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HMS M2, aircraft carrier submarine. 1:350


Shar2

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HMS M2

ROP os 1/350

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History
HMS M2 was a Royal Navy submarine monitor completed in 1919, converted in 1927 into the world's first submarine aircraft carrier. She was shipwrecked in Lyme Bay, Dorset, Britain, on 26 January 1932. She was one of three M-class boats completed. Four M-class submarines replaced the order for the last four K-class submarines, K17-K21. Although they were similar in size, the M class was an entirely different design from the K class, although it is possible that some material ordered for the K-boats went into them. In any event, the end of the First World War meant that only three were completed.
M2 was laid down at Vickers shipyard at Barrow in Furness in 1916, and launched in 1919. Like the other members of her class, she was armed with a single 12-inch (305mm) gun as well as torpedo tubes. The Mark IX gun was taken from spares held for the Formidable-class battleships.

The M-class submarines were very large for the time at 296 feet (90 m) long. They were designed to operate as submarine monitors or cruisers. They displaced 1,600 long tons (1,600 t) on the surface and 1,950 long tons (1,980 t) when submerged. Two 12-cylinder diesel engines producing 2,400 hp (1,800 kW) drove them on the surface; underwater, they were driven by electric motors producing 1,500 hp (1,100 kW).

After the accidental sinking of M1 in 1925, M2 and her sister M3 were taken out of service and reassigned for experimental use. Her 12-inch gun was removed, replaced by a small aircraft hangar, the work being completed in 1927. This could carry a small Parnall Peto seaplane, specially designed for the M2, which, once its wings had been unfolded, could be lowered onto the sea alongside by a derrick for takeoff. On landing, the aircraft was hoisted back onto the deck and replaced into the hangar. In October 1928, a hydraulic aircraft catapult was fitted, to enable the seaplane to take off directly from the deck. The submarine was intended to operate ahead of the battle fleet in a reconnaissance role, flying off her unarmed seaplane as a scout. The concept of a submarine cruiser was pursued with X1, but was not a success and was later abandoned.

The submarine currently lies upright on the sea bed at (50°34.6′N 2°33.93′W). Her keel is about 100 ft (30 m) below the surface at low tide, and her highest point at the top of the conning tower at around 66 ft (20 m). She is a popular dive for scuba divers. The wreck is designated as a "protected place" under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

After the loss of M2, the Royal Navy abandoned submarine-launched aircraft, although other navies experimented with the concept in the inter-war years and with Japan producing some 42 submarine aircraft carriers both before and during the Second World War.

The Model
The kit was handed to me whilst visiting EDay by one of the co-owners of ROS os, a chap who came across as very enthusiastic and, as will be seen in this review, rightly proud of their achievements. Naturally I was very pleased to see they were designing and releasing British submarines in 1:350 as they have been sorely under-represented by the mainstream manufacturers. The kit comes in a sturdy top opening cardboard box with a couple of photographs of HMS M2 preparing to launch and launching the Parnell Peto aircraft. On opening the box you will find the single piece hull, complete with tower/hanger and catapult, three packets of smaller details, a pair of very nice pedestals, a small etch sheet, (etched by Eduard), a small decal sheet and a small paper sheet. The resin parts have been beautifully moulded, with no sign of imperfections or pin holes and is silky smooth, particularly on the hull. The smaller parts are attached to resin moulding blocks by just a fine web which will make removing and cleaning up nice and easy. As can be seen in the following pictures the wings of the aircraft have come adrift, such is the tentative nature of their attachment. Some of the propeller shafts and periscopes do look a little warped, so some careful persuasion in warm water will be required to straighten them out. Perhaps in future these could be made out of metal, especially the prop shafts, but can easily be replaced should the modeller wish. Also included in the box is a colour photograph of the parts, one of the completed model and the small instruction sheet consisting of just a plan of the complete submarine, and aircraft, so parts placement will have to be judged by comparing the kit with the plan and completed model photo. Perhaps another area that could be improved in future releases.

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Construction is relatively easy, but with such fragile parts, particularly for the aircraft, great care will be required when handling and fitting. The model comes with the hanger door closed, which is a little unfortunate as this should be open the whole time the aircraft is on the deck. Due to the nature of the moulding it would be very difficult to rectify this so some artistic license will need to be taken. The resin parts to be fitted to the submarine include the fore and aft hydroplanes, gun platform, gun mount, and gun barrel. The tower is fitted with three periscopes, and a flag staff. There is an aerial mast at the end of the upper casing, whilst the Ensign staff is fitted on the stern. Above the hanger, the large aircraft handling derrick is fitted. Along with the resin propeller shafts, there are also the A frame supports to be fitted and the rudder on the underside of the stern. If using the pedestals then two holes of corresponding size to the pedestal spigots will need to be drilled out.

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The etched parts for the submarine include the boats railings, hydroplane supports, rudder support, propellers, plus there is a small derrick just aft of the gun platform. The aircraft handling derrick is fitted with an etched part that represents the traversing platform on which the derrick sits. Lastly the aircraft catapult cradle is folded and fitted along with the ladder shaped catapult support at the front of the catapult rail. Included on the etched fret are twenty one small discs which I presume are hull access covers. These aren’t shown on the completed model picture, but are on the plans so remember to keep referring to the two.


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The tiny Parnell Peto is constructed from resin fuselage, floats, wings and horizontal tailplanes. The wing and float struts are etched brass and extremely fine. Fitting these will probably be the most taxing area of the build. To finish the aircraft off, the tiny two bladed propeller is attached.

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Decals
The small decal sheet provides the boats number and a name plate which could be used on one of the pedestals or a separate plate the modeller will need to create themselves. The paper sheet contains just the two White Ensigns.

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Conclusion
All in all this is a very welcome addition to the submarine modellers build list. Certainly quite a surprise to this modeller as it’s been on my wish list for years. The quality of the mouldings and etch makes it even more of a must have, and although the instructions could be improved I won’t be complaining too much if this company keeps producing much need British submarines, which, having chatted to them seems to be their intention. This kit is probably not for the beginner but shouldn’t cause too many problems for intermediate or higher modellers who have some experience in working with resin and etched brass. Very Highly Recommend.

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Review sample courtesy of

ŘOP o.s.

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The X1 was actually a success in the cruiser sub role hunting down merchant men and attacking convoys.

How ever has Britain had the worlds largest merchant fleet the Admiralty decided that info should not be common knowledge

So the trails were deemed a failure and she was quietly scrapped.

D

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Lovely model, as I collect anything about Parnall aircraft will have to get this one. Have already built Plover and Panther models, am in process of building Prawn paper kit.

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