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B-Resina 1/700 Resin HMS Hero H Class Destroyer

By Bob Pearson

Introduction

The 1917 V-W Class destroyers with four superimposed gun mounts set the standard in destroyer design for many years to come. In fact, until the Tribal class of the late 1930s, all RN classes looked like enlarged V-Ws. These other classes became known as the A-I classes. During WWII the A-Is served in all theatres and many were transferred to foreign navies.

Although HMS Hero was not involved in the action, the H Class are best known for the First Battle of Narvik where the German destroyer force was bested by HMS Hardy, Hunter, Hostile and Hotspur.

The Kit

To the best of my knowledge, this is the only 1/700 A-I kit available, and as such I was quite excited to order it. Upon opening the box I was confronted with lots of packing peanuts and the kit itself in two sealed bags. There aren't too many parts as almost all major details are molded directly to the hull, with just the gun mounts, davits, boats, masts and torpedo tubes as separate pieces.

The hull in my sample appears to be the victim of being removed for the mold before it was ready. There is a very distinct widening of the waterline at the focsle break, and this will require sanding down to the correct shape. The upperworks has all superstructure molded in place, and the splinter shields on them all are very thin. Some cleanup of the blast shields over the 'A' and 'Y' mounts is needed as an apparent mold line can be seen. The more pedantic may wish to replace part of the structure below the midships quad .50s with a lattice structure. The steam line along the fore funnel may also require replacement as it has an oddly curved shape to it.

There is no PE supplied, but any of the aftermarket companies offerings will dress this ship up nicely.

Instructions consist of a single sheet showing placement of the various components as well as a suggested scheme for HMS Hero.

Conclusion

The only fault I can find with this kit is the mis-shaped hull, and this is easily corrected. With numerous A-Is built, the possibility for conversion is endless, and the low cost of the kit ensures that many will be purchased by builders with this thought in mind.

I ordered my kit from Lisa Norman of the company formerly known as Rocky Mountain Shipyard for $15 each, plus a flat $5 fee for postage (in the USA - it was more to Canada). At that price I will be sure to order more of them.