DKM Zerstörer Z30, 1942

In terms of armament, the German Zerstörers were closer to light cruisers than the typical destroyer. The use of 15 cm (5.9 inch) guns was atypical of destroyers which tended to have guns around 120 - 127 mm (4.7 to 5 inch) in calibre. They were intended to carry two forward guns in a twin turret, but as the twin turrets were not ready in time, early class 1936As carried a single mounted gun forward.

Despite being powerful the ships were not without their flaws. There were problems with the reliability of the high pressure steam engines and seakeeping in rough seas due to the newly designed bow and heavy forward artillery.

The Z30 was launched on 8 December 1940 and entered service November 15, 1941. Deployed in Norway, took part in the Battle of the Barents Sea at the end of 1942. Since May 1944 it worked in missions on patrol off the coast of Jutland, where it suffered heavy damage in October following the collision with a mine. Repaired in the port of Oslo, was laid up May 14, 1945. Captured by the Norwegians, was transferred to the Royal Navy, where she worked as a ship-target, and was finally scrapped in 1949.

The base is a block of Styrofoam of about 3cm, and with a cylindrical object I’ve applied some pressure to form the waves.Then I’ve wrapped a watercolour paper to the styrofoam to add a sea water texture. After painting I finish it with a coat of clear gloss. For the bow waves I’ve used tissue paper soaked in clear gloss and then a bit of acrylic gel.

I’ve replaced the kit’s plastic masts for soldered brass rods and added some metal gun barrels as well. 

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