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DKM Bismarck Detail Sets 1:200 CMK The big Trumpeter 1:200 kit of the DKM battleship Bismarck has already seen attention from the big detail set manufacturers. Whilst they all appear excellent sets they sometimes don’t go far enough. This is where CMKs Maritime Line comes in. They have released nine packs of detail parts to provide additional detail to the big sets. There is only minor overlap, but even then CMK have given the modeller a choice on how much or little they would like to add. Each set consist of finely detailed resin parts, with the exception of one, in which there are also some beautifully turned brass barrels for the main guns. The way each set has been moulded means that there is minimal clean up required after the removal from the moulding blocks and for some the modeller doesn’t have to do anything other than paint and fit. Each set comes in either a blister pack or ziplock bag with a card header. The largest of all the sets, the Primary Armament set, (NS019) contains the turned brass barrels mentioned above, which in this scale are really quite impressive. Along with the barrels, the kit also contains the individual blast bags for each gun, with nicely moulded canvas folds, and the six rangefinders which were fitted to Bruno, Caesar, and Dora Turrets. The rangefinders originally fitted to Anton Turret were removed due to damage by heavy seas, so check your references, particularly in relation to the date for which the model is being built. Each rangefinder is deeply indented, allowing the actual rangefinder optical face to be seen. Also included is a small fret of etched nickel which contains the rangefinders protective/armoured doors. If you have turned barrels already, as they are included in a couple of the big detail sets then you might just want to buy the blast bags and/or rangefinders separately. Well, CMK have thought of this, and released two further sets with each of these items, Rangefinders, (NS021) and Blast Bags, (NS012). This also allows the modeller to get hold of the extra pair of rangefinders if an earlier build is attempted, of course you will end up with two pairs for the spares box this way. This set does also include the parts that are required for the two secondary armament turrets though. Again and etched sheet is included for the doors. Talking of the secondary armament, set (NS013) provides the blast bags for each of the twelve 150mm guns fitted to the six turrets. Each is nicely detailed with scale folds and the slight sag that each bag had. Making the whole model even more detailed, it’s the small items that can make the difference. To this end CMK have released two sets that comprise of parts to make up just the ships 2 x 8m, (NS014), and 2 x 6m, (NS015), cutters. Each boat has separate hull and gunwhales/thwarts and there are twenty one separate oars to fit them out with. Unusually the rudders aren’t included, but in the instructions the modeller is advised to use the Trumpeter kit part. In addition to the more obvious items CMK have also included a set of paravanes, (NS016). Each paravane, of which there are eight, is detailed up with etched nickel parts, some of which, even in this scale are very small, so care should be taken when cutting out and handling. As an aside, this set also includes ten liferings, which are moulded integrally with their brackets and just require painting before being fitted into position. The last of the ships sets, (NS017), contains nine hose drums with covers, 5 small and 4 large. The drum supports are made of etched nickel with the smaller drums supports being bipods whilst the large are tripod style. The covers are, as per the blast bags, nicely creased, and as such, suitable shading with really make them stand out. The last set is probably going to be the most popular as it contains the parts for two Arado 196 floatplanes. Each resin fuselage comes with separate outer wings, allowing them to be displayed folded, thus being able to be fitted in the hangers. The wings have the appropriate flaps and trailing edge sections moulded in the folded positions. The set also includes clear resin canopies, but, perhaps fortunately, no interiors, which, given these “models” will be displayed in the hanger may not be so important. The windscreens, floats, struts etc all come from the kit parts. Even though the blister pack gives the parts quite a lot of protection, the rudder on one of the review samples had broken off, but since it’s a clean break it will be pretty easy to repair. Conclusion CMK have done a fair few items for the maritime modeller and it’s great to see them release these sets, especially as they given even more options to the big Bismarck builder. The mouldings are very well mastered and will look great painted up and suitably weathered/shaded. Used in conjunction with the big etched sets they will be like adding the cherry on top of an already fabulous cake. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy Crew Figures Eduard 1:200 Having produced several crew sets for 1:350 scale ships, Eduard have now released three sets of US Navy crew figures in 1:200 scale. Obviously these are to be used with the already released USS Arizona or USS Missouri or the forthcoming USS Iowa. Each set contains different crewmen:- USN Sailors WWII (53-109) US Deck Crew WWII (53-115) USN Officers WWII (53-116) In each set there is a single sheet of what looks like tinned etched brass on which several rows of figures are attached. Each set is pre-painted, containing around 60 men and are self adhesive, making it a lot easier to produce each crewman. On the fret some of them do look like they’ve been on the jungle juice and doing crazy dances, but they make more sense when you read the instructions which show how they are meant to be posed, whether climbing ladders, leaning against the railings, or rather strangely walking with a stick etc. Unlike the smaller scale, where each man is made up of two halves these crewmen consist of four parts joined together and folded in on themselves, producing a more scale thickness to the torso. The still look a little undernourished and a small blob of PVA may give them a better look, although don’t overdo it, as you wouldn’t want them to look like they’ve eaten all the pies. This, of course, would mean that they would need to be repainted, but at least they are big enough to see what you’re doing. Conclusion Once again Eduard have released an interesting set of figures to man your ships with, but there’s still something that’s not quite right about them, there all a bit Lowry and matchsticky, unless altered as mentioned above. In this scale they would have been better produced in resin. But, if you want your ships to have some life to them they these sets will certainly give you that. Recommended Review sample courtesy of

USS Arizona detail sets, part 2 Eduard 1:200 As wonderful the 1:200 scale USS Arizona is there’s always room to add a little detail, in the case of the sets from Eduard, a lot of detail. Having previously released three sets for the big ship, they have now released three more. Part 4- (53-110) is designed to add detail purely to the ships main top, the observation and control platforms on the main mast. Much surgery is required to remove all the platforms support beams and the large bins on the lower platforms. These are all replaced with etched brass parts and for once the instructions are pretty clear on where each individual part goes. Also requiring modification are the deck heads, through which the new inclined ladders pass through, by opening up the holes so that the ladders hand rails can fit without being squashed. Apart from the inclined ladders there are also the external access ladder which is affixed to one of the poles of the mast, a vertical escape ladder under the main starfish platform and a nicely detailed ranging clock which is fitted to the of the middle platform. The rest of the single sheet contains all the various railings, each designed to fit a specific zone, but most will have to be bent to fit the platform deck layout. Part 5- (53-111) is designed to add the ships railings. There are several different types included, and each of those fitted to the upper decks and platforms are designed to fit a specific part. The main deck railings, however, are made up of individual strands of “wire” and separate stanchions, plus separate turnbuckles to attach the railing wire to the anchor points on the splinter shields. There are two types of stanchions, one just an upright, the other is fitted with a bracing strut, these are fitted alternately along the side of the main deck. The whole process of fitting the main deck railing looks really complex, but may, once all the lengths have been cut out and the stanchions fitted prove to just be an exercise in extreme patience. Part 6 – (53-112). Although stating this set is for the superstructure it contains much more than just a few inclined and vertical ladders. There are fine details such as grab handles, doors, ladders and stowage boxes for the main battery directors, support struts, armoured doors and rear detail panel for the main rangefinders, clamping ring, operator seat/supports and foot pedals for the main searchlights. The 5” guns receive training and elevation hand wheels, seats, loader stand, and railings plus a breech lever and replacement turntable mounting. The armoured bridge receives a new outer skin, whilst the superstructure behind it is fitted out with new armoured doors. The foremast platforms are fitted with new deckhouse, and a new secondary platform. On the main deck the hatches can be posed open with the use of the provided supports and several eyelets are replaced. The foredeck winches are provided with new control wheels and there are a number of cable reels, for which the modeller needs to provide the drum out of plastic rod, and the hawsepipes are fitted with cover grilles. Apart from the deck vents being fitted with new tops there are several hatches and boom sockets fitted along the top of the armoured belt along with boat mooring eyes and individual rungs for the ladders down the side of the ship. Conclusion So now we have the full six sets of etch details, at least I believe these are the last sets as they complete the various sections of the ship. As with the previous sets Eduard are really playing catch up with other manufacturers in providing details for the big Arizona. They are very nicely done and provide a wealth of detail but could it be too late? Obviously Eduard don’t think so and if you haven’t treated your kit to some etch, you can’t go far wrong with these. Highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

With the growth of 1:200 scale model ship kits becoming available I thought it might be worth advising you of the availability of 1:200 aircraft models. Some of these could be used with the ship models, most likely the aircraft carriers but also for larger warships with aircraft carrying capabilities. Here is a link to the TOTS SITE (The One True Scale) which shows kits, photos and builds of 1:200 scale aircraft. Mike

USS Arizona detail sets Eduard 1:200 It’s been quite a while since the Trumpeter 1:200 USS Arizona was released and there have been some terrific builds seen here on Britmodeller and at shows, usually using another manufacturers aftermarket parts. Eduard seem to have been a bit slow with their additions to the Arizona aftermarket scene, and have only just released the first three sets for the ship. Each set comes in their large zip lock style packaging and includes are single large sheet of relief etched brass. The design and detail are well up to the usual standard we have come to expect from Eduard and the instructions seem quite a bit better, in that they are clear and easier to read than their normal fare. Some parts of the kits details will need to be removed before the etched parts can be added. Part 1- (53-099) is designed to add detail to the ships cranes, but also includes quite a few new parts for other areas of the ship. To begin with the main turret barbettes have new armoured rings attached to the top of each mounting. These will need to be carefully rolled to shape before the fixing struts are folded in and affixed to the mounting. The turrets themselves receive new turret roofs, railings, mantle opening surrounds, ladders, rangefinder doors and tampions that look like they will need special care in shaping and gluing. The funnel receives new hand and foot rails around the funnel top, plus new railings, guards and window frames for a number of the platforms. The crane jibs utilise the kit parts which are then clad top and bottom with etched sheets. The upper sheet also has the railings included thus making them easier to fit as one unit rather than faff around trying to fit a separate set of railings. The each side of the jib are fitted with three extra plates whilst the styrene cable roller housings on top are removed and replaced. The crane hooks are all new and include two sizes of hook and their respective cable wheels. Lastly the king post is fitted out with new vertical ladders and railings around the platform top. Part 2- (53-100) is designed to almost completely replace the ships catapults and uses only very few of the kits detail parts. Not only will the modeller be required to carefully fold each and every part in this set to shape, they will also need to add some styrene rod from their own supplies. Each catapult starts off with the main frame and track. To these, the cable wheels, accumulators, railings and control boxes are all attached. The quarterdeck/fantail catapults turntable is taken from the kit and further details added. The set also comes with separate launch cradles for the kit aircraft to sit upon and in the case of the turret catapult the additional support structure and access ladder for fitting to X turrets roof. The kits Kingfisher aircraft will need to have surgery to remove the pilots and observers canopies and the inside of the fuselage thinned down. These need to be done to accept the internal cockpit structures, which include the rear machine gun, shoulder height shelf and mounting rail, instrument panel, cockpit tub and seat. Externally the aircraft receive new float cross bracing and struts, ignition harness for the engine, access ladder, plus the aerial mast and weapons pylon. Part 3 – (53-104), contains details for the ships lifeboats and is pretty comprehensive even though it’s all contained on just one sheet. The motor boats receive a new grating for the central open deck which also includes a new steering console, steering wheel, gear stick, hand rails and railing bow and stern. The complex cradles and their respective support will look really good when assembled. The rowing boats are fitted with new railings to the rear, bitts, hawse pipes, oars, and tillers. Once completed, the boats can be mounted to their new cradles, which are also provided. The details are very well done and they really make the lifeboats stand out, rather than being overshadowed by the rest of the ship. A nice touch is the inclusion of the two main accommodation ladder and its upper and lower platforms. There is another platform that the instructions call to be fitted adjacent to B turret on the starboard side, which I can only presume to be some sort of lookout point for when navigating in harbour. Conclusion So the first three sets out of how many? If the 1:200 Bismarck is anything to go by we should expect quite a few. The details included are excellent, the instructions are easy to follow and they should help transform the standard kit, but I just can’t help feel Eduard have missed the boat so to speak. The kit has been out quite a while now and the other manufacturers got their sets out soon after release so I’d imagine there are quite a few kits in stashes already paired up with etch etc. Still, I guess it allows more choice for the discerning maritime modeller. Highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

Well, I realise it's a bit late in the day to start a WIP on this one, but technically it's not finished yet, so here goes. I picked up this kit quite cheaply from Creative Models and I am quite pleased with it. 1/200 is not a scale I've built in before, but for aircraft of this size it still gives a fairly sizable model. On the whole, this is a good kit - fit is generally very good, with a couple of minor exceptions (wing halves). It looks pretty accurate to me, and unlike the Zvezda/Revell version includes separate parts for the Trent 1000 and GEnX engines (although to be honest the differences are quite subtle). The only error I have noted is the APU intake being moulded on the wrong side of the fin. Panel lines are a little on the heavy side, particularly on the fuselage. I had originally planned this as a LOT Polish Airlines aircraft, but having got two sets of decals (both laser printed) wasn't really all that happy with the resolution (being particularly picky really), so I've gone with the kit decals. Coincidentally, I also saw this aircraft when it visited the Farnborough Airshow back in 2010 when it did a flypast with two Spitfires (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Boeing/Boeing-787-8-Dreamliner/1745320/L/&sid=a9351297298616bba1b5f732614e8323). This is meant to be a quick (for me) build, so I've dispensed with the landing gear and done it in flight. It's painted in Tamiya acrylic spray and Alclad laquers for the leading edges/APU exhaust. Engines and stabilisers are still to be done, and it's still awaiting a clear gloss coat of some description: Untitled by Caution Wake Turbulence, on Flickr Untitled by Caution Wake Turbulence, on Flickr Untitled by Caution Wake Turbulence, on Flickr Untitled by Caution Wake Turbulence, on Flickr I still need to tidy up the tail decals a little. The kit decals are alright, if a little thick and on the matt side. Hope you like it! Cheers, Andrew

Colleagues: I am starting a new WIP on the recently-released Trumpeter 1:200 BB63, Missouri. I am using the opportunity offered by the release of this model, the Pontos PE and Trumpeter aftermarket parts, to try to improve my modeling skills. I am not an expert in any sense, but I am an amateur in the best sense. I love modeling and am at a place in my day job, my income, and my blood pressure that I can relax a bit more and devote time to what has been a very long hobby. I Live in Colorado, work in IT networking in a global association, and am just impressed as all get-out by the quality builders, the civility, and the class of the people on this list. Their patience with me (I was posting photos of my WIP in the middle of someone else's WIP...what a newbie goober I am!) is impressive--people on the 'net today don't usually tolerate any mistakes. I have my hull built and am working out the armament builds with the Pontos PE, and i am going to Best Buy to pick up a better camera. I welcome all your feedback, and am looking forward to being corrected lots of times--I learn best that way. I will ask questions, share frustrations, and I know this will take a while....my deadline inside is a few months, but I know I would like it ready for seasonal competitions/displays in the summer of 2015. Best regards, Rick Bauer

Bismarck Barrel Sets Master Barrels 1:200 Just arrived at BM Towers are these three sets for the huge Trumpeter 1:200 Bismarck. As is usual the stand of manufacture is superb with even the smallest barrel detailed with various strengthening rings etc. The sets provide enough barrels to arm the complete model. You get eight 15” in set SM-200-006, twelve 5.9”, sixteen 105mm in set SM-200-007 and sixteen 37mm, twelve 20mm C/30, 8 20mm C/38 in set SM-200-008. Both the 15” and 5.9” barrels are produced in turned aluminium making them surprisingly light which won’t strain the glue attaching them to their respective barrels. The smaller barrels are all done in turned brass and really do bring a finesse that injection moulding cannot hope to reproduce. Conclusion You really can’t go wrong with using these barrels for such a wonderful kit. Although some might say that the kits 15” barrels are already good enough, there is something about have a metal barrel that seems to give a model a lift in the detail stakes. Of course you don’t have to buy all three sets which is why Master Models have released them separately to give the modeller a choice. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

DKM Battleship Bismarck 1:200 Etch sets Eduard Eduard have now released the last of their sets for the big Trumpeter 1:200 Bismarck. These are sets 7 and 8 plus a set of Kriegsmarine officers. Set 7 is in the large format, with the fret being about 210mm x 134mm, whilst the other two are have smaller frets of 140mm x 78mm and 114mm x 70mm. Part 7- (53-086) provides fittings for the ships AA guns, including the 105mm, 37mm, both types of single 20mm and the quad 20mm mounts. The 105mm mounts receive new hand rails all over, new fittings for the fuse setting machine and details for the breech block. The 37mm cannon receive new footplates, traversing and elevating wheels. The amount of detail for the 20mm varies, the single standard 20mm mount receiving replacement pintle magazine rack, expended cartridge basket, hand wheel, sight and shoulder guards, whilst the flak 20mm C/30 style mount has replacement hand holds, hand wheels and ammunition box holder. The quad flakvierling C/38 20mm mounting receives a new gun shield, cross bracing on the top and a new gun sight. The set also includes crew for each gun with the exception of the quad 20mm, the majority being for the 37mm guns with two men manning the mount whilst two men carry shells to load the guns. The single 20mm guns each get an operator and there is a spotter with a pair of binoculars. Part 8 – (53-090), this set consists of just one of the larger format sheets and provides all the railings for use on the superstructure for the upper deck and above. Some are plain whilst others have a canvas dodger fitted. They up to the usual high standard that Eduard seem to consistently achieve and will add greatly to the look of the completed model. Kriegsmarine Officers (53-087), is another small fret of pre-painted self adhesive figures which will help with populating the ship along with the deck crew set. They still look very odd on the fret, but once they are folded and stuck, at least they will have some scale thickness, although as mentioned with the deck crew set I still not convinced of their effectiveness. Conclusion With these sets Eduard have now completed the releases for detailing and manning the mighty Bismarck kit. How much the modeller uses is entirely up to them, although you will need to buy at least three or four sets for a reasonable job. I may be a bit cynical with the way Eduard have approached this in releasing so many sets, none of which can do the job on their own. I would have liked to have seen more targeted and fewer sets, which may have been larger, but the modeller would only have needed to buy one set to achieve their desired level of detail. They may do this in the Big Ed series. I can still recommend them highly as they are really well produced and will make quite a difference to the completed model, even though the workload will go up exponentially. Review sample courtesy of

This has been standing in this condition since i bought it. I can't decide what livery it should wear. Hasegawa has made some of the best kits i've built, including this and the 737 series(with the exception of the -500). Their DC-10 ain't bad either, but sadly one of the wings on mine got warped for reasons unknown. Anyway, back to this. I honestly don't know what livery to put on it. I've looked at Delta, Blue1 Star Alliance, JAL, American, etc. but i can't make up my mind. I have also been looking at UNI Air, but to my knowledge there are no decals for that one. Atleast not in this scale. So if anyone has any tips on any good looking, not to bland liveries, don't hesitate to post them.

I can't remember when i bought this set, but anyway, it will become an Air Inuit jet when finished. <<<<< So far, so good. But i do admit, i prefer the Hasegawa 737-200. Sadly though, my local kit store doesn't import Hasegawa anymore as they are getting too expensive and don't sell well* so i'll have to make do with Revell kits for now. *I've only found one, and that was second hand but unstarted.

DKM Battleship Bismarck 1:200 Etch sets Continuing their release program of etched set for the huge Trumpeter Bismarck, Eduard have sent us Parts 2, 4, 5, 6 and crew. Three of the sets are in the large format, with the frets being either about 210mm x 134mm to 177mm x 96mm in size. Part 2- (53-081) is designated for the foreward part of the ship with all the parts contained on one of the smaller sized frets. These include the chain deck runners, hawse pipe grating, anchor chain stoppers and their respective deck eyes, and windlass top. To the main turret barbettes the shell handling gear is added whilst there are several deck eyes are fitted to the deck foreward of the breakwater and on the breakwater itself. The hatches can be posed open or closed and if the open option is chosen then this set provides handrails and new fittings for each one. Just aft of the main anchors, on the railings, there are four lifering cradles fitted, two on each side. Parts are provided for the replacement cable reels, consisting of the ends and cradle. The drum must be made up from plastic rod of the correct diameter. The paravanes get new and much finer details for the streaming gear, cradles and brackets. The main gun turrets are provided with new footrails, railings and ladders. The rest of the sheet is taken up with vertical and inclined ladders, separate step fittings, more windlass tops, with very nicely done hand rails, watertight doors, grilles, new fittings for the navigation lights and scuttle details. Part 4 – (53-083), this set consists of two sheets, one of the larger format and one of the smaller and is for the central area. As with the previous set it has detail parts for all the scuttles, along with additional parts for the lifering and fire hose cradles, vertical ladders and watertight doors. In addition to these parts there are new and replacement platforms, platform supports, platform railings, funnel hand and foot rails, bridge deck grating. The foremast has numerous new support webs added along with replacement yardarm walk ropes. Each of the large armoured rangefinders receives new external ladders, handrails and elevation disc. The main armoured rangefinder also has hand rails, ladders, hatches and the large radar box fitted. The small rangefinders are detailed with new hand wheels, and lifting eyes. There are additional details for both the large and small searchlights/signalling lamps, which include hand wheels, focusing grid, elevation mechanism, and lifting eyes for the larger types. Finally there are new walkways, handrails, platforms and ladders for the two boat deckhouses, new platforms and railings for the crane winch houses, and replacement steps for the rear of the 150mm gun turrets. Part 5 (53-084), this single large sheet set, provides parts for the rear section of the ship and, once again has the standard, rangefinder, searchlight, and scuttle details, individual steps for each side of the quarter decks, with a template to get the holes drilled correctly, cable reel parts, life ring and fire hose cradles, more paravanes parts as per Part 2. New replacement items include new platforms above the after 150mm turrets, ventilation grilles and platforms around Caesar turret barbette. The rear main rangefinder also gets a new highly detailed radar unit, handrails, hatches, ladders and individual steps, along with foot ropes for the mast yard. The rear main turrets receive the same items as the fore turrets, with ladders, railings and foot rails. The main mast has new platforms, yard arm foot ropes added whist the after superstructure has new platforms, grilles and access platforms for the ships boats. Part 6 (53-085), is in Eduards standard small fret format and is solely for the ships catapults and aircraft. These include new cable wheels, aircraft access ladders, catapult extensions, which have the individual cable railings and stantions, much like the Railing set reviewed earlier. The aircraft receive a completely new interior, float struts and launching cradle. A nice addition is the transport dolly for the spare Arado which would add nicely to a diorama setting. Eduard have thoughtfully proved a set of pre painted etched handling crew for both the aircraft and catapults with advice on where they are to be used. Now these do look rather odd on the fret, but when folded they should add some life to the ship. Kriegsmarine Deck Crew (53-088), is a small fret of pre-painted self adhesive figures which will help with populating the ship. As with the catapult crew mentioned above they look really odd on the fret, but when folded should give a realistic thickness to the body. The set will require some tools of the trade such as cleaning rods for the main guns to be made up out of plastic rod, which the instructions do provide some guidance on. I’m still not sold on etch crew, particularly at this scale and feel that resin or injection moulding would be better, but for now these will have to do. Conclusion Eduard have really gone to town on these sets, which will go a long way to bringing the completed model up to museum standards. If you think Eduard have finished with the Bismarck after the release of these sets, think again as I have seen that there are two more to go. Expect a big Ed set to be released, as I expect collecting all these sets will get rather expensive and in all honesty may not be absolutely required unless you’re a complete detail junky. At least the modeller can choose which sets will best suit their needs. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Just thought that those members that have bought, or are thinking of buying the Trumpeter 1:200 Bismarck, they would like ot see what you get in the Mk1 Designs DX full option detail set. The above pack includes some great looking wooden decks. Etched barrels for all calibres of weapons. Also included are some 15" shells, and turned 20mm mounts Turned brass masts, yards and booms. Resin bollards, davits and blastbags for the main and secondary armament A small amount of etch, some of it pre-painted. Finally, a complete set of decals for both the ship and the Arado aircraft. Unusually the swastikas are not only oncluded but printed complete, so I guess this set won't be sold in countries where they are banned, As you can see, this is a very comprehensive set which will give hours of fun detailing the mighty Bismarck.

DKM Battleship Bismarck 1:200 Etch sets The release of the 1:200 Bismarck by Trumpeter was both a welcome and disbelieving release. Disbelieving, in the sheer size of the kit, and the amount of detail contained in the box. Suffice it to say that it was bound to become the subject for the aftermarket companies’ attentions. Thusly these sets have been released by Eduard. Strangely Britmodeller have been sent a part one and three, as it appears part two hasn’t been released yet. Being 1:200 the frets and indeed the parts of etched brass are quite large, 210mm x 134mm for each of the frets included in the two sets. Part 1- (53-080) is designed to detail the ships lifeboats and is pretty comprehensive even though it’s all contained on just one sheet. Each of the motor boats, irrespective of their size receives new interior decking, sidewalls, steering wheel, lockers, steersman seat and entrance ladder. Externally there is a new deck, deckhouse, screen, deck hatches, hand rails, hoist points, life ring, replacement prop, and bitts fore and aft. The rowing boats, being less complex craft obviously have less details to add, with only the interior gratings, oars, (folded items to give a better scale thickness), and rudders. Once completed the boats can be fitted to their cradles and their respective tie-downs and shackle eyes can be added from the sheet. The details are very well done and they really make the lifeboats stand out, rather than being overshadowed by the rest of the ship. Part 3 – (53-082), usually the sets of railings come in pre-cut lengths of two or three chain bar railings already made up. Well with this set you can forget all that. The first sheet provides the deck pieces/templates it’s not particularly clear in the instructions, other than a 0.3mm drill is used to drill through the deck pieces. Into the drilled holes the stantions and inserted and glued, followed by support angles every four stantions. Once all the stantions have been fitted the separate chains are inserted in the hooks provided to build up the railings one level at a time until the construction is complete. Conclusion Although these sets only make up a part of the complete build they are a good indication of what is to come with the main, Part 2, instalment. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these huge and wonderful kits, then you will love what Eduard have provided with these sets. The lifeboats will look fantastic with all the extra detail and some careful painting. The railing set may make you lose your sanity, but if taken a length at a time they will build up into some of the most accurate railings around. I quite easily recommend these to all those experienced with the use of etch. Review sample courtesy of

Airbus A320, Peach Airlines 1:200 Injection Moulded airliner from Hasegawa The Airbus A320 first flew in 1987, and was designed and built by the European aircraft company Airbus. Airbus is a consortium of European aircraft manufacturing companies that came together to compete with the big American airliner builders like Boeing. The A320 is a narrow body short to medium range airliner and was the first airliner to use fly by wire controls and a side stick, think computer joy stick, over a traditional Yoke control, the A320 family is available with a choice of two engines, the CFM56 or the IAE V2500. The A320 aircraft has been shrunk in length to produce a smaller A318 and A319 models, and lengthened to produce a bigger A321. Some detailed photos of the Airbus A320 can be seen here to help with your builds. Various kits have been made of the A320 family, with Revell doing them all in 1:144 and Hasegawa have produced some in 1:200. Hasegawa have recently added a new version to the line up with a Peach A320. Peach, not to be confused with a short lived UK operator, is biased in Japan at Kansai International Airport and was formed in 2011. Peach is a low cost airline and it has an all A320 fleet of 7 aircraft with a further 10 on order. They serve both domestic Japanese routes along with destinations in Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. The fuselage comes in the usual 2 halves and has some engraved detail in the surface, that looks fine and to scale. The various antennas and lumps moulded into the parts, a bulkhead is on another sprue and a metal bolt is included that screws in to form the nose weight. You will need to decide if you want to use the included stand or put the aircraft on its wheels before closing the fuselage as a section will need cutting out and a plug inserting for the stand at this point. The fuselage is moulded in white and there are no clear parts in the kit, the windows are decals on the decal sheet. The stand is cast in a clear Smokey plastic and also shown is the bolt for the nose weight. The wings and tail stabs come on a light grey moulded sprue, they have engraved flap and slat detail on the surface. The lower inner wing is a separate part with the join falling under the engine pylon so the join will be less visible, and there is some basic detail in the main gear bays in the wings. The wings have a nice shape with thin trailing edges. The flap tracks will need gluing on and they are on the sprue with the engine parts. The engine cases are in 2 halves each with a front and rear fans to add to detail the CFM engines. The fans have nice moulded detail that will look great with some paint and a wash over the blades The final sprue contains the undercarriage, and despite its small size the parts are well detailed. The winglets will need a moulding pip removing carefully as the parts are small and delicate, but the size and shape looks good to my eye. Finally you get the bulkhead that need gluing inside the fuselage and you can see the hole for the bolt. The bolt screws in nicely without needing force and it don’t deform the part. I would use a spot of superglue to hold it securely in place. The decals come on a nice sheet and included enough numbers to reproduce any of the aircraft in the Peach fleet. The colours look good against photos I’ve seen on the internet. You will need to mix paints to match the decals, and detail on the ratios is given for paints in the Hobby Colour or Mr Colour paint ranges. You will need to paint the fuselage in white first then carefully mask off for the purple paint work. If you can copy and enlarge the instruction by 80% that will give you a guide for the complex curves. Various stencils are included on the decal sheet along with the aircrafts windows and doors. Conclusion This is a nice kit that looks an accurate shape. The livery is unusual and the two tone purple will make a colourful addition to the cabinet. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for