1/350 USS Knox FF-1052 (White Ensign Models)
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by Richard Sliwka |
This is White Ensign Models (WEM) kit. I added a number of scratch-built details and non-kit parts/PE to enhance and model the USS Knox as configured in the early-1980s.
I replaced the Sea Sparrow BPMS "box" launcher with a scratch-built
one as the kit's appeared too large and lacked detail. Also, the
provided SPG 53 director was replaced with an enhanced version from an
Iron Shipwrights (ISW) kit. The very prominent yardarm structure
was built from brass rods using ISW's Knox Class kit instructions (provided
excellent dimensional data, detailed MACK attachment locations, and assembly
procedures). The kit's yardarm PE parts were very thin, complex shaped
without any "doublers" and vague assembly instructions Other
scratch-built details included the tripod bridge top mast, .50 cal. machine
gun mounts, MACK top pole mast, numerous storage lockers, raised aft platform,
and bridge equipment. A number of the PE deck details were taken from an
ISW Knox Class PE sheet--probably more comprehensive and "robust" than
the kit's sheet. While the kit's railings are very detailed, I replaced
the 2-bar O-1 level railings with Toms' Modelworks 2-bar railing as stanchion
spacing appeared to closer match those in ship's photos.
After I attached the SPS 40 radar to its molded MACK top mounting,
it didn't "look right"--too tall (perhaps the radar was over-scale).
I compensated by removing 1/8" from the conical mounting; and, now, it
appears "right".
Deck and hull markings used were from various ISW decal sheets. Decals were not provided with my kit. A WEM representative indicated that only the first production run of the Knox kit had decal sheets included. L'Arsenal anti-skid decal walkways were also used.
Model Master acrylic paints were used--2 parts medium gray to 1 part camouflage gray for hull/superstructure and 3 parts medium gray to 1 part flat black for the decks. The hull bottom was painted anti-fouling red. Rigging was .002", .003" and .004" dia. tippet line/nylon thread.
This was my first large 1/350 scale WEM kit. It was a very good kit with excellent casting and detail. The design for assembling the two-piece hull was outstanding--almost like a plastic model. The PE was very detailed; but, difficult and "unforgiving" to work with. My major criticism was the complex yardarm assembly--a simple white metal piece would have been ideal. Also, the lack of deck marking decals was a concern. I purchased JAG's 1/350 Warning Circles sheet; but, couldn't get the decals to set even after "much" MICRO SET/SOL. I guess I haven't acquired the necessary skill to use the computer generated type decals. Anyway, many thanks to Jon of ISW for assisting in finding appropriate decals.
This was a fun project. I was very satisfied with the outcome. In the future, I'll tackle WEM's Adams Class DDG.
