GHQ being of higher quality pewter) and run roughly about the same price ($8 - $10). Both kits require a fair amount of clean-up (flash/shavings) as well as minor construction and painting. When complete, both are approximately 4¼" /107mm) in length and ¼" / 13mm) in width. Each is widely available.
Moulding & Detail
Hulls:
- GHQ- Correct in shape and shear. Very crisply moulded as well. This kit features nicely formed armour belts as well as noticeable "planking" on all decks. Does not feature the torpedo bulges though. Ironic considering the otherwise superbly-detailed hull.
- C&C- Correct in shape and shear, but little else. The armour belt is totally lacking, but ironically, the torpedo bulges are present! Wooden planked deck areas are not delineated (of course to be fair, you really wouldn't be able to make out individual plank runs at this scale anyway). C&C did do a very nice job with the recessed areas (former location of the 5.5" gun batteries)...something which GHQ didn't delve as deeply into.
Guns:
- GHQ- The main guns are very nicely formed...they even appear to have blast bags moulded-in. The secondary (anti-aircraft) armament is not quite as good though - these pieces appear to be a bit large and out-of-scale.
- C&C- The main turrets are formed very nicely. The main gun barrels are a bit flimsy though. Secondary (anti-aircraft) armament is nicely formed and superior to the GHQ secondaries.
Above- Overhead views of the GHQ (top) and C&C (bottom) miniatures.
Superstructure: Both miniatures have fairly accurate superstructures (although GHQ's is a bit more correct in shape and size).
Masts: GHQ includes a nice main mast whereas C&C does not.
Other: GHQ's Hood has moulded-on boats/motor launches, C&C's variant does not. Both kits have accurate funnels and deck houses/vents.
Summary
Both miniatures are decent representations of Hood, but the GHQ variant is the overall superior of the two by the virtue of it's extra detail.
Alternative Reviews/Additional Resources
See GHQ- United Kingdom WWII Micronauts® for information about GHQ's Royal Navy ships)