HMS Resolution kit. Re-tooled for the third time! Available in October 2018. Production stopped.
Important News: March 2024.
Regrettably, I am going to have to withdraw the Resolution class SSBN kit from the product line. This is because the top silicon hull mold has torn and is worn out. When I originally made it years ago there were spots in the silicon wall that were a bit thin. They have now torn with repeated use.
I do intend on retooling the top hull, it just wont be soon. Once done the kit will then go back into production. This may be later in the year or in 2025.
About the Original Submarine.
By the early 1960’s it became increasingly apparent to the British Government that the nuclear strike capability of the RAF’s V-bomber force was vulnerable to Soviet air defences. During the Nassau conference of 1962, the PM, Harold Mc Millan signed an agreement with the United States to lease the Polaris Submarine launched Ballistic missile system. This necessitated the building of a new class of nuclear submarine. This design was to become the Resolution class.
Four Polaris armed Resolution class Ballistic missile submarines were in service by 1969. (Resolution, Repulse, Renown and Revenge) These submarines constituted Britain’s only Nuclear strike ability. In the early 1980's the Polaris warheads were upgraded to the secret and very expensive Chevaline system designed primarily to penetrate the anticipated Soviet ABM defences around Moscow. They were operational till the last boat was decommissioned in 1996. During this time the Royal Navy claims that at least one Resolution class Submarine was on continuous, unbroken deterrent patrol. Armed with 16 Polaris A3 missiles they were the largest submarines built in Britain until their replacements, the Vanguard class that were built in the 1990’s.
HMS Resolution Class SSBN kit $180 AUD + P&P (Production suspended.)
About the kit.
This kit is currently in the final stages of it's third Re-tooling as new information has come to light with regards to Engineering drawings recently obtained from the Ministry of Defence (thanks DW!). This is one model I can't leave alone. It has been the most challenging model to work with as detailed information on it has been elusive. I am confident that this latest rendition of Resolution is the most accurate in 1/120 scale currently on the market. Almost the entire boat has had to be re-tooled from completely new hull molds to new dies for appendages.
Resolution appears as I believe she did towards the later part of her service, post Chevaline. She features the Towed sonar array housing in the stern and the full reinforced forward plane mountings. ( The area of these boats that featured the most distinctive evolution over time). To the Best of my knowledge the four Resolution class boats never looked all the same at the same time.
The Hull is divided into a top and bottom hull. They are made of hard wearing and durable Polyester resign fibreglass. The sail / Fin components are also made of Polyester resign fibre glass.
The kit comes with basic components including the following:
Hull halves (top and bottom)
2 Sail sides and top piece.
Fore planes, 2 pieces
Stern planes, 4 pieces
Rudders Upper and lower 3 pieces.
Assorted Mast head parts
Illustrated construction booklet.
Kit does not include propeller (screw) , Masts or shaft.
Kit does not include paints, glues ,stand or cylinder and electronics.
Length: 1050 mm / 41.33 inches Width: 90 mm / 3.54 inches
Watertight Cylinder recommendation: ZB-1
Parts may vary slightly from those shown in pictures, they will need sanding, adjustment and possible re-scribing.
Overseas orders please note:
As shown above, I ship this kit with the two hull halves cut in two sections. This is to make shipping less expensive for you as this kit exceeds Australia Post's shipping length. Each Hull half is simply rejoined with the inner lip molding.
Newly Re-tooled Resolution kit. Available now.
Keith Rhodes: Thailand.
Keith is an ex-RN Submarine service (Port Crew DASO, 1969 Polaris test program) who ordered a Resolution kit that he built and modeled on his ship HMS Renown. He recently sent me these pics. Well done Keith, nice job.
Wesley Morgan: Queensland.
Wesley ordered a Resolution kit in 2019. Here is his finished Resolution in a more colourful colour scheme. Well done Wesley.
