AJM Models 1/700 Ascot Class Paddle Minesweeper HMS Melton

[George Hargreaves]

I did not expect to see this as a kit and such a complete kit it is.

HMS Melton North Sea July 1919

Perhaps not too surprising is that there is not much information available on Ascot Class Paddle Minesweepers and what is available often contradicts itself. Both HMS Eridge 890 and Melton 898 where originally completed to carry seaplanes. By removing parts 19, L-10 and 33, all of the remaining class members can be made. The 2 pound guns seam to only appear on �as designed� ship models. Main armament varies from 2 12 pdr guns to 2 6 pdr guns to a mix of 6 and 3 pdr guns dependent on availability at launch. 2 6 pdr guns appears the most common armament. Gun shields may or may not be present dependent on ship and time period, check what sources are available.

This from Conway�s All The World�s Fighting Ships 1906-1921:
As a result of the success of hired paddlers as minesweepers the Admiralty ordered a design based on Ailsa SB's Glen Usk. They were named after race courses. The design included provision for two seaplanes, to help spot minefields from the air, but only Eridge and Melton had derricks and platforms fitted, and seaplanes were never used. They were completed between April and December 1916. Ascot was torpedoed by UB 67 off the Faeroes 10 November 1918. Kempton was mined on 24 June 1917 while rescuing survivors of Redcar (also mined on the same day). Ludlow was mined off the Shipwash Shoal 29 December 1916. Plumpton was beached on the Belgian coast 19 October 1918 after being mined; she was subsequently BU where she lay. Haldon was sold for BU December 1921; Croxton, Doncaster, Eglinton, Epsom, Eridge, Gatwick, Goodwood, Hurst, Newbury, Pontefract, Sandown and Totnes were sold March-September 1922; Lingfield was sold in May 1923. Atherstone, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Chepstoui and Melton were sold August-November 1927 (Atherstone and Melton both returned to RN service in 1939-45, as AA ships Queen of Kent and Queen of Thanet). During the war the paddle 'sweepers' served with the Auxiliary Patrol, Fishery flag pendants superior to Admiralty Nos 881-904. Post-war they served in the Mine Clearance Service, bearing 'T' pendant numbers.

From FJ Dittmar & JJ Colledge, British Warships 1914-1919:

Notes: Named for racecourses, they were also referred to as "Racecourse class". 17 vessels were ordered 9.15; CHELTENHAM, GOODWOOD, HALDON and HURST in 10.15; the last three in 1.16. The BANBURY group was ordered in 1.17. These vessels were built as a result of the success of the hired paddlers in sweeping coastal waters and Ailsa's GLEN USK was their prototype. Moored mines situated in areas where the range of tide was great could be swept much more safely by these types because of their shallow draught. All were given Fishery flag superior pendants using the Admiralty number and served with the Auxiliary Patrol. Later when they were in the Mine Clearance Service they still used these numbers even though the T pendants were also in use.

Jane� Fighting Ships 1919 also has an entry for the Ascot Class but there is no additional information.

On the Web:

Actual footage of HMS Melton 898 and HMS Sandown 903 in �The Submarine Service�:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/ ... 1060023125

There is a good drawing at, scroll to the bottom:
http://forum.rcdesign.ru/f13/thread339558.html

Paddleducks has a 1/48 build of HMS Kempton that has some good detail photos as well as photos of HMS Hexham in the old Scottish Transport Museum. Hexham is an improved Ascot Class as told by the position of the Foremast.
http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6373.0

The Imperial War Museum has a builder�s model at:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30018196

Here is the link to AJM Models and to a build by AJM on ModelWarships in the Picture Post Completed section: On the AJM site check the �Dealerzy� tab for where to purchase this kit. Mine came from NNT.
http://ajmmodels.pl/english/
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=158850&view=next

I am of the opinion the Wiki site needs editing...:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racecourse ... inesweeper

ALM Models Offerings:
Kit Scale Period Name
No.700-001 1/700 1917 Ascot Class Paddle Minesweeper
No.700-002 1/700 1942 HMS Queen of Thanet
No.350-001 1/350 1917 Ascot Class Paddle Minesweeper
No.350-002 1/350 1942 HMS Queen of Thanet

AJM Models 1/700 Ascot Class Paddle Minesweeper HMS Melton

The model comes boxed with bubble wrap around the hull and underside. The major components and minor components on sprue each come in plastic bags. The included PE is complete and detailed. There are also decals for HMS Melton and wire stock for the masts and fine details. There is a 3 page set of instruction drawings.

[George Hargreaves]

Continued...

The Drawing

13 Marine Engineering and Canadian Merchant Service Guide Review Volume IX Page 202
This same drawing is also available from The Marine Engineer And Naval Architect, July 1921, page 398 but the drawing itself is not as clear.

The Measurements
These are taken from the kit and from the drawing using a 0.150 mm Digital Caliper.

If you look at the %Difference column it looks like some of the parts are too small. But if you look at the scale length in mm as compared to the model length in mm we are talking less than a mm. The model looks right to the eye when compared to pictures and to drawings.

The model is inclusive; it has all that you need for a highly detailed 1/700 kit right in the box. The instructions are made up of isometric drawings with arrows for parts placement, very straight forward. There is a guide colour for painting that references the builder�s model at the IWM. Looking at the film footage, 15 HMS Melton 1918 is a screen capture, I would say the ships were painted overall in Pattern No. 507B Grey, Light Shade that can be made with 3 parts black and 4 parts white from your favourite paint provider. Based on 16 HMS Sandown 1918, a second screen capture, horizontal surfaces are either natural wood or Pattern No. 507B Grey, Light Shade.

I am very pleased that I have one of these models.

Cheers,
George

[Timmy C]

Thanks for the review, George! Looks like a kit I'd definitely pick up if I come across it at a show or store.

[steviecee]

Is there a US supplier?

[George Hargreaves]

Hi,

http://stores.ebay.com/Kraken-Hobbies is an ebay store in the US but it does nor appear to be set up as yet. If you go to AJM Models web site and go to the Dealers tab there are a number of suppliers to chose from. Mailing to the US is not an issue.

Cheers,
George