Pontos Models review
Reviewed by Timothy Dike
May 2014
Tetra Model Works produces an extensive line of ship accessories. This one is for the new Gallery USS Intrepid CV-11 that was released last year. The Tetra upgrade set contains seven brass photo etch frets with relief etching, and three bags of CNC turned metal parts.

Let's take a closer look at the details. 

PHOTOETCH
FRET A
New platforms and perforated catwalks with relief etched marks for gusset location.
FRET B
More perforated catwalks, railings, and a new more-to-scale appearing boat crane. 
FRET C
New framing for the deck edge elevator and relief etched safety netting.
FRET D
Mast platforms and framing. Inclined ladders, more platforms and new cable reels.
FRET E
Radar, antennas, and mast frame structures to replace the thick over-scale plastic versions. New funnel grating for a more realistic open look. 
FRET F
Drooping chain and solid bar railings sized to fit the kit. New relief etched doors and hatches. 
FRET G
Floater net baskets to mount around the ship.
METAL BARRELS AND DETAILS

In addition to the photo etch, this set included the following turned brass parts:
 
  • Brass CNC machined deck edge antennas poles.
  • Brass rod to make some of the tubular frame mast structures.
  • New antennas and aerials for the island.
INSTRUCTIONS
Seven pages of color photos and assembly diagrams show where the parts go. These seem to cover all the bases and show how your kit will look with the enhancements.
The instructions are seven pages many with captioned color photos. 
 
BUILDUP PHOTOS FROM THE MANUFACTURER
The following photos from Tetra show the finished kit and some subassemblies in their natural brass color showing what your kit can look like.
CONCLUSIONS

This new set from Tetra is extensive and addresses the weak points of the plastic kit. Modelers have been waiting a long time for an angled deck Essex class kit, and this is just the set to do it right. 

This is set #SE-35006 1/350 Tetra Models CV-11 USS INTREPID Detail up set for Gallery Models available now for $139.95 US on Free Time Hobbies site.  



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