As a break from big warships with a great deal going on, I have started working on Starling Models' cute little Round Table class trawler HMT Sir Gareth.
Eight Round Table class trawlers were built for the Royal Navy between the years 1941 and 1942, all by one of two shipyards in my home town of Aberdeen in the north east of Scotland. They were based on a 1936 trawler called Star of Orkney, and measured 125 feet long whilst they displaced just under 450 tons. They had a relatively large crew for a vessel this size of 35, and the vessels were all commissioned as minesweepers. They carried one 12 pounder anti-aircraft gun, 1 20mm Oerlikon and a pair of .303 machine guns.
His Majesty's Trawler Sir Gareth was launched 19th January 1942 and carried the pennant number T227.
HMT Sir Gareth appears to be wearing a single colour scheme, which in 1942 could either be Admiralty Pattern 507A Home Fleet Grey, or possibly MS2. I don't like MS2 much, and in the bliss of ignorance otherwise, I will use Home Fleet Grey which I find a much more pleasing shade of grey.
The kit is, I believe, CAD designed and used 3D printed masters which have been used for cast resin parts. The kit costs approximately £55 from Starling Models which may appear a lot for such a small model, however the quality is exceptional and the kit is very complete indeed.
In addition, it comes complete with a full colour instruction manual which also identifies all of the parts contained in the box.
It's a full hull model, and the hull complete with numerous very fine deck fittings comes very cleanly cast in a single piece.
I began by opening out some holes along the bulwarks.
Next, a number of small photo etched parts needed to be fitted. The fit is perfect thus far. They literally drop into place.
The following may appear critical, but in this small scale I wanted to ensure I got a good finish. I primed the hull with lacquer based Mr Surfacer 1000. In a single satin coat, there were a few areas which could benefit from a gentle flatting on my casting.
Overall the impression is good
Closer up:
I used a small piece cut from an 800 grit Infini Model sanding sponge wet which proved ideal for this.
In no time at all the high spots were knocked down.
After a quick reprime:
I've added this winch to the foredeck. Duplicates are included of most small parts including this. I did drop it. Hopefully that's now out of the way, but I found it anyway and it dropped precisely into the hole in the hull casting.
I think I'll paint it Home Fleet Grey next, then pick out the planking areas before proceeding with the deck houses which will obliterate my access in there.
