History and construction of the model
H M S Loch Killisport K628 (Later F628) is one of 20 anti-submarine Frigates, which were designed as prefabricated modular constructed vessels, a development of the River and Bay class frigates, initially building commenced around 1943, there were two main formats of construction the Anti Aircraft and the Anti Submarine escort vessels, the primary difference being the armament. The antisubmarine vessels were fitted with two banks of "Squid" mortar launchers, three barrel devices located fore of the bridge in place of the anti-aircraft vessel's twin 4inch gun, which was moved forward to a position behind the breakwater on the f'csle deck. MkVIII 300lb cannister depth charges from a stern rolloff rack and throwers. A quad 2lb Bofors Mk VIII mount(several AA vessels had a second single or twin 4" gun fitted in place of the Bofors) and 6 oerlekons 4x2 2x1.
The Loch Killisport was one of six similar vessels in 1952 sailing under the command of the 6th Frigate Flotilla and based in Londonderry in Northern Ireland. At the time they were the only vessels in the Royal Navy to have insignias on the funnel, in this case the Red Hand of Ulster.
It was in September 1951, I was posted to her at Londonderry Northern Ireland, as boy telegraphist,on completing my training at H.M.S. Ganges.
The vessels were powered by 4 cylinder vertical triple expansion engines producing a speed of about 20 knots.
Length (OA) 307.6ft Beam 38.6ft Draft 8.75ft Displacement 2,435 tons. They were excellent in rough seas, handling extreme conditions as found in the Atlantic. Normal complement was 8 Officers and 113 Crew. In the mid 50's several were transferred to other Navies and most had been decommisioned and scrapped by 1967.
Having built models of the Onslow and the Manchester, I felt this vessel had to be included in my fleet of models and was fortunate to obtain copies of the original dockyard plans from John Lambert in the UK. This model is being constructed at a larger scale than my previous vessels using the scale 3/16" to 1ft. - 1/8th to the ft (1/96) is rather on the small side for smaller working exact scale models like the Onslow, invariably being very unstable in the water and top heavy. Regrettably water cannot be obtained with scale conditions.
The model is built using a method known as scratch building, that is, nothing is purchased in the way of fittings and accessories, everthing being made by the modeller. Pieces of plastic tubing, glue bottle caps and film cases all come in useful when making models, the anchors were made from a piece of scrap perspex.
Tools used are varied, but basically a collection of household power tools down to mini drills and hobby knives are all that is needed. The adhesive used is CA (superglue) purchased in larger bottles from the hobby shop. The models are made basically from plywood varying in thickness from .6mm to 1.2mm The hull formers were cut from 1.5mm MDF, a very easy product to use, but care should be exercised when cutting and sanding with power tools as the dust can be quite toxic and a face mask should always be worn.
Another useful device is a plank thicknesser, a rotary sanding device which can produce long and very small square strips for stringers etc. I made such a device which also doubles as a mini saw bench and lathe for turning bollards, cable winches and other small accessories, including gunbarrels from brass rod..
Want to know more? Then please do not hesitate to contact me and I am always pleased to offer any information, advice or source of materials.
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