The Resolution class of submarine was the category for four nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) built for the Royal Navy as part of the UK Polaris programme. Each submarine was armed with up to 16 UGM-27 Polaris A-3 nuclear missiles. Two pairs of these boats were ordered in May 1963 from Vickers Shipbuilding Ltd, Barrow in Furness and Cammell Laird and Co. Ltd, Birkenhead. The option of buying a fifth unit, HMS Ramillies was cancelled. Traditional battleship names were used, signifying that they were the new capital ships of their time.
The Resolution's design was based on the well-proven Valiant class fleet submarines and construction was unusual in that the bow and stern were constructed separately before being mated with the American-designed missile compartment. Each submarine was 130 metres (430 ft), breadth 10.1 metres (33 ft), height 9 metres (30 ft) and the displacement 8,400 long tons (8,500 t) submerged and 7,600 long tons (7,700 t) surfaced. A Rolls-Royce pressurised water reactor (PWR1) and English Electric Company turbines gave them a speed of 25 knots (46 km/h) and they could dive to depths of 275 metres (902 ft). Sixteen Polaris A3 missiles were carried, in two rows of eight. For emergencies there was a diesel generator and six 533-millimetre (21 in) torpedo tubes located at the bow, firing the Tigerfish wire-guided homing torpedoes. These submarines put to sea with a crew of 143-147 crew.
Most kits of nuclear submarines – especially those carrying ballistic missiles have featured American vessels and only two manufacturers have featured British boats. Bronco introduced their excellent kit of the Vanguard class (Trident) a few years ago and now MikroMir have released their kit of the first generation, HMS Resolution from the class which bears her name. Unlike most, MikroMir kit’s hull is made up of three large components and split vertically as opposed to the usual horizontal. As with submarine kits in general there isn’t an overwhelming number of parts – thirty one in this case and that includes the three part stand. Only one PE part is included for the propeller and the plans are the exploded view type - not my favourite!
Parts are clean and free from flash. The biggest task is removing the two main hull sides from their sprue and then removing the tags (some peculiar moulding design there?) and I suspect there will be some filling required on the upper deck…we’ll see?