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Round Table Class Trawler - 1:700 White Ensign Models


Paul A H

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Round Table Class Trawler

1:700 White Ensign Models

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The Round Table class was the name given to a group of eight armed trawlers built by Aberdeen based shipbuilders J. Lewis and Sons and Hall, Russell and Co. The ships of the class, in order of launch date, were Sir Agravaine (T230), Sir Galahad (T226), Sir Gareth (T227), Sir Geraint (T240), Sir Kay (T241), Sir Lamorack (T242), Sir Lancelot (T228) and Sir Tristram (T229). The ships were all commissioned as minesweepers, but two were converted to danlayers, designed to lay buoys (dans) in order to mark the safe channels cleared by minesweepers.

Each vessel displaced 440 tons and measured 135 feet in length. They had a complement of 35 and were armed with a single 12 pounder anti-aircraft gun, a 20mm anti-aircraft gun and a pair of anti-aircraft machine guns. Minesweeper equipment was comprised of a bow mounted acoustic hammer of the type also found of the slightly smaller class of MMS Motor Minesweepers.

This White Ensign Models product arrives carefully packed into a sturdy white corrugated cardboard box, with the parts safely ensconced in bubble wrap and packing foam. The kit is comprised of a one-piece hull with most of the superstructure and deck details cast in place, a second casting block with all of the smaller resin parts attached, and a small fret of photo etched brass details. Unlike other 1:700 scale WEM kits, this ship has been cast in full hull rather than waterline configuration. According to WEM, this is because these ships were, unsurprisingly, prone to rolling in any kind of seaway, which would result in them showing a lot of their lower hulls. It won’t take long to sand off the desired amount of hull if you want to though.

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The hull is a superbly detailed piece of casting, easily the equal of anything I have seen from other resin producers. Fine details such as portholes, ventilation cowls and the mounts for the larger anti-aircraft weapons are all beautifully rendered. It really does have to be seen to be appreciated. The smaller resin details include the bridge, the signals platform, the single, angled funnel, the lifeboat, the whaler and other small parts such as the searchlight. All of the parts will need to be cleaned up to some degree in order to remove traces of the casting block attachment points or flash.

The final details are provided by way of photo etched brass parts. The fret includes the parts for the 12 Pounder gun and the 20mm anti-aircraft gun, including the armoured shields for both. Also on the fret are the two wheelhouse machine guns, railings for the bow and the gun deck, rigging, rudder and propeller. Brass rods are provided for the masts, and precise dimensions for these parts are given in the instructions.

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The instructions are very easy to follow and include large, clear orthographic and axonometric drawings. A full colour profile is included as well, which will certainly help with the painting stage.

Conclusion

With this model, WEM have provided us with an unusual but fascinating subject from the wartime inventory of the Royal Navy. It goes without saying that it is an extremely small model, but despite its diminutive style, it isn’t lacking in detail and it should prove to be a rewarding build. A degree of patience (and a steady hand) will be needed in order to deal some of the smaller and more delicate parts, but the end result should be well worth it. Highly recommended.

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Review sample courtesy of John at logo.jpg

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