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Valom ( http://www.valom.net/index_en.html) is to release a 1/72nd Handley-Page Harrow and Sparrow kits - ref.72057 & 72058 Sources: http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/VAL72057 http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/VAL72058 V.P.

K class submarine K-12 1:700 In 1913 an outline design was prepared for a new submarine class which could operate with the fleet, sweeping ahead of it in a fleet action. At that time the only way which they could have sufficient surface speed, of 24 knots (44 km/h), to keep up with fleet was to be steam powered. In a fleet action, the submarines would get around the back of the enemy fleet and ambush it as it retreated. Six improved versions, K22 to K28 were ordered in October 1917 but the end of the First World War meant that only K26 was completed. Although powered on the surface by oil-fired steam turbines, they were also equipped with an 800 hp (0.6 MW) diesel generator to charge the batteries and provide limited propulsive power in the event of problems with the boilers. This pushed the displacement up to 1,980 tons on the surface, 2,566 tons submerged. They were equipped with four 18 inch (460 mm) torpedo tubes at the bow, two on either beam, and another pair in a swivel mounting on the superstructure for night use. The swivel pair were later removed because they were prone to damage in rough seas. They were fitted with a proper deckhouse built over and around the conning tower which gave the crew much better protection than the canvas screens which had been fitted in previous Royal Navy submarines. The great size of the boats compared to their predecessors led to control and depth keeping problems particularly as efficient telemotor controls had not yet been developed. This was made worse by the estimated maximum diving depth of 200 ft (60 m) being much less than their length. Even a 10 degree angle on the 339 ft (103 m) long hull would cause a 59 ft (18 m) difference in depth of the bow and stern, and 30 degrees would produce 170 ft (50 m) which meant that while the stern would almost be on the surface, the bow would almost be at its maximum safe depth. The problems were made even more dangerous because the eight internal bulkheads were designed and tested during development to stand a pressure equivalent to only 70 ft (20 m). Overall the class were pretty ineffective with several being sunk in accidents including the fateful day when two were sunk in collisions, one after being hit by HMS Fearless and one by another K class trying to get out of the way of the same ship. Only one torpedo was fired in anger, hitting a German U-Boat, but unfortunately it didn’t explode. The last of the class due to be built were cancelled to make way for the equally ineffective M class. The last of the K’s were disposed of in 1926. The Model The model comes in a small, rather feeble top opening green box with a rather fuzzy picture of K-12 at sea on the surface streaming smoke from funnels. Inside are a couple of pages of A4 instructions, which are pretty indistinct, showing major parts placement on one page, with side and top views on the other page. There are no colour callouts or any hint of what colours should be used to paint the completed model. Under the instructions there is a small plastic bag with the resin parts. Whilst there is quite a bit of flash and excess resin, the parts are well moulded with very few imperfections and no visible air bubbles. The main hull section and all the smaller parts, such as the island deck, foreplanes, funnels and main guns are all on one “sheet” of resin and will need some careful removal as the parts are small and quite fragile. The superstructure is on a separate “sheet” and, being more robust, the excess resin can be snapped off fairly easily. The single hull part in my example is quite warped, but, being waterline this will be countered by being well glued to a base. Construction is pretty simple, once the parts have been removed the superstructure is fitted to the hull, with some careful checks with references to fit it in the correct position. The superstructure deck can then be added, followed by the deckhouse, guns and funnels. Finally the large foreplanes should be added. The biggest disappointment with the kit is the lack of etched parts. Although the instructions show the tall masts, periscopes, and flagstaffs, none of the these are included. The distinctive railings around the ship are also missing. This is a great shame, but not insurmountable as the parts can be scratch built and there are sets of etched railings from other manufacturers that could be used. The length of the completed model is 6" (150mm) Conclusion It’s great to see a K class in model form that is easier to pick up than the long OOP Pitroad example. With a little bit of work on the model and displayed in a nice seascape it can be built into a pleasing example of this very unusual class of submarines. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of: