Reviewed by Timothy Dike |
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| The USS Bebas (DE 10) was a Destroyer
Escort of the Evarts class. These short hull escorts were based on British
designs and were built to help stop the German U-Boats from choking off
supply lines to Great Britain. The first of these ships went directly to
the Royal Navy. The Bebas (DE-10) was originally intended for Great Britain
under Lend Lease as BDE-10, but taken over for American use and reclassified
DE-10, 25 January 1943. She was launched by Boston Navy Yard 9 January
1943; sponsored by Mrs. Angeline M. Bebas, mother of Ensign Bebas; and
commissioned 15 May 1943, Lieutenant Commander G. B. Gilbertson, USNR,
in command.
Bebas patrolled along the east coast until she got underway for the Pacific 24 August 1943. From 28 September 1943 to 12 April 1944 she patrolled out of Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides; Guadalcanal; and New Caledonia. Bebas returned to San Francisco 26 May, via Pearl Harbor. Departing San Francisco 31 May she escorted convoys to Pearl Harbor; Majuro Atoll, and Eniwetok, Marshall Islands; then served in the Southwest Pacific during September-December 1944 with a hunter killer group. During December 1944 April 1945 she patrolled off Peleliu, Palau Islands, and between Ulithi and Eniwetok. On 1 May Bebas arrived off Okinawa and patrolled there until 30 June. During 10 July-15 August she supported the 3rd Fleet raids against Japan. Bebas returned to San Francisco 9 September 1945 was decommissioned there 18 October 1945; and sold 8 January 1947. Bebas received three battle stars during World War II. Niko Model has been producing some pretty amazing ships. Their latest has to be seen to be believed. |
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| HULL | ||||||||||
| The hull is cast with most of the superstructure in place. The detail is really amazing, and this is one of the best cast ships on the market today. There is really nice surface detail, such as the tread plate in the forward gun tub. The gun tubs themselves are very thin and include brace detail where appropriate. The hull itself has cast on plate detail that is a bit exaggerated, but it sure looks good. |
to enlarge |
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE, WEAPONS, FITTINGS, AND SMALL PARTS | ||||||||||
| With most of the superstructure cast onto the hull the only separate parts are the bridge and the funnel. The bridge, like the hull is very well cast. If you look closely you will notice that the controls are cast in. Very impressive. The funnel and other parts look good too. The 3" main guns are well cast, but wait until you see the photo etch details that go with them. |  |
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| PHOTO ETCH | ||||||||||
| A relief etch brass photo etch fret is included to add the fine details. Detailed yardarms, boat davits, 1.1" machine gun assembly, 20 mm guns with bases, and depth charge racks are just some of the nice items included. You will have to supply your own outer railings. |  |
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| BUILDUP PHOTOS | ||||||||||
Here are some photo's from Niko
Models website showing the completed ship.
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| INSTRUCTIONS | ||||||||||
The instructions are the front and back of an A-size sheet.
The actual ship kit is shown in photo's with notes showing where the parts
go. The subassemblies and photo etch folding instructions are shown as
well. These are pretty well done and appear to show where everything goes.
A camouflage design sheet showing the MS 32/22d camo markings with all
surfaces shown..
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| CONCLUSIONS | ||||||||||
A highly detailed and well cast kit of this Evarts class destroyer escort. This is the only company producing this class of ship and I am pleased to see it available in 1/700 water line. This kit was listed in Pacific Front Hobbies February 2006 update for $36.00 a great price for this kit. They carry the entire Niko line of ships and many more hard to find, high quality kits. |
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