Reviewed by Timothy Dike and Sean Hert
| Trumpeter released the Slava class (Project 1164) kits about a year ago, and new White Ensign Models photoetch fret is a welcome addition to these kits. This class-specific fret has everything you need to customize the sensor suite and add that "busy" level of detail we all look for on these Cold War era cruisers. | ||||||
| FRET DETAILS | ||||||
Click to enlarge images |
||||||
| The fret contains a variety of details from railings to watertight doors, sensors and
lattices. The railings include angled railings for the foc'sle, as well as 3- and 2-bar railings
appropriate for different levels of the superstructure. Also included is the railings and walkways
for the SS-N-12 SANDBOX (P-500 Bazalt)
SSM launchers.
The multiple sensors included allow any of the 4 ships to be fitted with photoetched radars; both TOP STEER and TOP PLATE radars have been included, as well as various other antenna; communications, DF, and others.
|
||||||
|
I particularly like the accomodations ladder, and the option for a deployed version. The AK-130 details will
really accentuate the guns. Also the anchor chain is a nice touch, and will be a vast improvement over the molded-on
details.
The flight deck details with certainly spruce up such an obvious part of the ship. White Ensign has also thoughfully
provided some upgrade parts for the KA-27 ASW helicopter.
|
||||||
| INSTRUCTIONS | ||||||
The instructions are 5 pages of detailed drawings
showing the various subassemblies, with a nice index on the front page.
The instructions are clear about how the PE assemblies interact with their kit plastic
counterparts. Page 2 covers the different radar options, depending on which ship is being built.
|
||||||
| CONCLUSIONS | ||||||
Another fine set from White
Ensign Models. I've always like White Ensign's clear and easy to read
instructions, and I like how they spell out which railings go where- the railings and walkways
for the missile tubes are a really nice touch!
This fret is #775 and priced at USD$21.40 |
||||||
