by Don McKeand
1/700 HMS Sutton (Finewaterline)
HMS Sutton was a coal-fired Hunt or Aberdare class minesweeper built in 1918. Often known as the Smokey Joes these ships were unglamorous but important units. At the outbreak of the Second World War Sutton was employed on minesweeping off the East Coast and in May was used in Operation Dynamo – the evacuation from Dunkirk. As well as ferrying troops to other ships, she was credited with bringing back 1100 troops herself. She continued sweeping mines around the UK through to 1944 when she became part of the minesweeping force for Operation Neptune – the naval side of the D Day landings. Hard worked and elderly, Sutton was typical of these ships. The Finewaterline model mastered by Roy Allen is very nicely cast and detailed and was a pleasure to build. As Sutton is depicted in 1942 there were some modifications to make to the kit. A pair of 12 pounder guns were scratch built and some extra superstructure added as well as a couple of 20mm Oerlikons and an acoustic hammer on the bows.
