HNoMS "Eskdale" - the Norwegian escort destroyer

The escort destroyer HNoMS "Eskdale" was originally built by the British Royal Navy as one of 86 "Hunt"-type ships. The "Hunt I" and "Hunt II" type ships were built in order to have as quickly and cheaply, as possible the largest possible number of innovative ships for escorting convoys. These ships were supposed to be smaller, than the squadron destroyers of the fleet, simpler in design and quick to build. And it followed, that they had to be much cheaper, than classic destroyers, so the "Hunt" type ships were not armed with torpedo weapons. HMS "Eskdale" was of the "Hunt III" type, which differed from the previous two types in that, it did not have the rear 102mm gun turret, but fitted a twin-barreled torpedo armement. The construction of the rear superstructure, of the searchlight superstructure and the chimney have also been changed. Its building began on January 18, 1941 and the finished ship entered service on July 31, 1942. The ship's service under the British flag began while the ship was still in building process, when it was decided, that it would be handed over to the Norwegian Navy. "Eskdale" escorted convoy PQ-18 to Murmansk. HNoMS "Eskdale" was subsequently assigned to the 1st Destroyer Flotilla, based at Portsmouth and escorted numerous convoys through the English Channel and the North Sea. On the night of October 13-14, 1942, he participated in the interception of the raider "Komet", which was completed by the crew of the torpedo boat MTB-236. April 14, 1943 Norwegian destroyers "Eskdale" and "Glaisdale" (also of "Hunt III" type), together with 5 escort trawlers, escorted convoy PW-323, consisting of 6 cargo ships and was attacked by 7 German torpedo boats at Lizard Head. "Eskdale" was hit by torpedoes from boats S-90, S-65 and S-121. 25 sailors of his crew were killed and the ship sank. The cargo ship "Stanlake" was also sunk.

The model recreates the appearance of HNoMS "Eskdale" from October 1942 and is relatively easy to glue, making it suitable for modelers of all experience, except complete beginners. Although the model is small, it is well designed, good-looking, richly detailed. For less experienced modelers we recommend working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, take Your time and try to simplify the model, wherever possible. This should not be one of the first more complex models You glue, avoid haste, when assembling it, use all Your care, attention and patience. There is not much stock of colors and only for the bottom.