Models of the RN's beloved HMS 'Repair' and HMS 'Refit' (as they were affectionately known by the lower deck) have been short on the ground…or 'water' so to speak. WEM's HMS Renown has taken nigh on two years from the first announcement and I'm sure, like so many of WEM's kits, it will be well worth the wait. However, in the meantime Skytrex have pipped them to the post and brought out, not just a 1:700 model of Renown, but also one of her sister ship, Repulse. Repulse is represented in her 1941 guise and Renown in 1942 fit.

The fact that the models arrived in stout tubes should have prepared me for the size of these lumps of metal. First impressions on opening the cardboard cylinders were very encouraging indeed - like the company's Tribal class destroyer, this was obviously a cut ('cast'?) above previous kits with far more attention paid to detail. First impressions were those of immediate appreciation of all the cast on detail. Like so many Skytrex kits, these too have a great deal of detail cast onto the hull leaving only a few items like armament, masts, directors and range finders and that's about it!

The main armament is very well portrayed but with barrels in-situ which makes it tricky for the modeller to attempt to reset the angle of the 15" guns. The AA weapons, 20mm Oerlikans and Pompoms, are too simplistic for my taste and these would be the first things I would replace. However, the 4.7" HA secondary armament is quite well portrayed - again with barrels moulded on. Sadly there's no Walrus in the kit so I would redress this omission by using WEM's excellent resin model with PE brass details. Although the deck fairleads and bollards are over scale, on models this size they don't notice too much but would certainly hamper the addition of railings. A bit of judicious filing would solve that one.

The good news is that the hulls look superb - just like the photos - with that lovely gentle sheer and with Renown's armoured belt faithfully reproduced. On measuring length and beam they scale out extremely well with Renown's beam just wider than Repulse's, as it should be. Given the inaccuracies in moulding generally, it is to Skytrex's credit that such a large lump of metal is cast to such a close degree of accuracy. These models literally beg for upgrading with the WEM's forthcoming Renown etch brass fret. I would also prefer to replace the masts with brass equivalents. However, if this is not to your liking then the white metal masts provided are a big improvement over previous kits and are viable option with the only additions needed being the top-most parts.

Overall, at £60.00 each these models represent very good value for money. Each allows plenty of scope for refining details and adding those extras e.g. Renown's 1943 refit. White metal is not difficult to work with and alterations with plasticard and etch brass will result in truly stunning models of these two famous ships. If these kits exemplify the standard we can expect from Skytrex in the future then we have some real treats in store.

Copyright © SMML 2004