ORP Kujiwiak and ORP Ślązak - 1:700 IBG Models

[Paul A H]

ORP Kujiwiak and ORP Ślązak

1:700 IBG Models

The Hunt class of destroyer escorts was one of best known class of destroyers to serve with the Royal Navy during World War II. A total of 86 examples were completed, spread across four sub-classes. 72 were commissioned into the Royal Navy while the remaining 14 were transferred to allied navies - Norwegian, Polish, Greek and Free French. 20 ships of Hunt Type II class were ordered in September 1939, with a second batch of 16 ordered in December 1939. The Hunt II class were armed with 6 × QF 4 inch Mk XVI guns on twin mounts, 4 × QF 2 pdr Mk VIII on quad mounts, 20 mm Oerlikons on single mounts and depth charges. Seven ships of the sub-class were lost during the War.

ORP Kujawiak was built as HMS Oakley prior to being transferred to the Polish Navy on 30 May 1941. The ship took part in Operation Anklet, where it supported the landing of British commandos, as well as Operation Harpoon the attempt to resupply Malta which resulted in heavy losses both among the transport ships and escorts. ORP Kujawiak herself was sunk after being damaged on a mine. The wreck lies 90m below the sea level and is apparently fairly well preserved. ORP Ślązak started its service in Polish Navy on 30 April 1942 and went on to take part in the famous raid on Dieppe raid in August 1942, where it shot down four German planes and joined the bombardment of coastal defences. The ship's Captain, Romuald Nałęcz Tymiński, was hailed as a hero both in Poland and Canada for his actions on that day. It was returned to the Royal Navy in 1946 and in May 1953 given to the Indian Navy, where it served until 1976 as "Godavari".

Based in Warsaw, Poland, IBG Models started out in 1991 as a model kit importer and distributor. They released their first plastic kit a 1:72 scale Bedford QLD - in 2008, and since then have built up a range of interesting kits of different vehicles from the WWII period in both 1/72 and 1/35 scale. The latest additions to their catalogue is a range of 1:700 Hunt II Class destroyers, of which we have the first two here. Each arrives packed into a very sturdy top-opening box which is probably a fair bit larger than it needs to be. Inside each is a fairly large grey sprue which holds the lion's share of the parts, as well as a couple of smaller sprues which hold different parts unique to each ship, a fret of photo etched parts and a small decal sheet. The mouldings have all the hallmarks of modern, high quality toolings as good as those from any other mainstream producer.

ORP Kujawiak

In a departure from the norm, construction starts with some of the smaller sub-assemblies rather than the hull. Each of the QF 4 inch guns is made up of three parts, including a separate splinter shield. The quad mounted 2pdr guns are also made up of three parts each. In both cases, the parts are nicely detailed and the overall effect should be rather pleasing. Sufferers of brassophobia look away at this point as there is quite a bit of photo etch to fold and fix next. Parts catered for on the small fret include stairways, the 20mm Oerlikons and a whole range of railings and smaller details.

The bridge structure and associated parts such as the searchlight platforms and rangefinder are moulded from plastic and are all rather nicely detailed. This, along with the platform for the B turret, has to be fixed to the deck, which is split into two parts along the forecastle step. The aforementioned stairways and railings help to elevate the detailed level well above that of plastic alone. More photo etched parts are used for adding detail to the funnel and providing smaller parts such as ladders and davits for the boats. A clear diagram is provided for the rigging which, along with the photo etched parts, will transform the model from a simple weekend project to a real showstopper. The hull, I should mention, is waterline only.

One marking option is shown in the instructions, for ORP Kujawiak as she appeared in 1942. The decal sheet (which is shared with the kit below) is small but nicely printed.

ORP Ślązak

The ORP Ślązak kit is virtually identical to the Kujawiak, but includes a handful of tiny alternative sprues which carry the parts for the revised funnel and some smaller aspects of the deck structures. Aside from these differences, everything stated above applies equally to the Ślązak. The instructions show Ślązak as she appeared in 1943.

Conclusion

Brand new kits of previously unkitted (in plastic at least) subjects are always welcome, especially so when the kits in question are this good. The leve of detail IBG Models have packed in is excellent and the quality of moulded parts are up there with the very best. The addition of photo etched parts help elevate this kit to another level altogether and, considering the low purchase price, make both kits an absolutely bargain. Highly recommended.

ORP Kujawiak

ORP Slazak

Review sample courtesy of IBG Models