Combrig 1/700
HMS Albemarle British Battleship

Reviewed by Timothy Dike
This kit represents the British Battleship Albemarle in her 1903 fit. This ship was a member of the Duncan Class that was built to counter the ships that the Russian and French fleets were building. She was a member of the 3rd Battle Squadron Grand Fleet. Here early service was in the Mediterranean Sea. Transferring back to the Atlantic Fleet until being placed in reserve. When World War One broke out, Albemarle was recommissioned and joined the Grand Fleet. She operated there until 1916 when she served as an icebreaker near Murmansk. After the war, she was sold for scrap and broken up in 1919.
HULL
The Hull on this kit is yet another example of the fine casting that Combrig is producing these days. The surface detail is extremely well done with nicely cast bollards and chocks. The various deck hatches are well done, and thankfully the anchor chain is left clean, so you can add real chain (not included). The anchor capstans are cast separately as are several deck fittings.
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SUPERSTRUCTURE
Superstructure parts also well detailed. They feature really nice surface detailing. Where planking is used, it is well defined. Splinter shields are thin, but well formed. The windows in the various parts really stand out and have no flash or resin blobs. The funnels are hollowed out a bit for a more realistic appearance.
WEAPONS
The main gun turrets are nicely shaped and the casting gate is on the base. Thanks to the way the hull is molded you probably won't even need to remove them as they fit nicely into the openings provided. The main gun barrels are cast in resin and are nicely done.
The small guns are very finely cast and delicate. Be careful when handling them.
SHIPS BOATS
The ships boats are the best I've seen in this scale. They are almost little scale models in themselves. The main launch has rudder detail cast on. The steam launches have hollowed out funnels and vents and even the planking on the bottom of the whaleboats can be made out.
SMALL DETAIL ITEMS
The kit includes many small fittings such as cable reels and anchors. They are very well cast. The searchlights and other items feature many of the most intricate detailing, especially when one considers these tiny parts can barely be seen with the naked eye. 
Boat davits and cradles are well cast. The davits are surprisingly durable for such thin parts.
Several lengths are provided for the pole masts and booms. These are OK, but for I would suggest replacing them with brass rod for strength.
INSTRUCTIONS
The Instructions are two pages done in the typical Combrig style. A plan and elevation with specifications and historical info. A bill of materials and pictures of the kit parts will help you identify the parts. An exploded assembly view shows parts placement. These are the weak point of the kit. Combrig has been working on their instructions, but this is one of their earlier offerings.
CONCLUSIONS
Yet another high quality Combrig kit, and another fine addition to the early war battleship fleets. This one features state of the art casting with unbelievable detail. I wouldn't recommend this kit for a beginner, but any one who has built a few ships should have no problems with this one. At only $40.00 (US), this is a fantastic price for a ship of this size and detail. It will make a fine addition to your Grand Fleet.


Thanks to Pacific Front Hobbies website for the review sample. They carry the entire line of Combrig ships and Bill Gruner has personally helped bring many of these kits to the market. 



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