AyalaBotto

Hi, Another fantastic model produced by Gwylan Models that recently arrived to my workbench: the Andrea Doria, Orizzonte Class Destroyer - Marina Militare (Italian Navy) My first impressions: The real ship: The Horizon class is an air-defence class destroyers in service with the French Navy (Marina Nationale) and the Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana). The programme started as the Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF), a multi-national collaboration to produce a new generation of air-defence destroyers. In Italy the class is known as the Orizzonte class, which translates to "horizon" in French and English. The UK then joined France and Italy in the Horizon-class frigate programme however, differing national requirements, workshare arguments and delays led to the UK withdrawing on 26 April 1999 and starting its own national project, the Type 45 destroyer. Two ships were built for each navy, under a multi-national collaboration between the two countries, and for this reason the armament and equipment are almost identical between the vessels in service with France and Italy. The class carries a variety of weapons and electronic equipment and it is capable for any kind of mission. Great emphasis was given on the stealth performance and thus tilted superstructures, composite materials and special coatings contribute to a very small radar signature. The French vessels of this class are Forbin (D620) and Chevalier Paul (D621) and the Italian vessels of this class are Andrea Doria (D553) and Caio Duilio (D554). Specifications: Displacement: · 7050 tons (full load) Length: · 152,9 meters Beam: · 20,3 meters Draft: · 7,6 meters Speed: · 29 knots (54 km/h) with gas turbines · 18 knots (33 km/h) with diesel engines Propulsion: · CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) · 2 GE/Avio LM2500 gas turbines (20,5 MW / 27870 hp, each) · 2 MAN Pielstick 12 PA6 STC diesel engines (4,32 MW / 5875 hp, each) · 2 shafts / 2 propellers / 1 bow thruster Range: · 6100 NM (11300 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h) · 3500 NM (6500 km) at 24 knots (44 km/h) Crew: 195 + 37 staff (accommodations for 255) Aviation: Flight deck (26,5x20 meters) & hangar (15x12 meters) for 1 helicopter (EH-101 Merlin or NH-90) Armament: · 3 x Oto Melara 76/62 STRALES gun · 2 x Oto Melara /Oerlikon KBA 25/80 machine guns · DCNS Sylver A-50 Vertical Launching Sytem / VLS (6x8 = 48 cells) for a mix of: - MBDA Aster 15 short range SAM - MBDA Aster 30 medium range SAM · 4x MBDA Teseo Mk.2/A twin SSM missile launchers · 2 x EuroTorp B515/3 single torpedo tubes for MU90 Impact LWT torpedoes Decoys: · 2 x Oto-Melara SCLAR-H chaff/flare launchers · 2 x SLAT anti-torpedo system Source: http://www.seaforces.org/marint/Italian-Navy/Destroyer/Andrea-Doria-class.htm ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_destroyer_Andrea_Doria http://www.navalanalyses.com/2014/07/horizon-class-destroyers-of-french-and.html The kit produced by Gwylan Models includes: · Single piece waterline resin hull; · Sprues with all resin parts (2x); · Complete PE sets (2x); · 76mm Gun Brass Barrels (3x) · AFT Brass Barrel Mast top (1x) · Decal sheet for all ships of this class; · Instruction sheet; The Hull: This kit is cast as a single piece waterline resin hull, with excellent and complete moulded details in a very smooth surface, with air vents, Hangar door, watertight doors, among others details accurately represented. The AFT Mast includes a brass part and the helicopter deck is accurately and detailed represented. Brass barrel guns are also included and this feature has become a standard in Gwylans Models kit produtions. As mentioned above, being a waterline model, means the quick works (immersed part of the hull) are not represented. Resin Parts: The resin sprues include the necessary parts to apply on the hull, which include among others: · FWD and AFT masts; · Selex SPY-790 Radar (FWD mast); · Tales/Selex S1850M 3D Radar (AFT mast); · OTO Melara 76/62 mm STRALES gun (3x); · SSM missile canisters (4x); · Oto Melara/Oerlikon 25/80 mm remote weapon systems (2x); · Multiple Sensors, radars and SAT Domes; · Decoy and jammers systems; · Gun Directors; · RHIB’s (2x); · Etc. It’s important to notice that Gwylan Models choose to represent the latest version of Andrea Doria Guided Missile Class Destroyer, providing the Oto Melara 76/62 STRALES gun, rather than the Oto Melara 76/62 SR gun used by the French Forbin Class Destroyers, as well as extra domes. Photo Etch Sets (2x included): The photo etch set is quite complete that I’ll just mention the following items: · Highly detailed cradles for the MBDA Teseo Mk.2/A twin SSM missile launchers; · Highly detailed parts for the AFT and FWD masts (mast yards included); · Whip antennas; · RHIB bay doors; · Safety nets; · Railings; · Vertical ladders; · Etc; As for the EH-101 Merlin helicopter included in this kit, the quality is superb and allows two different configurations (unfolded and folded PE blades are included). Brass Parts: · OTO Melara 76/62 mm STRALES barrel guns (3x); · FWD Top mast part (1x); Decals: The decal sheet provides hull numbers, hello deck markings as well as Bow thruster location signs for the two ships of this class namely; · D 553 ITS Andrea Doria · D 554 ITS Caio Duilio Bearing in mind, that security red warning lines (around the 76mm STRALES Guns, 25mm guns, decoy and jammers systems) are not included in the decal sheet, neither the Italian Navy Flag and Jack. The alternative is to use decals spares from other kits, although theses items will be include in further releases since Gwylan Models was sensitive to the modellers expectations and needs! Instructions: The instruction sheet included is very simple and clear, providing an easy and systematic approach to build this model, clearly pointing with accuracy the correct location of all resin, PE and brass barrels parts needed to complete this model. Painting Scheme: Although no specific colours reference is indicated in the instructions sheet, some modellers have used the Vallejo Model Colour 153 Pale Grey Blue for the hull and other “vertical” surfaces, deck houses, masts, funnel, etc and the Vallejo 163 Model Colour Dark Sea Green to the decks and horizontal surfaces. Conclusion: IMHO this is the best kit produced so far by Gwylan Models. A stunning and superior casting quality model and a must have for your modern navy ship fleet, or stock pile! A fair price for such a highly quality, detailed and complete resin kit with photo etch parts and decals for all ships of this class as well as brass barrel guns and other brass parts. Gwylan Models has updated the process used to create the 3D printed master patterns, and this has resulted in far more detailed and smoother parts with no rough areas or visible print layer, which means less preparation and cleaning. Hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi Finally completed! Hope you like it! More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, FGS Sachsen F219, Type 124 Frigate of the German Navy (Deutsche Marine) produced by NNT Modell at 1/700 scale is finally completed! I hope you like it! High definition photos available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.802986773209505.1073741862.306441832864004&type=1&l=1fc4ecd943 Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, The HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314), Fridtjof Nansen class Frigate Royal Norwegian Navy from Dodo Models at 1/700 scale is finally completed after 2 years! https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4197/35204153356_16bccec9f3_o.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4277/35204152596_d33d5c164c_o.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4222/35204152376_8454a75fe8_c.jpg More photos available here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AyalaBottoModelShips/photos/?tab=album&album_id=769061766602006 Hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Some photos of my recent project: the Buyan-M Class Corvette, Project 21631 from YG Model at 1/700 scale available from NNT Modell: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2821/34101867132_4e7fd90629_o.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2892/34101866682_04d962a8cb_o.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2892/34101866682_04d962a8cb_o.jpg More photos available at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AyalaBottoModelShips/photos/?tab=album&album_id=744871065687743 Hope you like it. Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Review in English available here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/688676297973887 Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Some photos of my new project: Comandanti Foscari P493, Cigala Fulgosi / “Comandanti” Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare), produced by Regia Marina M.A.S. Models at 1/700 scale: https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/521/31873556012_c89baa4b45_c.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/704/31211950683_e9beaaae26_c.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/653/31873553672_69c7cf7d1b_c.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/294/31211946643_98af1f7ecd_c.jpg The complete album is available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.684193451755505.1073741859.306441832864004&type=1&l=70011232fb I hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, New updates on the Sachsen F219 Type 124 Frigate of the German Navy (Deutsche Marine), produced by NNT Modell at 1/700 scale: https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/701/31542685940_5fdc5e032e_o.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/327/31878620076_fd772e580e_o.jpg Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, A couple of photos with new updates on the Obraztsovy, Project 61 Kashin Class Destroyer, Combrig 1/700 scale: https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/35/31503211392_ec80be63ab_o.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/324/31649416425_d2a0c47f6e_o.jpg Still a lot tasks to complete, namely among others: • Head Net A Radar (2x) • Life canisters • PE Yardarms • PE details on the Peel Group (SA-N-1 SAM Fire Control) • Resin Parts on both masts • Antennas • Railings • Decals • Sea base plate • etc The complete album is available here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AyalaBottoModelShips/photos/?tab=album&album_id=675267942648056 Hope you like it. Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, As promised, some updates on this project: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5640/31029748100_ac8410f100_o.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5443/31029755560_1ee150c26d_o.jpg A very complex built and still a lot of work to do! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, The two PE sets included in the original kit can be seen on the photos visible on the first post of this topic. It contains PE parts for all versions of the Kashin class destroyers Project 61 produced by Combrig, so not all parts are used in this version. Additionally I used about 15 cm (aprox. 6 inches) of Vertical Ladders as well as 30 watertight doors of the PE sets mentioned bellow: Flyhawk: Russian Modern Radar - ref FH700101 Flyhawk: Russian Water-Tight Doors - ref FH700103 Big Blue Boy: Russia Modern Railing - ref 70045 Hope it helps! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, I managed to identify a few more PE parts of this model, namely: Part 13: PE Top Base plate of the FWD Mast Part 14: PE to be applied on the "Dish" of Owl Screech - Fire Control for the SA-N-1 (2x) Updated photo: https://s21.postimg.cc/s6s2yc9hj/is70336_Obraztsovy_3_29_Nov2016.jpg I'll post new photos of this project soon! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, First photos of this project: Obraztsovy, Kashin Class Destroyer Project 61 of the Soviet Navy produced by Combrig Ref. 70336, 1/700 scale. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1510/25823084984_2100e21d71_o.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1639/26155087200_29a7253b01_o.jpg Until now, 11 cm (aprox. 4,33 inches) of Vertical Ladders as well as 26 watertight doors of the PE sets mentioned bellow are already applied! Flyhawk: Russian Modern Radar - ref FH700101 Flyhawk: Russian Water-Tight Doors - ref FH700103 Big Blue Boy: Russia Modern Railing - ref 70045 Review of this model available here: http://www.steelnavy.com/CombrigObraztsovy.htm Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, The review in English of this model is already available at; https://www.facebook.com/notes/532676880240497 Hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, A few more photos of this model as well as the comparison between Gremyashchy Project 20385 and Steregushchy Project 20380 Corvette. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1607/25035476869_f6c4a4f07a_c.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1465/24772444654_98c6c2fcaa_c.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1511/25376873846_93986567fa_c.jpg Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Recently arrived to my workbench, the Gremyashchy 510 Russian Corvette Project 20385 produced by Gwylan Models at 1/700 scale: https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1665/25010082670_00a8bf8727_c.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1571/25188993322_87a3ff2e90_c.jpg Higher quality images are available at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.536069313234587.1073741855.306441832864004&type=1&l=0281689b6d A review about this model will be available soon! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, A direct link to the review: https://www.facebook.com/notes/522847891223396 Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Review of the Regia Marina - AF097 – Super Detail Photo Etch set for the FREMM Carlo Bergamini class Frigate at 1/700 scale (Gwylan Models): https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1587/24546403245_63b4558644_c.jpg Higher resolution photo: https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1587/24546403245_c4a22ec441_o.jpg Hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Review of the Regia Marina - AF097 – Super Detail Photo Etch set for the FREMM Carlo Bergamini class Frigate at 1/700 scale (Gwylan Models): https://www.facebook.com/notes/522847891223396 <div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips/posts/523198477855004:0"data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips/posts/523198477855004:0"><p>Review of the Regia Marina - AF097 – Super Detail Photo Etch set for the FREMM Carlo Bergamini class Frigate at 1/700 scalehttps://www.facebook.com/notes/522847891223396</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips/">Ayala Botto Model Ships, Scale Model Warships, Modelismo Naval</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips/posts/523198477855004:0">Friday, 22 January 2016</a></blockquote></div></div> https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1587/24546403245_63b4558644_c.jpg Higher resolution photo: https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1587/24546403245_c4a22ec441_o.jpg Hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, A review about the FGS Braunschweig F260, K130 Class Corvette of the German Navy (Dodo Models at 1/700 scale), in English and French is now available at: http://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1565/24104238840_770a617c06_c.jpg Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, The review of this kit is now available also in French: https://www.facebook.com/notes/489191637922355/ as well as in English: https://www.facebook.com/notes/502176659957186 Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, The last project finished in 2015: FREMM Alsace D657 Frigate, AAW Version (in French: FREDA – Frégate de Défense Antiaérienne) of the French Navy / La Royale, based on the kit produced by Gwylan Models at 1/700 scale: https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1612/24101380895_bc130d295f_o.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5709/23993307482_c8a8c30ff1_o.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5759/23805719420_c471bba96a_o.jpg The remaining high definition photos are available at: https://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips Thanks Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Some photos of another project finished back in 2008: the FGS Brandenburg F215 Type F123 ASW Frigate German Navy, produced by NNT Modell at 1/700 scale. (resin model) In the last 2 monthI decided to make some improvements on the original work, namely the PE Rails, antennas (stainless steel piano wire), some very light wash and base plate with the sea. After the "refit" this model looks now completely different and worth all the effort and time spent! https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/652/23646086431_f4d34dc61d_c.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/728/23101574363_4bfdb1bc9b_c.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/734/23646087191_eef86dee7a_c.jpg The album with the remaining photos is available at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips Hope you like it! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Dodo Models has just release another interesting model at 1/700 scale: It's the FGS Braunschweig F260, K130 Corvette by Dodo Models 1/700 scale of the Deutsche Marine - German Navy. The first photos: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5744/23410326772_b9096c8beb_c.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5715/23223076150_31129c5d6a_c.jpg Higher quality photos are available at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/AyalaBottoModelShips Resin water level hull and accessories in resin with high level of details as well as a very complete PE set, make this kit a must have for all modellers looking for modern 1/700 scale model warships! Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto

Hi, Completed the FREMM Aquitaine D650 (ASW) of the Marine Nationale (French Navy), I present you the most recently FREMM family member, whose construction has already begun. It's the FREMM Alsace D657 Frigate, but this time in the ER version (Extended Range) / AAW (Air Defence Variant frigate / anti-air warfare) or in French FREDA (Frégate de Defense Antiaérienne) produced by Gwylan Models at 1/700 scale. The first pictures: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5652/23079858469_614d3bcab2_c.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/753/23418861556_b3e811df9b_c.jpg I am already preparing a "review" regarding this model, that will be shared in this forum once is completed. Thanks. Regards, Ayala Botto