HMS Queen Elizabeth

[Shar2]

HMS Queen Elizabeth

1:350 Etch set

One of the surprise announcements of this year was the release of HMS Queen Elizabeth. For years we had waited for one of this class of ships in 1:350 and within a year we had two. Trumpeters’ 1943 version of the Queen Elizabeth is very nice straight out of the box, but as is usual for Trumpeter there are certain areas which require extra detailing and/or replacement. With their release of an etched set for the Academy HMS Warspite, it would have been easy to just copy this and release it as a separate set. White Ensign hasn’t done this as can be seen by the many different parts that they have included in this set. Of course there are similar parts, as they were pretty standard for all RN ships of the time.

Arriving in their usual sturdy envelope, well protected with thick card, are two sheets of relief etched brass, 290mm x 127mm in size. The instructions are typical WEM, being very clear and easy to read with some useful written instructions on how to shape the relative parts and which alternative parts are required and were they are fitted. There are parts for building either Queen Elizabeth or Valiant.

Sheet A contains all the ships railings pre-made to the correct size for each area they are required. The different radar systems are provided and research will need to be carried out to decide which ones to use depending on what was used in what period the modeller wishes to build. There are Type 284, 282 and 285 Yagi antennas, Type 279 and Type 281 radars in addition to Type 75 WT antenna and various DF antenna. Normally there are only one set of accommodation ladders per side on a ship, but with larger ships there can be two per side, and both the fore and aft ladders are provided in this set. The usual inclined ladders are provided, again, having different styles for either QE or Valiant. All the ships boats get replacement boat cradles giving a much more scale and detailed look. The main turrets get new handrails, rangefinder platforms, new stays for the AA tubs on B and X turrets plus tampions for QE and Valiant, (yes they even have the correct crests on). Other miscellaneous items on this sheet include new pom pom parts, foremast lower yard footropes, boom jib brackets, searchlight lenses, a selection of both single and twin 20mm Oerlikon mountings and even four new flag lockers, which will be fun to fill in this scale, but I’m sure someone will have a go.

Sheet B contains the larger of the parts and those that are specific to the ship. Starting with the main cranes, these complete replacement units consist of new jibs, bases, jib rests, pulleys, underbooms and hooks. Styrene rod will need to be used for various parts in the build. The funnel gets new inner plate, top plate and cap grille, along with new sirens. There are numerous platform supports and new platforms for the Radar lantern, mainmast, foremast, turret rangefinder supports, hanger roof overhang supports, pom pom platform supports, funnel upper and lower platform supports and aft HAC supports. The foredeck gets a new breakwater with its respective braces, port and starboard anchor chain race plates, and blakes stoppers. The walrus aircraft receive new wing, engine and float struts, undercarriage, vertical tail braces, lewis guns and scarf rings,wing fold hinges and replacement flaps, (which need to be cut out of the kit parts if the wings are to be folded). There are also new items for the hanger with doors that can be wound round a styrene rod to show them open. The catapult gets a new track, supports and aircraft launch cradle. A prominent feature of these ships is the Admirals stern walk, strangely, at the stern of the ship. This set provides a new deck plate, supports, canopy and stern walk railing. Whilst Trumpeter have produced some very nice ships boats, this set takes them to a new level in providing interiors for each of the 45’, 34’ and 25’ motor boats including steering wheel, and helmsmans seat in addition to new rudder/propeller skegs, handrails, masts and windscreens for the 45’. The 16’ dinghy, 30’ gig, 32’ cutter and 45’ launch all get new rudders and a selection of oars for the all except the dinghy. The final selection of miscellaneous parts include items such as deck hatches, vent grilles, engine room grilles, watertight doors and for an early fit build there are four quad 0.5” machine gun mounts. There are three runs of stock anchor chain, but these are a little flat for use and they would be better replaced with real chain or WEM’s own battleship chain set, which has been reviewed HERE

Conclusion

The release of HMS Queen Elizabeth by Trumpeter was a nice surprise and this set will go towards making a good model into a great one. If you’re not scared of using etch then this set is for you. There are a great number of small parts, but there’s nothing too taxing, just have a nice pair of tweezers and a steady hand. The additional parts giving the option of building either the QE or Valiant is a nice touch and extra research will be required to make the most of those parts. The extra information within the instructions will come in very handy, so read them carefully. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of John at