1/350 HMS Hood
by Gold Medal models
The new Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Hood is one of their best kits ever. It should make a nice kit out of the box, however if you frequent this site, you are probably among the modelers who want to do more than just assemble a nice kit. This new set from Loren Perry, one of the pioneers of the photo etch craft, is custom tailored for that kit. It comes with all the typcial items you would expect in a detail set and then some. Let's start with the basics. The most common item in photo etch sets are the railings and these are anything but common, they are are pre-sized so you wont have to cut them to fit. The railings include diagonal braces and cutouts for the chocks and deck details matched up to the Trumpeter kit. If you look closely, you will also notice the fine turnbuckle detailing etched on. There are even canvas covered railings to be used where appropriate. But the railings are just the start, there are many more features in this set such as the derrick rigging, degaussing cables, and gun details that will make your kit stand out in a crowd.
click image to enlarge
click for a larger view
The fret is relief etched to give the parts a 3D appearance. The etching is extremely well done, and the result is such items as the doors and hatches now have hinge and handles that appear to be separate from the surface they are etched on. The degaussing cables have the  correct shapes and clip arrangement. Items like the awning stantions and ships nameplate include alignment jigs to help you position the parts, a real nice touch. You even get a scale Admiral L.E. Holland to command your Hood!
Additional detail shots of the photo etch fret.
click images to enlarge
Other items included on the fret:
  • custom fitted and pre-shaped main deck railing
  • pre-sized specialized railing in all the correct styles
  • extra lengths of matching 2-bar  & 3-bar railing for custom work
  • correct size vertical ladders
  • watertight doors in the correct sizes and in two styles including open and closed versions
  • inclined ladders in all required sizes with detailed footplates
  • specialized inclined ladders with platform braces for Admiral's Cabin
  • detailed Admiral's Cabin window covers
  • "HOOD" nameplate letters with alignment jig
  • highly accurate Type 279 and Type 284 radar antennas
  • boat crane rigging and hooks in choice of stowed and working positions
  • small crane rigging
  • details for 2 pdr Pom-Pom guns including elevation rings, gunsights, ammo box covers, & pre-shaped guardrails
  • detailed side panels for 4" .45 cal. guns & .50 cal. machine gun mounts
  • pre-shaped see-through screens for all intake uptakes
  • paddles plus see-through bottoms for life rafts
  • highly detailed replacement yardarms in the correct shapes for both masts
  • funnel cap grilles for both funnels
  • rudders, oars, & 3-D relief-etched fold-to-shape crutches (chocks) for all ship's boats
  • details for davits, griping spars, & jumping nets for two seaboats
  • detailed awning stanchions in bipod and tripod styles with matching drilling jigs for both
  • fold-to-shape cable reels in three sizes
  • anchor chain capstan brakewheels
  • replacement aerial spreaders
  • two leadsman's platforms
  • ladder well railings
  • two quarterdeck hatches with fold-to-shape canvas cover frames
  • four accommodation ladders with detailed davits, rigging, and footplates with the name "HOOD" embossed in surface
  • three anchor hawsepipe cover screens
  • highly accurate replacement degaussing cable
  • pre-shaped Jacobs ladders for boat booms. 
  • Extra turnbuckles, eyebolts, & handwheels are provided for custom work.
  • A detailed 3-D relief-etched figure of VADM L. E. Holland is also included.
Numerous spare parts are furnished in the event of loss or damage.
The instructions as usual are well written and illustrated. They show the assembly process in several well illustrated detail views. Full scale drawings are included to show you the correct placement of the degaussing cables amd allow you to modify the  raised plastic hull plating above the hawsepipes to the correct shape. The instructions show not only the PE assembly, but  how those parts fit in with the kits plastic parts. The isometric 3D style drawings are easy to understand. I have always been impressed with the amount of work that goes into Gold Medal Models instructions, almost as much as goes into the photo etch itself.
click to go to Gold Medal Models website
Conclusions:

This is an excellent set for anyone who want to do a quality HMS Hood. It has practically everything the advanced modeler would want to detail this ship. For those who like to take it a step further, Gold Model Models also has their #350-37A Gold Plus detail set that adds even more details and options. It is set number #350-37 and has a retail price of $42.00 US. A great price when you consider the value it adds to your kit. You can order direct from Gold Medal Models or pick your set up wherever fine ship accessories are sold.

© ModelWarships.com