At the time of writing the V&W class destroyer kit is so recent as not to have made it into the Skytrex catalogue. Depicting a pre-WWII version of this famous class of RN destroyers, the actual model purports to be HMS Versatile and is one of four V&W models, the others being a WAIR (AA Escort), Short Range Escort (1943) and the Long Range Escort (1943).
If anything strikes you about this particular model is that it is spartan compared with other Skytrex 1:350 models. This is not a criticism aimed at Skytrex - it's just that in the pre-WWII (virtually as-built) configuration these ships were spartan. Although as stated, the model represents HMS Versatile, with minimal alterations the model could be 'bashed' into any as-built V&W.
One item worth checking is the type of stern your proposed subject had: some V&Ws had a distinctly 'concave' stern (e.g. Vidette) whilst others (e.g. Versatile, Veteran) had a 'rounded' stern.
On my scale ruler the hull measures at 315' (loa) and 28' beam which is slightly longer than the class design of 312' but almost bang-on for the beam. As with all Skytrex models you get a 'minimalist' kit: a hull and bag of parts. However, like all Skytrex kits, this one comes with a good amount of detail cast onto the hull and super structure leaving the modeller only a few details like armaments, boats, mast, director and torpedo tubes to attach. There are no instructions…not that any are needed. The picture in the Skytrex catalogue was my guide.
The boats, which are of the correct type in this model, are cast onto over-scale davits and could well do with etch brass replacements. Indeed, there a number of items that could do with some extra detailing: the search light platform definitely needs guard rails and there are two 'Aztec' steps to be replaced as well as 'Aztec' depth charge racks. These are rather disappointing and the modeller is best advised to try to source suitable etch brass equivalents. The armaments are pretty good - the best item being the 4" guns. Skytrex has a pretty good 1:350 casting of the 20mm Oerlikon, of which this model has two. I was pleased to note that the kit includes two triple banks of torpedo tubes which is quite correct for Versatile, Vanoc, Velox, Vimy and Vortigern in 1939.
Overall, at £40.00, this model appears to be rather expensive when compared with the similarly priced but far more detailed Black Swan and River class models. Still, this is subject is quite unique and I suspect that you will be unlikely to ever get a 1:350 V&W class destroyer in as-built condition.

Copyright © SMML 2003