| The HMS Dreadnought is one of the best
known ships in the world. She represents a milestone in Warship developement
and this Combrig 1/700 kit represents yet another step forward for this
Russian manufacturer. Using Computer Aided Design (CAD), a 3D model is
constucted and then printed with state of the art 3D printing technology
to produce a stunning patern. From this pattern a mold is contructed and
these kits are the end result. |
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| HULL |
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| The Hull on this kit is awesome. No other way to put it, it is just
that good, from the fine planking and hatch details to the fragile bollards
cast in place. Also cast on are outlines of locating parts, a real plus. |
click images
to enlarge
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE AND DETAILS |
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Superstructure parts are also nicely molded. They are molded
on a thin resin wafer and will need a little sanding to free them. The
parts are sharp and crisp and as usual, well cast. Many of the locating
points are cast in place greatly simplying the job of the builder.
The funnels are hollowed out a bit for a more realistic appearance. The
tripod legs are cast in resin too, but I
would use these for templates to make brass replacements from. |
| WEAPONS |
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| The main guns are nicely shaped and have plenty of detail
included. The only flash was is on the bottom where is will not be visable
after the turret is installed. The gun barrels are pretty nice for resin
with a realistic flared end. |
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| The small parts are stunning and it is amazing that they
can be cast so finely in this scale.The light machine guns are so tiny
that they rival photo etch. The cable reels and search lights are awesome. |
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| The ships boats are the best in this scale. The main launch
has rudder and propeller detail cast on.
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| PHOTO ETCH |
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Two photo etch frets are included. The quality of the etching
shows a great improvement over the frets inlcuded with earlier kits. These
are relief etched and details are nicely rendered. Notice the bracing for
installation under the bridge.
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| FRET A overall and closeup views |
FRET B |
Only Dreadnought specific details are included meaning you will have to
supply your own railings. But most of us already have plenty of extra rails
so this is not a problem. |
| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The Instructions were not finalised when this kit was sent.
These are a draft of the final versions, but as you can see they are a
marked improvement over previous kits. I am glad to see the detailed subassemblies
detailed. This will be a big help to anyone who builds this kit.
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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:
This is a perhaps the best Combrig kit I have seen. It certainly ranks
among the very best kits on the market. With already state of the art casting,
it is nice to see relief etch photo etch and improved instructions. I wouldn't
recommend this kit for a beginner, but any one who has tacked a resin kit
and worked with photo etch will really enjoy this one. This kit is listed
on the Pacific Front
Hobbies website for $45.00 (US), a fantastic price for a ship of this
size. |
