The four ships of the Iroquois (pronounced "ear-o-kwah") class of DDG's were originally laid down as Tribal class DDH's in 1969. They were the first ships in the world to be exclusively powered by gas turbines, and the innovative design greatly influenced future vessels around the world. These ships also differed from other similarly sized ships in being designed to carry the Sea King helicopter; a much larger aircraft, allowing independent operations in heavier sea states that smaller helos.

The Tribals were refit in the 1980's with the TRUMP (Tribal Update and Modernization Progam). This program greatly changed the appearance and mission of this ships, insuring their use into the 21st century.

Three of these ships are still in commission, while the fourth (Huron) was sunk as part of a SINKEX called Trident Fury in 2007. (YouTube video of Huron's sinking here.)

The Resin Shipyard's kit of HMCS Iroquois models how she appeared in 2004- post TRUMP.

Iroquois has a large solid cast one piece full hull, as is common from Resin Shipyard. The hull has a small pour plug at the center of the keel, and a small mold line following the keel line.

The hull has many details cast in place, like the 29-cell Mk41 VLS, the major parts of the superstructure and well deck for the VLS. The lower half of the hull has marks to aid the modeller in placing underwater details, like the sonar dome, shafts, struts, rudder and the bilge keels. On the main deck, the location for the bollards are indicated, but need to be installed using the plastic rod provided.

Over 60 other resin parts for Iroquois, packaged either in bubble wrap in a plastic clamshell, or nestled in cotton inside a cardboard ring box. Additionally, there is some plastic and brass rod of various dimensions included.

There are a few distinctive large resin parts in the mix, and numerous small bits cast on sprues or on film.

The remaining resin parts are a large variety of items, including RHIBs and Zodiacs, antennas and deck equipment. The rest of the ships weapons are in resin, namely the Phalanx CIWS, the OTO-Melara 76mm and the triple torpedo tubes. There is also the large VDS body and a nicely cast clear piece for the LSO shelter.

The kit includes 2 resin CH-124 Sea King models, and a small photoetch fret for them. There are some seams and flash on these helos, particularly around the cockpit, so take care not to mar the detail beneath. The photoetch includes both stowed and extended rotor blades.

There are 3 sheets of photoetch for Iroquois, including such details as bilge keels, prop blades, railings and an extensive lattice mast- over 130 parts. Each part is numbered on fret, but not sequentially; i. e. part #1 is on sheet 3, part #2 is on sheet 1. The instructions have an excellent reference to guide you. There are also 4 different etched nameplates, allowing the modeler to build any member of the Iroquois class. Resin Shipyard's railings are unique in having a notch to indicate each bend- one bends away from the notch.

The Resin Shipyard in their Hawk Graphics guise, specializes in decals, and are justifiably proud of their offerings. This kit includes 3 sheets of decals, with one of hull markings for HMCS vessels, one of markings for the Sea Kings, with both hi and low-viz markings, and a final sheet of warning lines and flight deck lines.

Resin Shipyard's multi-page, multi-color instructions are quite extensive. There is so much information packed into these 14 pages, close study- more so than usual- is indicated when building this model. Black numbers indicate resin parts, red numbers indicate photoetch. There are few options the modeler will need to make; the primary ones dealing with the location of zodiac boats. Also, the VDS was removed from the class in 2006, and the well was left empty.

While detailed color instructions are listed on the final page, in Model Master or FS colors, the placement of the hull markings and deck decals is left for the modeler to decipher from the color profile view provided. The Resin Shipyard has worked with White Ensign Models to develop the appropriate grey-green of Canadian Navy Grey, which is available separately. (Colorcoats M23 RCN 501-509)

The Resin Shipyard has only produced a handful of kits at this time, but each one is a little gem. By focusing on Canadian subjects, they provide a quality kit at a good price, and for a subject matter neglected by other manufacturers. HMCS Iroquois is an important ship in both Canadian history and in world wide naval architecture development, and is a welcome addition- not to mention it's also a smart looking ship! I look forward to see what future projects the guys at The Resin Shipyard have planned!

This is kit #C-02 with a MSRP of $220.00 CDN$, or about $208 USD.

This is only one of the many kits produced by The Resin Shipyard. See the whole line on their website. They also have a line of reference CD's available, including one for the Iroquois class.