Woban Class District Harbor Tug - 1:700 Alliance Modelworks

[Paul A H]

Woban Class District Harbor Tug

1:700 Alliance Modelworks

The Woban Class of harbour tugs were used throughout the United States as from the late 1930s until the early 1970s. They were compact vessels, measuring out at 100 feet long, 25 feet across the beam and displacing just 218 tonnes. Woban class tugs were present at Pearl Harbour during the Japanese attack in 1941.

The kit comes in a very small plastic box with a black and white photograph of a Woban Class vessel on the front. The model is very well protected, with each part being taped inside a piece of foam into which spaces for the parts have been cut out. Inside are ten resin parts as well as a small sheet of photo etched brass and a small decal sheet. The small instruction sheet is pretty clear and easy to follow, but not all of the photo etch parts are covered in terms of placement.

The model is quite cleverly designed, with the hull split longitudinally so that the kit can be finished as either a waterline or full hull model. The castings are nicely done, although there are a few small bubbles here and there. Once youve assembled the hull and bridge/deck house, most of the remaining details are catered for by the photo etched parts. Small details provided on the fret include ladders, doors, port holes, a wheel, cable reels, chains and railings. One clever touch is the provision of tyres to fix to the outside of the upper hull. These are made up of layers of photo etched rings, which when assembled will resemble the ribs and grooves of a tyre quite nicely.

Conclusion

Model like these are really handy to have around as they can be used to bring a naval diorama to life, although the option for a full hull version is welcome too. Resin kits of this type are also easy to assemble because of the low part count. Having said that, you can add as much or as little detail as you like with the comprehensive photo etch fret. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of