HMS Colossus/Arromanches

[Shar2]

Detail set for Heller HMS Colossus/Arromanches

White Ensign Models 1:400

Like the Heller kit of HMS Illustrious, the kit of HMS Colossus has been out for quite a while. Like the Illustrious kit, it is still popular but not as readily available. If you do have one of these kits, then White Ensign Models still have this set of etched brass available to bring the ship to life with some very fine detail.

This set is very similar to that for the HMS Illustrious although slightly smaller. Provided on two sheets of relief etched brass, this set provides the modeller with some nice fine detail for the ship, plus parts for the kits aircraft. The first sheet provides a selection of generic railings, plus a number of deck netting parts. There are replacement weapons and additions, particularly for the single and twin 20mm cannon, plus the various radar aerials. The deckside aerial masts, island fittings and mast fittings of the model are replaced by etched parts. If the model is to be built as if at anchor, two accommodation ladders are provided for the ships sides. Because the kit caters for both British and French ships, there are four different aircraft types, Hellcats and Helldivers for the French Indo China war period, plus Corsairs and Barracudas for the British. All these aircraft get the etch treatment, including props, undercarriage, plus doors, and even flaps for the Helldiver and Barracuda.

The second sheet is slightly smaller but no less significant. The largest part is the new platforms for the stern with associated supports and for the Island structure. Rotor blades and detail parts for the Sikorsky/Westland Dragonfly helicopter. New guns and mounts for the quad 40mm, replacement mast platforms, boat ladders, ships crane and mobile deck crane. There are also name plates for the various ships of the class. A nice addition is the erected crash barriers which could be used to make an interesting diorama event.

Conclusion

Another great set from White Ensign Models which really helps bring this Heller kit up to competition, if not museum standards, particularly if used in conjunction with the replacement resin island. I can certainly recommend this to anyone who has a penchant for aircraft carriers.

Review sample courtesy of John at