by Peter Fulgoney
1/700 HMS Biter/HMS Obdurate "Rassing Operations" (Tamiya/WEM)
“did you hear that- did you hear that – rassing operations commencing”
Rassing, or refuelling at sea helped the endurance of the smaller faster ships in the convoy escort, and I have portrayed that moment with a possible scenario between HMS Biter, and the “O” class destroyer HMS Obdurate. The two vessels served together so there is a chance this operation took place.
The two kits are worlds apart inasmuch as Obdurate is based on the Tamiya plastic “O”class type, and Biter is the L’Arsenal resin kit. Again, each kit has a problematic side although when you open the Tamiya box, there are two kits, and the Biter kit looks like a quality build with superb looking resin, and pe fret together with top quality instructions.
The problem with the ”O” class is that it needs a complete overhaul and this is now possible with the Lion Roar PE conversion fret which I used and is explained in a different posting. Also, the length of forecastle is incorrect, except for the HMS Onslow build, and needs major surgery.
The Biter kit fits and builds well although a second sheet of instructions would have completed the package, and this would have located life rafts, and other detail on the stab side. Also the camo scheme has to be referenced to photographs of the ship as the drawings are incorrect. I have not been able to source all the information I need for the bridge, and aerials and so this will have to be added at a later stage.
It’s a struggle for both builds, so there’s nothing unusual there, but the end result is satisfactory. All my usual methods are used in the build, and for reference, the oil pipeline is lead flex.
