The largest class of naval ships built in the western world since the end of the Second World War are the 46 ships of Knox Class. The Knox class was designed as a relatively cheap ASW ship, and as such they had just one propellor shaft which produced a top speed of 27 knots. Built between 1969 and 1974, their armament consisted of ASROC anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes and a 127mm main gun. Later a Vulcan Phalanx CIWS and Harpoon missiles were added. A SH-2 Sea Sprite helicopter was also carried.

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ships have been either mothballed or sold in recent years. Some are operated by foreign navies, with the largest number being used by the Taiwanese Navy.

The Kit
I have long admired the looks of the Knox class (in fact I scratchbuilt a half dozen or so in 1/2400 scale many years ago), and was pleasantly surprised to see that one had been released in injected form by AFV Club. The kit consists of one medium grey sprue containing 89 pieces. All parts are cleanly molded with no evidence of flash apparent.

The hull is pretty bare, however there are facets to affix to it which have various doors and other fixtures moulded to them. The bridge has recessed windows as well as ASROC reloading doors in its forward face. All structures which should be open - cranes, radars, lattice masts etc - are moulded as solids and will best be replaced by either scratchbuilding or aftermarket PE sets from one of the many companies that supply such items..The ASROC, Phalanx CIWS and 127mm gun are all usuable as is, although some extra detailing on the first two may also be possible. The ship's boats have slight sink holes in them that will require filling.

Decals are provided for three USN ships (Robert E Peary FF 1073, Brewton FF 1086 & Kirk FF 1087), and three unnamed ROC ships. Warning circles are provided for the 127mm gun, ASROC and CIWS mount, as well as three Engineering Excellence awards and decals for the Seasprite helicopter. There are also three badges and a solid red circle that I know not what they are for. No landing deck markings are provided, although there are raised markings in place on the actual kit part. These may be either painted or sanded smooth and replaced with leftovers from the decal binder.

The instructions consist of a double-sided page showing construction in four basic steps. Each step is illustrated in an exploded diagram and there is also a drawing showing the completed model. A full colour rear box cover is also provided as a marking guide.

Conclusion
With the addition of some PE rails and replacement of the solid lattice structures this will be a very nice model to join my 1/700 escorts.

Copyright © SMML 2004