A Black Swan Class at last! Not in my preferred scale of 1:700 but with loads of detail and an impressive model. Like most Skytrex kits this one comes with a huge amount of detail cast onto the hull and super structure leaving the modeller only a few details like armaments, boat davits, masts, radar, crucifix-girder frames to attach. There are no instructions…not that any are needed. The catalogue picture reveals all.
At 1:350 scale it is possible to represent the hull plating which improves the look of any model. Most items appear to be well in scale but like all Skytrex kits absolutely crying out for etch brass detailing. On my scale ruler the hull measures out as 305' (loa) x 35' beam which is a little longer and narrower than the 300' x 38' of the original.
Where white metal does fall down is in representing girder structures. Skytrex have done a good job on the 272 radar, lattice casting but short of trying to drill out the solid interleaving bits of metal the only other choice is to scratch build in plastic strip using the casting as a guide. The 4" twin HA mountings are really well cast with separate barrels so you can choose the angle of elevation. The mast is quite acceptable although missing the top cross tree, will suffice providing you are not going to add rigging. In order to take any rigging you would be well advised to scratch build brass rod masts. The only fault that I can find with this superb kit is the rake of the funnel which is just too much like a County Class cruiser for my liking.
Strangely, the model includes two carley floats on angled brackets located on each side of the bridge superstructure. These simply don't exist on Starling but do on Lark. Where Starling has landed her port side whaler the model depicts a blank space. In fact, the drawings show that she had a carley float (possibly two stacked) located here. These are small but important details. There are two 'Aztec' steps which also could do with etch brass replacements.
Being Captain Walker's ship and leader of the famous 2nd Escort Group this model is sure to be popular subject. With railings and radar and etch brass detailing this will build a beautiful modified Black Swan Class vessel. Even without extra work you're going to end up with an impressive model.

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