by Stephen Allen
1/350 HMS Vega, 1918 (Armada)
The good news is that Resin Shipyard is about to re-release this kit, updated to a full hull format. Everyone needs a V&W class destroyer, and plan to build a couple more, in 'WAIR' and long range escort versions.
I found this old Armada 1/350 kit in McCann's Hobby shop in Tasmania in 2005 (at the same time as I bought their entire tock of Floquil Maritime Colours). It is a late 1990s resin kit, with a two piece hull. The smaller resin parts and photo etch were dated, and I replaced a lot of smaller parts with scratchbuilt equivalents, and also used WEM destroyer photo etch for deck railings and boat davits.
As kitted, the Vega best represents a 'V' class destroyer from the post world war one era. with an extended bridge front and triple torpedo tubes. I backdated the kit with scratchbuilt dual torpedo tubes and individual depth charge racks to match the photo of HMS Vega in Burt's British Destroyers in World War One. The W/T aerial array, with the 'goalpost' support is unusual for a first world war destroyer but matches the photograph. I also modified the bridge, to the original arrangement, and added splinter mattresses made from epoxy putty.
Vega has 'in and out' hull plating strakes added by the paint and masking tape method, and reasonably light weathering - lighter than the photo on Burt, which shows Vega after ramming a U-Boat.
This is my first resin kit.
