The SMS Vulkan was a submarine repair ship commissioned 1908. Also
referred to as a salvage tug, the ship was somewhat of a catamaran type
with two separate lower hulls that blended together above the waterline.
The ship could straddle a sub and raise it out of the water with it's gantry
style superstructure. It was a unique looking ship that was responsible
for rescuing 30 crew members from the sunken U-3 in Kiel harbor. The ship
also salvaged subs U30 and UC-45 between 1915 and 1917.
Alliance Modelworks has taken a bold step into 1/350 scale with the
impressive resin and photo etch ship kit.
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| HULL |
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| The hull on this kit is cast waterline style with the two
lower hulls separate. The upper hull is well cast with portholes and panel
lines along the outside and doors and a work platform on the inside. The
deck is plain, but designed to accept photo etched deck inserts for more
detail. There is only a bit of flash alongside the hull waterline. The
lower hull pieces are cast with a small casting gate on one end. A propeller
shaft and rudder hinge are cast on the other end. |
Click images
to enlarge |
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| Upper Hull
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE, FUNNELS, AND
MISCELLANEOUS PARTS |
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| The is very little to the superstructure, but those parts
are nicely cast. The funnels feature nicely hollowed out ends and the vent
pipes are cast with very realistic open ends. Ships boats are well done
with the open ones designed to accept the photo etched decks. The winches,
and pulleys came out very well. |
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| PHOTOETCH |
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| While the casting is really nice, what makes this kit really stand
out is the photo etch. Five frets provided the details and a sixth the
nameplate. The frets are relief etched and include the deck and superstructure.
But what really makes this kit is the gantry that the bridge rides on.
That assembly is relief etched to simulate the angle iron used in it's
construction. Rigging, railing, doors, and hatches as well as an abundance
of small details all add to the potential of this kit. Brass rod and turned
masts are also included to finish out your kit. |
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| ART |
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| The kit looks pretty impressive in the box, but the build-up
images from the manufacturer are really cool!
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions look good but should really be expanded
to show the assembly in more detail. A nice kit like this deserves better
instructions.
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| Conclusions |
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This is a well engineered kit with sharp casting and impressive photo
etching. The end result should be equally impressive. Not a kit for the
beginner, but anyone conformable with working with photo etch, will have
a great time with this kit. It will look great in a diorama or even as
a stand alone full hull display. |
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My sample is curtsey of Battlefleet
Models. Harry carries an extensive line of Alliance
Modelworks kits as well as his own kits. This one is #NW35059 Hebaschiff
SMS Vulkan for $110.00. A fair price for a ship of this caliber. |
