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The
IronShipwright USS Delaware
Iron Shipwight has released another multi media
1:350 scale ship model. The USS Delaware BB-28. With this kit,
Iron Shipwright has taken a new approach with their resin multi-media kits.
They are delivered with the usual solid resin full hull, but also with
3D printed parts, instead of resin and white metal. |
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| THE
HULL |
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| Upon examining the hull I find it
was to true ISW standards - I believe the hull is poured inverted so all
the air bubbles in the resin will rise but be on the bottom of the hull
which makes for a fairly easy fix with some Bondo scratch and body filler.
There are no bilge keels but there is four locations to where they would
belong should the builder choose to make and put them on. There is no docking
keels present and I notice that 99 % of model companies do not include
docking keels but they should include them on the ships that did have them.
USS West Virginia BB-48, was the last battleship completed with docking
keels. If you ask Jon he will cast a waterline version for you.
I did take note that the armor belt around the
stern area is incorrect as is the chine in the hull in that area. This
can be corrected with some Bondo build up and sanding to form the area
properly. On my particular hull I found the main deck just aft of the 01
level is sunken in slightly. Not much can be done about this but I feel
that once the model is complete with all the deck gear, mast and turrets
then this area will not be as visible and well hidden.
The starboard side aft at the deck edge between
barbettes 3 and 4 the is sunken downward somewhat. In end I find the hull
to be very accurate in length and width and much deck detail has been cast
in as usual with an ISW ship. They did go about making the proper mounting
position for the port side sheet anchor, "spare". The ten casemates gun
areas are also modeled into the hull sides. |
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| 3D
PRINTED PARTS |
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| As all former ISW kits came with all
resin cast parts I find that Jon has started using 3D printed parts that
have replaced all resin in the kit with the exception of the hull.
The main superstructure and bridge area has four
large pieces. |
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| Separate parts are provided to build
North Dakota if you should choose to do so. These are labeled so not to
confuse with the Delaware parts. |
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| Both stacks are nicely done and are
hollow tubes vs the older solid resin cast stacks that I found myself with
a Dremel in hand hogging them out till there was no resin left inside.
Besides, how can the smoke escape from a solid stack. |
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| I find interesting the cage mast these
are nice and look better than the photoetch mast ISW use to provide. They
have the proper hourglass shape that the full-size mast had. Must be careful
for they are very brittle. I already broke one of mine. For the mast tops
several different parts are provided for both ships and time frame you
may wish to build in. |
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| ISW supplies plenty of boats and I
found a few new designs as well like a steam launch. The detail is much
better than their resin cast boats but I did discover and only in the boats
that the print resin isn't cured properly. I been told to put them in direct
sunlight but this hasn't helped at all. |
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| Two sets of propellers are in the
kit. Please take note: Delaware and her sister only had two propellers.
In the directions there is a drawing and this depicts that she had what
almost looks like two props on one shaft. That is an old drawing and is
incorrect. Just one shaft and prop per side. |
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| Armament: five main 12" turrets are
provided along with barrels. These barrels are much nicer than the old
resin cast but I'd still advise to look for brass barrels. Smaller barrels
are given for the 5" guns as well. |
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| Two crane kingpost and the booms are
very nice and they have the gun tubs that are mounted on top of the kingpost.
There is also a search light platform and plenty of lights are given. |
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| PHOTOETCH |
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| ISW provides plenty of PE to get the
job done. They are their standard sheets for this era. |
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| DECALS |
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| There is also a standard decal sheet
included. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| I find that ISW took a new approach
on writing the directions. All parts are laid out and numbered properly,
and the pages are easy to read and most items are shown clearly. There
is even a page that describes where the parts for North Dakota belong. |
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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| In closing I'll say that I personally
been waiting a long time for a Delaware kit in 1:350 as living in the "First
State" for 23 years. This will make a nice addition to your battleship
collection. It's not overly large, like an Iowa can be for a person with
little display room, and the ship is very busy with lots happening on her
decks, and don't forget the oddity of their mast and stack arrangement.
This one will stand out for sure. |
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