HMAS Collins

Showcase Models Australia, 1/350 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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The Collins class is a class of six Australian-built diesel-electric submarines operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The Collins class takes its name from Australian Vice Admiral John Augustine Collins; all six submarines are named after significant RAN personnel who distinguished themselves in action during World War II. The boats were the first submarines to be constructed in Australia, prompting widespread improvements in Australian industry.

Planning for a new class to replace the RAN's Oberon-class submarines began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Proposals were received from seven companies; two were selected for a funded study to determine the winning design, which was announced in mid-1987. The submarines, an enlarged version of Swedish shipbuilder Kockums' Västergötland class and originally referred to as the Type 471, were constructed between 1990 and 2003 in South Australia by the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC).

The submarines have been the subject of incidents and technical problems since the design phase, including accusations of foul play and bias during the design selection, improper handling of design changes during construction, major capability deficiencies in the first submarines, and ongoing technical problems throughout the early life of the class. These problems have been compounded by the inability of the RAN to retain sufficient personnel to operate the submarines – by 2008, only three could be manned, and from 2009 onwards, on average two or fewer were fully operational. The resulting negative press has led to a poor public perception of the Collins class.

It is expected that the Collins class will remain in service until the 2020s. Planning for a replacement class of up to twelve vessels commenced in 2007. The new boats are predicted to enter service from 2025, and be active until the 2070s..*

* Background information courtesy of Wikipedia

Showcase Models Australia released a very nice 1:35 scale Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle in 2011.

Their second release is something quite different - a 1/350 scale Collins Class Submarine.

Made up from only 20 parts in grey plastic, five parts in clear plus a photo-etched nameplate, this will be a very simple model to build.

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This simplicity does not imply any detail compromise though. Modern submarines are smooth by their nature, so all the details on the real thing are well covered by the plastic parts in this scale.

The quality of the plastic and the moulding is excellent. The surface is satin to the touch, and detail - both raised and recessed - is crisp and convincing.

The inclusion of the sail (conning tower) as one clear plastic part is clever and thoughtful. This means that the windows in the side and rear may be masked prior to painting - nice touch.

Four additional clear parts are also provided for the stand.

A photo-etched brass nameplate is supplief for the completed model.

The instructions are laid out in two simple steps on the back of the box.

Although the colour callout states that the submarine was black overall, the real thing exhibits quite a few different shades due to different materials and weathering. Google is your friend here - do a quick search and you'll see what I mean. There is actually some good potential for some airbrushed weathering fun with this model.

Markings

The small decal sheet supplies markings for all six Collns Class Submarines, including flags and the special launch markings for HMAS Collins.

The glossy decals are in register and the colours look good. They have been printed by Cartograf.

This is a real surprise package from Showcase Models Australia.

Their 1/350 scale Collins Class Submarine is well-detailed and features state-of-the-art moulding. It will be a very fast build too.

If you are craving a refreshingly simple sorbet between heavy plastic courses, this might be just the lift you need!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Showcase Models Australia for the sample

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