by Rob Kernaghan
1/700 HMS Duncan (Combrig)
This is my build of the Combrig 1/700 HMS Duncan kit. In addition to what's in the box, I used photoetched parts from WEM's Askold and Tiger frets. I replaced the kit's masts with brass rod and added brass rod booms, steam pipes etc. She is crewed by Eduard PE figures. The kit's sternwalk did not fit, so I made my own from paper and brass.
The torpedo nets are gold braid from an embroiderer's shop and the net shelves are evergreen brass rod. She is rigged with stretched sprue and flies an HP ensign. Ratlines are from Atlantic models.
She is represented circa 1905-06 when the class was first painted grey, but before the tops were enlarged. The paintwork is WEM enamelsand Rowney artists' oils, the water my usual method of layers of PVA glue, acrylic gel and acrylic paint.
Generally, a very good kit from Combrig's excellent range of RN pre-dreadnoughts. Highly recommended, with just two fit problems, one being the sternwalk, the other being the boat deck needing some attention. As with many other kits, the resin dodgers are best replaced with your own (my method is rails plus white glue).
References: R A Burt, plus a contemporary print I found which is now on the wall in my study.
