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I am building a Royal Navy Landing Ship Tank Mk.2 (LST2) in 1:350 for the D-Day group build but am having difficulties in finding a producer for the weapons. I "think" I have identified a source for the two bow tubs (20mm single gun?) but cannot find a source for the rear gun. The LST is an early version, allocated to the RN, and did not have many of the later weapons fits that the US LST-2's had. The gun is depicted in the image below, which has been scanned from a book so I cannot insert a link to the image, and I would be grateful if anyone can identify the gun. Does anyone know of a producer for it in 1:350 scale? cheers Mike

I'd like to build a 1:350 Liberty Ship and know that Trumpeter has produced two; Jeremiah O'Brien and John W. Brown. Problem is I don't know which to get. Can anyone please advise me what the differences are with each kit? I am presuming there must be some. cheers Mike

HMS Belfast detail sets 1/350 White Ensign Models The release of HMS Belfast was yet another pleasant surprise from Trumpeter, but as is their want, they didn’t quite get it right. But now, with the release of these three sets from White Ensign Models will help the maritime modeller build a pretty accurate and very detailed model of one of the finest looking light cruisers in the world, and probably one of the most famous, since it’s still afloat in the Pool of London and open to visitors. Etch Detail Set, PE 35172. To detail the kit White Ensign Models have released this large etched set, comprising of two sheets, each 290mm x 127mm in size, packed to the gunwhales with parts, delivered in their usual sturdy envelope, well protected with thick card. 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 an earlier mod state of the ship as well as the later outfitting. Sheet A contains all the ships railings pre-made to the correct size for each area they are required. There are several types of radar included, such as the Type 284, 282 and 285 Yagi antennas, Type 291 and Type 281 radars in addition to Type 86 and Type 91 TBS antenna. There are one set of accommodation ladders provided, one for each side of the ship. The usual inclined ladders are provided along with the 8-Barrelled Pom-Pom fittings, Walrus Amphibian parts, Early mast top platforms and DF antenna, boiler room vent grilles, Foremast and Mainmast top gaff, paravane parts, Mainmast IFF responder and the Foretop Anemometer array. Since the funnels in the kit are of the wrong shape two sets of cap grilles have been provided, one pair for the kit parts and another pair for the correction set, available from WEM. Sheet B contains the more specific parts for the ship. Starting with the main cranes, these complete replacement units consist of new jibs, bases, jib rests, pulleys, and hooks, along with two lengths of rigging depending on whether the jib is raised or lowered. Styrene rod will need to be used for various parts in the build. There are numerous platform supports and new platforms for the Radar lantern, mainmast, and foremast. The foredeck gets a new breakwater with its respective front and rear braces. 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, top inside plate, side braces, extenders and manoeuvring pump. Whilst Trumpeter have produced some very nice ships boats, this set takes them to a new level in providing interiors for each of the 35’, 36’ and 25’ motor boats including steering wheel in addition to new rudder/propeller skegs, handrails, and masts. The 16’ dinghy, 32’ cutter and 25’ motor launch all get new rudders and a selection of oars for the all except the dinghy. All the ships boats are provided with new cradles and/or frames to sit on. The rest of the sheet is filled with items such as watertight doors, deck hatches, replacement torpedo doors, blakes stoppers, 4” gun mount details, 20mm mounts, the mainmast starfish platform and supports, aldis lamps, bridge and lower bridge venture strips and the hawspipe gratings. Finally 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 and several lengths of generic vertical ladder stock. Pro 3536,. A direct replacement set for the kit parts, mainly meant to correct the ships funnels, but also the compass platform, which inaccurately moulded in the kit. The resin is really well moulded and the new funnels give the whole kit a more accurate look. They don't have the "depth" of opening like the kit funnels, but once painted black and the grilles fitted they will look fine. Of course the modeller could always open the funnels out more. Pro 3537, is another simple direct replacement set for the ships yardarms with one each of very finely turned upper and lower yards. Conclusion It was wonderful to finally get a kit of HMS Belfast in 1:350 scale, it had been a long wait, but it was worth it, even with the inaccurate funnels. Now though, the modeller can not only super detail their kit with the fabulous etched brass set, but also make the model more accurate with the release of the funnels and compass platform, then, add a little more finesse to the finished model with a pair of scale turned brass yardarms, what more could the modeller want. Very highly recommended Review sample kindly provided be John at

I'm going start this later in the week once I've got some other bits and bobs sorted. Not sure whether to do it as a display model on in a seascape, I'll have to see how I feel the build is going. It's the Dragon 1:350 USS Chevalier and I'll be using two sets of etch from Eduard.

Russian Akula Class Submarine HobbyBoss 1:350 History The Russian Navy has 14 Bars Class project 971 submarines known in the West as the Akula Class nuclear-powered submarines (SSN). A number of Russian Akula class submarines are deployed in the Pacific region. The submarines were built by the Amur Shipbuilding Plant Joint Stock Company at Komsomolsk-on-Amur and by Sevmash at the Severodvinsk shipbuilding yard. Seven Akula I submarines were commissioned between 1986 and 1992, and three Improved Akula between 1992 and 1995. The improved Akula I and Akula II are also designated as Project 971U and Project 971A respectively. The Akula Class submarine was deployed for the first time in 1986 by the Soviet Navy. Three Akula II submarines, with hull length extended by 4m and advanced machinery-quietening technology, have been built. The first, Viper, was commissioned in 1995, the second, Nerpa, in December 2000 and the third, Gepard, in August 2001. The Akula II submarines are 110m long and displace up to 12,770t. They have a maximum speed of 35kt submerged and a maximum diving depth of 600m. The oldest submarine, Akula I, is likely to be removed from service by 2015, while the Gepard Akula II is expected be withdrawn from service by 2025. Construction of Akula II began in 1991, but it was suspended for a period of ten years due to lack of funds. So far only three Akula II submarines, with advanced machinery-quietening technology, have been built. The Indian Navy signed an agreement with Russia to lease a new Akula II submarine, the SSN Nerpa, for ten years. The vessel was completed at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur shipyard and commissioned to the Russian Navy in December 2009. The submarine, renamed INS Chakra was recommissioned by the Indian Navy in April 2012. Initially, the Akula II submarine was scheduled to be delivered to India in August 2007. However, the induction was postponed to 2009 due to recurred delays caused by the installation of new systems and technologies on Nepra and due to an attack on the latest series of Schucka-B or Akula-II Class Russian-built submarines. Delivery was further delayed due to a fatal gas leak causing the deaths of 20 crew members during sea trials in November 2008. The Model The model comes in a very attractive top opening box with an artists impression of the one of the class under way on the surface. Inside there are the two hull halves, split horizontally at the waterline with the sail moulded into the upper half. The curves of the sail are very well done and looks pretty accurate for shape. The moulding is very nice on each half, but as with other submarine releases from HobbyBoss a lot of the detail is a little too fine and could be obliterated by too thick a coat of paint. The rest of the model is contained on a single sprue of grey styrene and a small etch sheet. The styrene sprue contains the diveplanes, rudders and various periscopes/ sensor masts. Construction starts with the joining of the two halves, after which the forward diveplanes and sensors just foreword of the sail are attached. On the review sample there is a slight bowing of the upper hull but it should take much to get the mating surfaces to adhere correct with just some masking tape. The teardrop shaped variable depth sonar housing on top of the upper rudder is in two halves, when assembled the rudder can be attached and the whole item fixed to the rear hull, followed by the rear diveplanes and lower rudder. The two strakes on the underside of the hull just aft of the sail position are also made up of two halves. The modeller has the option of using the injection moulded propeller or the etched version also supplied. This will have to be careful shaped to give the scimitar blades some resemblance of the real thing. After fitting the propeller boss can be attached. The etched brass sheet contains the nameplate, screen for the sail command position and doors covering each of the mast silos. The decal sheet is very nicely printed and in good register. Decals are supplied for the depth markers, hatch and hull markings, but not the emergency hatch marking which will have to be painted. Conclusion This is another very nice submarine kit from HobbyBoss and whilst simple the art of these is in the painting. It will certainly build up into a sleek and yet quite menacing looking submarine. The way the hull is split will allow easy use in a seascape. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Fokker T.IV(a) Dutch Float Plane Pacific Crossroads 1:350 The Fokker T.IV was developed to meet the requirements of the Royal Netherlands Navy for a maritime patrol/torpedo bomber aircraft for use in the Dutch East Indies. The original design was for a twin engined float plane with a thick, cantilever, high mounted, monoplane wing and a deep, slab sided fuselage with an open cockpit housing the two man crew. The aircraft was powered by two 450hp Lorraine-Dietrich 12E W-12 engines and made its maiden flight on June 7th 1927. The aircraft was fitted with three machine guns and could carry either a single torpedo or 1,764lb, (800kg) of bombs. A total of twelve were built and delivered to the Dutch Naval Aviation Service in the Dutch East Indies. In 1935 Fokker developed an improved version, the T.IV(a), with 750hp Wright Cyclone radial engines replacing the original units. The other improvements included an enclosed cockpit and enclosed nose and dorsal turrets. A total of twelve were newly built and the original aircraft re-built to T.IV(a) standard. All the new builds were also to be used in the Dutch East Indies. The T.IV(a) proved to be a reliable and seaworthy aircraft and was used for local patrols and air-sea-rescue operations from Java until 1941, when the Japanese attacked the Dutch East Indies. All remaining aircraft bar one were either scuttled or destroyed by Japanese bombing. The last aircraft was damaged in an accident and written off in May 1941 The Model This is the second aircraft in Pacific Crossroads 1:350 range, having released the Do24 last year and reviewed HERE. The kit is packaged in a sturdy hinge top opening box with a depiction of the aircraft in skimming across the sea and the Dutch Flying Cross in the right hand corner. Once again on opening the box the modeller will initially think that he has bought a box of polystyrene peanuts, but lurking in the safety of these peanuts is a small poly bag of resin parts and a small sheet of etched brass. The resin includes a single piece fuselage, two wings, single piece horizontal tailplane and the two floats. The parts, with the exception of the fuselage, are only tentatively attached to their casting blocks, so they should be pretty easy to remove with minimal clean up afterwards. It appears that Boris has been able to make a better positioning of the casting block on this kit as it is is attached to the mating surface of the wing/fuselage join this time making them a whole lot easier to use, since the fuselage has quite deep, (it’s all relative), indentations to receive the wings they should make for a nice clean fit. The casting is very nice and cleanly done with some very fine engraved details. Although the canopy frames look like they’ll be really fun to paint cleanly they are so fine. The build is quite simple, but it will be fiddly, as anyone who has built 1:350 aircraft before will testify. With the wings and tailplane glued into place it’s straight on with adding the etched parts. The most testing area will be the struts for the two floats as they are a complicated affair utilising six different parts. The other etched parts are simple to add, being the tailplane struts, aerial mast, three machine gun barrels, (which for some unknown reason were missing on the review example). The two propellers slide onto spindles in the cowlings, but the port side one was broken on the review example, but it may be best to replace them with suitable metal rod. The cowlings appear quite empty as seen in the photo above and would benefit from being filled as at this scel any engine detail would be difficult to ascertain. Decals The small decal sheet contains a number of different sized orange and black triangles, plus four identification flags, but the single colour scheme of overall khaki green with silver undersides of the wings, floats and fuselage, shown in the instructions, requires just four of the large triangles for the wings and two small ones for the fuselage. No other markings are provided, if any were applied, the modeller will need to do some research. The decals appear to be well printed, in register and with good colour density. Conclusion This is a really unusual aircraft, and one that I had no knowledge of before receiving the kit. It’s another great little kit and Boris of Pacific Crossroads should be proud of it and also congratulated for keeping the memory of the Dutch East Indies forces alive. Once again I can see this as part of an overall diorama displaying the aircraft at anchor just offshore of a Javanese dock. Highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

HMS Glamorgan Atlantic Models 1:350 HMS Glamorgan was one of eight ships of the County Class Guided Missile Destroyers that were designed for the Royal Navy around the Sea-Slug missile system. Laid down in September 1962 at Vickers- Armstrong’s shipyards on the Tyne, she was launched two years later on 9th July 1964, by Lady Brecon. Commissioning day was Friday 14th of October 1966 at Tyneside, when she was accepted in to the Royal Navy. A lengthy period of trials followed by work ups to get all the ships systems working and the ships company settled in and familiar with their new surroundings, after the long period in temporary accommodation whilst the building was in progress. Finally in May 1967 HMS Glamorgan was given her first foreign visit to Denmark and Holland. Also in May 1967 her first helicopter flight was formed at RNAS Portland with a Westland Wessex HAS1 anti-submarine helicopter which worked up and joined the ship in April 1968 for her first deployment to the Far East via the Caribbean, USA and the West Coast of Canada after transiting the Panama Canal. From there she transited the Pacific Ocean calling in at Hawaii and on to Singapore, The Philippines and Australia before starting the homeward leg across the Indian Ocean to South Africa. It was then back up the Atlantic Ocean to Barbados and Puerto Rico before arriving back home to complete the circumnavigation of the globe in 355 days. In the period between 1977 and 1979 Glamorgan had a major refit during which time B turret was removed and a quadruple bank of Exocet missile launchers were added. She also had her middle pair of boats removed and a triple STWS torpedo launcher fitted to the main deck on each side in their place. A large platform was added to the front of the main mast that spanned across the entire width of the ship to which was added a pair of SCOT radomes for long range communications. In 1982 HMS Glamorgan became well known in the media for her contribution to the Falklands campaign, during which time she survived a direct hit from an Exocet missile. Sadly 14 of her crew were killed and many more injured, but the ship herself was temporarily repaired and got back home after the Argentine surrender. HMS Glamorgan spent the rest of 1982 in refit, but was back at sea again in early 1983. Her last deployment was off the coast of Lebanon assisting peacekeeping forces there in 1984. In 1986 she was de-commissioned and sold to the Chilean Navy and renamed as the Almirante Latorre. She served with the Chilean Navy until 1998 when she was finally de-commissioned and laid up. On 11th April 1995 she sank in the South Pacific whilst being towed to the breakers. The Model The model comes in a sturdy and quite large cardboard box with a picture of HMS Glamorgan on the top. You don’t realise how big the Glamorgan as even in 1:350 she’s a sizable ship. As is the way with Atlantic models kits, on opening the box the modeller is confronted with a load of polystyrene chips. On top of the poly chips is an envelope with the etch sheet inside. Carefully emptying the box will reveal three ziplock bags, one with the metal parts in and the other two with the resin parts. Well wrapped in bubblewrap is the gorgeously moulded main hull, which is in two parts, split at the waterline so that either a full hull or waterline model can be built. There tow other parts wrapped in bubblewrap, these are the main parts for the fore and aft superstructures. At the bottom of the box are the instructions and a small decal sheet. The casting of the very large hull parts does have to be seen to be believed. There is not one sign of any flash, pin holes or even any sight of where a casting block was situated. It’s just silky smooth creamy resin and the only thing it needs is a good wash to remove any release agent. Peter Hall has a real talent for creating the masters for these ships. The sheer from the bow to amidships is nigh on perfect, and what deck furniture is pre moulded is wonderfully fine and well moulded. Fortunately on this ship there isn’t too much deck equipment which will make painting so much easier. The fore and aft superstructure sections are just as well moulded, although they do have some casting block debris and casting pips on the underside that will need to be removed to allow a snug fit to the deck. The detail is as good as the rest of the ship with the small exception of the windows for the bridge and those beneath the bridge which could have been a little more distinct to aid painting. Unlike the HMS Leopard/Puma kits there are no decals for these windows. The aft superstructure incorporates the ships hanger and has full internal bracing and other details pre-moulded. This is a very nice touch as the hanger on these ships was something of an oddity and exclusive to the class. The other resin parts are also really well moulded, although some do have small amounts of flash that will need to be cleaned up. The parts included in the first bag are the fore and aft funnels, gun direction platform, foremast and mainmast, and the Exocet missile mounting. There are also the Exocet blast shields, Sea Cat Director platforms The Wessex helicopter is another great piece of master making. Depicting a Wessex HAS 3 it is obvious by the instructions that this was originally going to be produced in white metal. Fortunately the change to resin has produced a much neater model. The only area some purists may find fault is the undercarriage where the main struts are solid, but in this scale it is forgivable. The second ziplock bag of resin includes the 4.5” turret, scot platform, Type 909 radar dish yolk, Type 909 radar dish, sonar dome, and 27” Whaler. The rest of the resin parts seemed also to have been made in white metal but were changed instead to resin, and these include the Fairey Huntress power boat, two Cheverton motor boats, the two SCOT radomes and the four Exocet missile box launcher. The metal parts also very well moulded, but there is quite a bit more flash than seen on the resin parts. A lot of the parts will also need to be removed from their casting blocks but there’s nothing to taxing about that and should be cleaned up pretty easily and quickly. The metal parts include the two propellers, two lengths of brass rod for the propeller shafts, two propeller shaft A frames, two rudders, eight stabiliser fins, two anchors, two 4.5” guns, SCOT comms deckhouse, and two Type 903 Director domes. In addition to that lot there is the Sea Slug Missile launcher yoke, Type 992 radar antenna, Type 1006 radar antenna, three Mk4 Fire Control Directors, two Sea Cat launchers, a deck winch, eighteen liferafts, two ECM arrays for the mainmast, two triple STWS torpedo launchers and two Corvus Decoy launchers. Etch The list of what the two large etched sheets contains would be rather long as you see in the pictures below. Now this kit is quite an intensive build when it comes to the etched parts. Get down to the pharmacist for some extra large bottles of patience and care, as you will need them. One of the most distinctive features of these ships was the huge Sea Slug missile launcher on the quarterdeck. This massive piece of girder work, with the exception of the mounting yoke is entirely made of etched brass. The launcher is a kit within a kit and due the very nature of the real item it is surprisingly complex. The other complex etched part is the equally massive Type 965 AKE-2 double bedstead radar that is sited at the top of the mainmast. This assembly features all the upper and lower antenna screens, front and rear faceplates, then tied all together with tie bars, lower mounting counter frames and the optional mounting turntable. Time taken with these two items will reap benefits in how the completed model will look as they are so distinctive. Decals True to his word Peter has continued to supply decals for his kits. This small sheet provides not only the pennant numbers for four ships, but the flightdeck markings and identification letters. The names of every ship in the class are also provided, but the modeller will have to make up the numbers of some of the class by chopping and changing the decals provided for the pennant numbers. The Wessex gets national markings and identification letters for each ships flight helicopter. There are also depth markings for the ships hull, a large and small White Ensign depending on whether the model is depicted in harbour or at sea, and a large Union Jack. Conclusion A model of the County class destroyers has been on the wishlist of many maritime modellers for many years. It is really pleasing to at last see one released which captures the wholes shape and essence of these great and good looking ships. The craftsmanship of the masters and the beautiful moulding of the resin, not to mention the large and well executed etched sheets will surely go toward making the model truly outstanding. As mentioned above, plenty of time, care and patience will be needed, and it certainly is a kit for perhaps the more experienced modeller. But at long last we can say that we have a County in our collection. Very highly recommended Review sample from my own collection

Hikawa Maru Hospital Ship 1:350 Hasegawa History Hikawa Maru is a Japanese ocean liner that was built for the Nippon Yusen KK line by the Yokohama Dock Company. She was launched on 30 September 1929, and made her maiden voyage from Kobe to Seattle on 13 May 1930. She is one of three sister ships. The sister ships were named after important Shinto shrines, Hikawa Shrine being located in Saitama. The other two, both lost in the war, were Heian Maru and Hie Maru. The service provided on the ship was famous for combining splendid food and beautiful art deco interiors. She was often referred to as the Queen of the Pacific. Charlie Chaplin and Kano Jigoro (founder of Judo) are amongst the ship's more notable former passengers. In 1941, before Japan's entry to World War II the Hikawa Maru was used by Jewish refugees escaping the Nazis via Japan After Japan's entry to the war Hikawa Maru became a hospital ship, and as a result, she ultimately survived the Allied campaign against the Japanese merchant fleet. After the end of the war she was used by the U.S. for troop repatriation until 1947. Afterwards the Hikawa Maru was returned to Japan and carried cargo between Japan and the US. In 1954 she was taken out of service, but following a refit she returned to carrying passengers across the Pacific. Falling passenger numbers due to the growth of air travel led to the eventual termination of the service in 1960. In 1961 Hikawa Maru became a floating youth hostel and museum permanently berthed at Yokohama. In December 2006 the Hikawa Maru museum was closed and doubts about her future were raised. Happily, NYK Line began the restoration of the Hikawa Maru in August 2007, and the ship was reopened to the public on 25 April 2008, the vessel's 78th birthday. The Model The kit comes in the usual, attractive, top opening box from Hasegawa, with an artistic interpretation of the vessel at sea in her hospital ship paint scheme. On opening the box the two hull halves, which are mounted on a cardboard insert along with a large poster which also acts as the painting guide. Removing the hull insert reveals 10 sprues of white styrene and one of clear. As is usual for Hasegawa the parts are nicely moulded with crisp detail with only a few moulding pips on the parts, although there is a small amount of flash at the sprue junctions. Construction starts with the two hull parts being joined together with 7 internal bulkhead parts adding considerably to the strength of the structure. Whilst the propshaft fairings, props and rudder are fitted later in the instructions, I would probably fit them at this point to help with painting before the rest of the build commences. Next to be fitted are the 3 cargo deck and the raised foredeck with its bulkhead. The promenade deck is built up with the superstructure parts, which are again nicely strengthened with internal bracing. Once complete this sub-assembly is added to the hull. At this point the myriad of deck pieces can be added, these include items such as ventilators, winches, bollards, cleats and the anchors. The stern castle is built up next followed by the boat deck. The bridge section of the superstructure is next to being assembled with some nice internal details such as the ships wheel, binnacles, signal lamps and transparencies for the windows. The final section of superstructure is the boat deckhouse with the funnel, more ventilators, winches and fan trunking housings. The rest of the build consists making up the ships lifeboats and attaching them, with their associated davits to the boat deck, followed by the many masts and derrick arms all of which will require some careful rigging combined with some research as to how and where the cables are fitted, as this information isn’t given in the instructions. This version also includes a smallish etched brass sheet which provides the de-gausing coil which goes round the hull just below the main deck line. Decals The model comes with a very nicely printed decal sheet containing the various red crosses for the role she was converted to. There are also a selection of signal flags, Japanese Ensigns, depth markings, name plates for the bow and stern, and the green stripe that runs down both sides of the hull, complete with openings for the port holes. There are also decals provided for the numerous liferings if you don’t fancy painting them. There is very little carrier film so all should settle down ok with some solutions, they are also nicely opaque and in register. Conclusion Ok, so Hasegawa have now released three versions of this ship, if you include her sister Heian Maru, so they’re really getting the monies worth out of the moulds, but who’s to blame them. At least you won’t have too many spare parts as you would have had the three versions be included in one box. I think she looks great in any guise and as a hospital ship she would certainly make a splash of colour amongst the greys normally found in maritime collections. Although Hasegawa do their own update sets for these ships, Artwox are now releasing wooden decks which will be great. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for

USS Indianapolis 1:350 Etch sets It’s been a little while since the Academy USS Indianapolis was released and it’s been a bit surprising that the major aftermarket manufacturers haven’t exactly been clamouring to release detail sets for it, until recently that is, with both Pontos and Eduard producing etched parts for it. The two packs that make up the detail set from Eduard don’t cover as much as the Pontos set, but they give you what is really required without making the construction overly complicated. The first set consists of two sheets of etched brass containing around 239 different parts, not including multiples. The largest sheet provides everything from the ships crane, catapults, small cranes and davits, mast yard rope walks, numerous parts for the five inch and 40mm mounts, inclined ladders, boat cradles, and new end pieces for the smoke generator stack. There are also replacement bulkhead doors, which can be displayed open or closed, a complete replacement SK radar array, prop guards, various new platforms, supports, small railings, turret details, and new hanger doors, which can be folded in a concertina fashion to display the hanger open. The second, slightly smaller sheet contains new deck hatches, which can also be displayed open if required, ammunition racks for the 40mm gun tubs, funnel cap details and grilles, new mast platforms and their respective supports, very nicely detailed Mk8 gun directing radar dishes, SG radar dishes, floatation baskets new director mount aft, The second set, supplied separately provides all the railings in pre-cut lengths for the whole ship, plus the range of platforms including those for the searchlights, radars, plus a rather unusual construction on each side abreast of “A” turret. The set also includes a new veneer for the armoured belts which is interesting and gives it much more of a textured finish. Conclusion This is another pair of very useful etched sets from Eduard. The amount of detail covered is quite exhaustive and will require a fair amount of patience and time to get it all fitted correctly. Some of the details are completely new, not found in the kit so research will be required to ensure it was fitted. By biggest gripe is still the instructions, which really need to be made clearer, especially where parts positioning is concerned. Still, that’s a personal thing, which doesn’t stop me from recommending this set to any one with the Academy kit. Review sample courtesy of

USS Indianapolis replacement barrels 1:350 Master The latest sets received from Master Models provide items for two manufactures interpretations of the USS Indianapolis. Both sets include brass/aluminium barrels for the main and secondary armament, 9 pieces for the 8” guns and 8 pieces for the 5” guns. Whereas the Academy set just has the barrels, the Trumpeter set also comes with three resin trunnions for the main guns. The barrels are superbly done and bring a real scale diameter which injection moulded items can’t seem to match. Academy Trumpeter Conclusion These barrels make for a simple upgrade to either kit that will really enhance the look with that extra finesse they bring to a model. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

IJN Heavy Cruiser Chikuma Eduard 1:350 The Tamiya 1:350 Chikuma kit has been out for a little while now, but there have been very few, if any, aftermarket detail sets for it. This may mean that Tamiya got it perfect out of the box or that the aftermarket companies have missed it for some reason. Well this has now been rectified with the welcome release of these two sets by Eduard. The first set consists of sheets of etched brass containing around 121 different items, and that’s not including multiples of the same items, of which there are quite a few. The quite larger sheet provides everything from the ships crane, crane hook, bollard tops, gratings, intake grilles, masts, funnel caps, funnel wind deflector, inclined ladders, to the intake grilles on the funnels and superstructure. The kit searchlight towers, their mounts and turntables are completely replaced with new etched items. There are also numerous small details for the rangefinders, masts yards and bridge structure as well as the inclined and vertical ladders throughout the ship. There are many smaller items such as new doors and deck hatches, small deckhouses, and cable drum supports. The smallest and what look like the most awkward fittings are the hull ladder rungs. Templates are provided to get the holes drilled in-line ready for the rungs themselves. This is going to be an incredibly fiddly job, but worthwhile exercise as the moulded styrene ones are a little bit clunky. All the ships boats have additional detail such as rudders, handrails, screens and stern rails. The second, smaller sheet provides all new catapults, their turntables and other fittings. The main barbettes are fitted with new base rings and supports. There are several wind deflectors for the secondary armament which are made up by folding the large etched segments on each other creating a suitably scale thickness. There is also a complete replacement for the aircraft transport ramp which will need some careful folding to keep it straight. The downfalls for the ships boat davits are also included. The second set, supplied separately, provides all the railings in pre-cut lengths for the whole ship, plus a range of platforms with pierced gratings. Two accommodation ladders are also provided, in addition to their deck edge covered platforms. Unfortunately the awning supports and accommodation ladders found in previous Japanese ship sets are not included in this one. Conclusion It’s good to see these sets being released as, while the 1:350 Chikuma is a fabulous kit, it still needs something to give it a lift. The quality of the etched brass is up to the usual standard we’ve come to expect from Eduard. Unfortunately, the instructions are still a little vague in part placement and particularly how parts are folded. If you have the Tamiya kit, then you need these sets. Review sample courtesy of

IJNS Yahagi Hasegawa 1:350 Yahagi was the second of the four vessels completed in the Agano-class of light cruisers, and like other vessels of her class, she was intended for use as the flagship of a destroyer flotilla. Yahagi was completed at Sasebo Navy Yard on 29 December 1943 and was dispatched to Singapore for patrols of Lingga and for training in February 1944. In May, it departed Singapore for Tawi Tawi with the aircraft carriers Taiho, Zuikaku and Shokaku and cruisers Myoko and Haguro. The Battle of the Philippine Sea occurred on 19 June 1944. Yahagi was in Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa's “Force A” to oppose the American Fifth Fleet in a "decisive battle" off Saipan as command ship for DesDiv 10's Asagumo, DesDiv 17's Urakaze, Isokaze and Tanikaze, DesDiv 61's Wakatsuki, Hatsuzuki, Akizuki and Shimotsuki, screening the aircraft carriers. On 19 June 1944 the Mobile Fleet's aircraft attacked USN Task Force 58, but suffer overwhelming aircraft losses in the "Great Mariana's Turkey Shoot". Yahagi and Urakaze rescued 570 crewmen from the carrier Shokaku after it was torpedoed by USS Cavalla. After dry dock and refitting at Kure from late June – early July 1944, Yahagi was fitted with two additional triple-mount Type 96 25 mm AT/AA Gun mounts amidships (bringing its total to 48 barrels) and a Type 13 air-search and a Type 22 surface-search radar set. On 8 July 1944, Yahagi departed Kure with troops, and numerous battleships, cruisers and destroyers to return to Singapore. On 22 October 1944, Yahagi was in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Second Section of Force "A" of Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita's First Mobile Striking Force: (Center Force), commanding DesRon 10's DesDiv 2's Kiyoshimo, DesDiv 4's Nowaki and DesDiv 17's Urakaze, Yukikaze, Hamakaze and Isokaze. It is accompanied by battleships Kongo and the Haruna and cruisers Tone, Chikuma, Kumano and Suzuya. During the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea on 24 October 1944, the fleet endures 11 raids by over 250 Task Force 38 carrier aircraft from the USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Essex (CV-9), USS Intrepid (CV-11), USS Franklin (CV-13), USS Lexington (CV-16) and USS Cabot (CVL-28). Although Japanese battleship Musashi was sunk and Yamato and Nagato were hit, Yahagi was unscathed. Likewise in the Battle off Samar on 25 October 1944, Yahagi fought its way through the battle without damage. On 26 October 1944, Force A was attacked by 80 carrier aircraft off Panay, followed by 30 USAAF B-24 Liberator heavy bombers and an additional 60 carrier-based aircraft. Throughout these attacks Yahagi was not hit and returned to Brunei safely. On 16 November 1944, DesRon 10 was deactivated and Yahagi was assigned as the flagship of Rear Admiral Komura Keizo's new DesRon 2. Yahagi was ordered back to Japan on the same day for refit. It remained in Japanese home waters until March 1945. On 6 April 1945, Yahagi received orders for "Operation Ten-Go", to attack the American invasion force on Okinawa. Yahagi was ordered to accompany Yamato from Tokushima for its final suicide mission against the American fleet. At 1220 on 7 April 1945 the Yamato force was attacked by waves of 386 aircraft (180 fighters, 75 bombers, 131 torpedo planes) from Task Force 58. At 12:46, a torpedo hit Yahagi directly in her engine room, killing the entire engineering room crew and bringing her to a complete stop. Dead in the water, Yahagi was hit by at least six more torpedoes and 12 bombs by succeeding waves of air attacks. Japanese destroyer Isokaze attempted to come to Yahagi's aid but was attacked, heavily damaged, and sank sometime later. Yahagi capsized and sank at 14:05 at 30°47′N 128°08′E taking 445 crewmen with her. Rear Admiral Komura and Captain Tameichi Hara were among the survivors rescued by Hatsushimo and Yukikaze. Her survivors could see the Yamato in the distance, still steaming south as U.S. aircraft continued their attacks. However, in reality, Yamato was only minutes away from sinking. Yahagi was removed from the Navy List on 20 June 1945. The Model The kit comes in the standard Hasegawa style box with a great artists rendition of the Yahagi at sea on the Japanese Navy’s last mission. Inside the two hull parts are mounted on a separate “shelf”, on which there is also a rolled up poster of the cover art. Pulling the shelf out, the modeller is confronted with eleven sprues of grey styrene and one of clear. There is also a nice decal sheet, a sheet of self adhesive flags and a length of metal anchor chain. The parts are beautifully moulded with some exquisite detail, no sign of flash, just quite a few moulding pips, particularly on the smaller parts. Some are on quite fragile pipework which will need some care to remove and clean up. Since the Yahagi is the sister ship to the IJN cruiser Agano, reviewed HERE the majority of the parts are the same as is the build, therefore it seems a little disingenuous to repeat myself here. Suffice it to say that the kit will build into a very nice model. As with the Agano there are several detail sets available from Hasegawa which would have been nicer to have them included as they are rather expensive, but make the model into a real stunner. These sets for the Yahagi are the same as those for the Agano and have also been reviewed on this site HERE The ship can only be built full hull with no option of water lining it without major surgery, which may be a problem for some modellers. Decals The decal sheet provides a full set of insignia for the two aircraft, plus range of markings for the ship. The decals are well printed and in good register. They are slightly matt and should settle down pretty well with softener and setting solution, as experienced on other ship models from Hasegawa. Whilst there are flags included on the decal sheet, there is also a sheet of self adhesive flags which are a lot stronger and will last longer on the completed model. Conclusion Whilst this is almost a complete re-release of the IJNS Agano there are enough parts to make it different. With the ships history, being part of the Last Mission, it will make an interesting addition to any collection. Just a shame that the etch detail sets aren’t included in the box as they really do make a difference. Amerang Hasegawa Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for

IJN Light Cruiser Agano Eduard 1:350 Having reviewed the Eduard etched sets for the IJN light cruiser Agano HERE last October; it was a bit of a surprise to have this Big Ed set land at BM Towers. Containing both the ships set and the railing set Eduard have also included two identical sets of IJN crewmen Eduard indicate that this set is cheaper than buying the sets separately. That certainly appears true when looking on the Eduard website, but it would have been nice to have two different sets of crewmen, which follow the standard format of being self adhesive and when the two halves of each crewman are folded together they still appear slightly skinny. As has been suggested before by members you could use a dab of white glue or even paint to give them a fully profile. The etch is up to the standard we have come to expect from Eduard and are indeed a very useful asset in the absence of the proprietary sets from Hasegawa which are increasingly difficult to find and are rather expensive, particularly compared with the Eduard offering. The Eduard sets are not as comprehensive and the brass appears to be a little thinner than that used in the Hasegawa sets but the detail is still amazing and will look great when added to the model Conclusion A surprise arrival, but will be of great benefit to the modeller of the Agano or either of its two sisters, Yahagi and Noshiro, both of which have been released by Hasegawa. The crewmen will bring some life and interest to a seascape which is where they are best used in my opinion. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Crew Figures 1:350 Eduard With most of the maritime kits covered in Eduards range of etched sets they have now started producing crews to man your completed masterpieces. They have had a few sets out for a while, but this latest batch covers a couple of different Navies and time periods. 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 and self adhesive, making it a lot easier to produce each crewman just by the act of folding the two halves together. In this batch there are two sets for the Royal Navy, one for the Pacific and Far East, the other RN Gun Crew. The other two sets contain crew for the Russian Navy, one for from WWI, which also contains three rows of life rings, the other for WWII. I’m still unsure about these sets, as even with double thickness, they still look a little flat. Conclusion Apart from my reservations about the thickness of these items they do help add some much need life to a model ship, particularly if the model is in a seascape. Great for all sizes of ship, but you will need to buy a fair few sets of different poses to man a battleship or aircraft carrier. Recommended Review sample courtesy of

Finally got round to starting this after illness and work kept getting in the way. All parts have been cleaned in soapy water, with the metal and resin parts cleaned of any flash and injection points.

Hi Everyone, Here is 2013 completed model number 12. This is the 1:350 scale Hobby Boss HMS Astute (my first Hobby Boss kit and first photo etch parts kit). This kit has been an absolute joy to build. I would definately look at other Hobby Boss kits in the future. Anyway onto the pictures. Comments welcome. Thanks for looking. Rick

Hi, I got this kit from White Ensign Models and was very impressed with the delivery (24 hours from dispatch). I have laid a coat of grey primer over the whole kit and display stand. This will be my first kit with photo etch parts and need some advice about the painting of the photo etch parts as they fit into the hull of the sub itself. Photos later. Rick

Finally finished this rather difficult kit. It fought me all the way, but I think it's come out ok, although it's far from my best work. Just glad it's all over.

IJN Light Cruiser Agano Eduard 1:350 The Hasegawa IJN Agano has been out for quite a while now, but Eduard have seen fit to release these two etched brass sets for it anyway. This is in fact a good thing as Hasegawas own detail sets are, shall we say, rather expensive. So if you’re on a tight budget and yet would like to detail your Agano, these will fit the bill perfectly. (53096) The single largish sheet in the pack may not be as comprehensive as the Hasegawa sets, but is still filled with very nice relief etched items. There are a plethora of replacement hatches, grilles, watertight/armoured doors, which can be posed open should the modeller wish, vertical and inclined ladders, replacement davits and crane jibs, plus the tops of the bollards. Also included are replacement aerials and the D/F mast, doors and hatches for the rangefinder and direction controller stations. The main mast receives new yardarm ropewalks, aerials and access ladders along with a new starfish platform for the centre section. The ships cutters receive new oars, thwarts and gunwales, rudder and replacement cradles, whilst the motor boat are fitted with a new bulkhead for the cabin, two new masts, replacement anchor, foredeck guardrails, rudder, propeller and a lifering. The turrets 2 and 4 are fitted out with replacement aerial masts, whilst the torpedo launchers have a full complement of handrails fitted. The funnel has a very complex cap arrangement which will need some patience and careful assembly to get right, along with the foot and hand rails that are fitted on several levels either side of the funnel. Another complex structure, with numerous parts is the replacement catapult, which will not only be more detailed, but will look a whole lot more in scale, with a finer structure than the kit part it replaces. The aircraft also get new handling trolleys and launch cradles. The final parts that complete the set are new cradles for the spare aircraft floats, searchlight tower bases and supports, searchlight faces main crane platform braces and if the model is to be shown in a seascape Eduard have even provided Jacobs ladders for the boat booms so that they can be shown deployed correctly and a very nice accommodation ladder with separate deckside platform. The railing set, (53094) contains all the railings required to complete the ship. Each railing is pre-cut to the correct length for their respective positions, although some careful folding and rolling will still be required to fit some of the more awkward positions. Conclusion This should be a very welcome release for those who have the Hasegawa Agano, but can’t afford or want to add the supper amounts of detail contained in the separate detail sets Hasegawa have released. These sets are more than enough to enhance the Agano and take to another level of detail from that contained within the kit box. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

HMS Dreadnought 1907 Eduard 1:350 The release of the Trumpeter HMS Dreadnought was most welcome; although it didn’t come as much of a surprise as the Zvezda kit it was still very welcome. Trumpeter have since released a later version, but these two sets of etched brass from Eduard are for the 1907 version. (53091) This single sheet set may not be as comprehensive as some other manufacturers releases, but it will certainly add some nice fine detail for those who don’t want, or require any more than this to detail their model. The sheet contains the standard items found in most releases, such as new hatch covers and deckhouses, vertical and inclined ladders. In addition there are also new turret roofs, complete with railings, new bridge railings, bridge wing supports and bridge house, steam pipes for both funnels, ropewalks for the yardarms and replacement cockpits for the ships boats. The compass platform on the quarterdeck is also replaced with a very complex and rather challenging structure which will look great if done correctly. The railing set, (53094) by its very nature provides a full set of ships railings each, designed to fit in their respective positions. Conclusion Yet another nice set from Eduard which will go some way to making a very nice model of the Dreadnought into a great model. Apart from one or two challenging structures, it shouldn’t be too taxing for any modeller who has some experience of using photo etched parts. Recommended Review sample courtesy of

HMS Dreadnought 1915 1/350 Trumpeter History HMS Dreadnought was an 18,110-ton battleship built at Portsmouth Dockyard. She represented one of the most notable design transformations of the armored warship era. Her "all-big-gun" main battery of ten twelve-inch guns, steam turbine powerplant and 21-knot maximum speed so thoroughly eclipsed earlier types that subsequent battleships were commonly known as "dreadnoughts", and the previous ones disparaged as "pre-dreadnoughts". The swiftness of her construction was equally remarkable. Laid down in October 1905, she was launched in February 1906, after only four months on the ways. Dreadnought was commissioned for trials a year after her keel was laid and was completed in December 1906. The new battleship served as Flagship of the Home Fleet in 1907-1912 and remained part of that fleet thereafter. Dreadnought served with the 4th Battle Squadron in the North Sea during the first two years of World War I. On 18 March 1915, while so employed, she rammed and sank the German Submarine U-29. From May 1916, Dreadnought was flagship of the 3rd Battle Squadron, based on the Thames to counter the threat of bombardment by German battlecruisers. Placed in reserve in 1919, the once-revolutionary warship was sold for scrapping in 1922. The Model The model comes in the standard Trumpeter sturdy top opening box with a colourful depiction of the Dreadnought a mooring buoy on the lid. Inside you are confronted with nine sprues of grey styrene, two separate deck pieces, the two hull halves, four sheets of etched brass, a length of metal anchor chain, (which will need to be painted in the correct colour) and a small decal sheet. All the parts are cleanly moulded with no signs of distortion and no flash, although there are a number of moulding pips, but not as many as some models I’ve seen. Unfortunately for those who like to build their ships waterline the kit comes in full hull option only and unlike the Zvezda kit doesn't even come with an internal cut line. The hull shape matches well the plans and diagrams in the Anatomy of a Ship book which, considering their sometimes hit and miss approach, Trumpeter should be commended for. The decks are made up of the single piece main deck and the separate foredeck. There are a large number of indentations in the main deck which look like ejection pin marks, but don't worry these are for the numerous mushroom vents the ship was fitted with. Planking is a little bit artificial looing but under a a coat of paint should look ok. Due to the small number of moulded deck houses the deck painting shouldn't be too much of a chore, although there is always the option of using the wooden decks that are soon to be released for this kit. During the period which this kit represents the anti torpedo nets may have been landed as they were proving less and less useful, and also forced the ship to reduce speed considerably. The booms though were kept for another year when they were removed in the refit of 1916. So the ship can actually be modelled both with and without nets, although since they are not provided in the kit the only option of providing them is to buy the Pontos set. Construction begins with the two hull halves being joined together. To enable a strong and stiff hull there are six bulkheads and a stern pin. Throughout the build sequences there are small sub assemblies built, not necessarily in a useful order. Thus it may be an idea to build as many of these sub-assemblies at the beginning and fit them when called for. The foredeck is fitted with two PE supports aft and three bulkheads foreward, just aft of A turret. The main deck is fitted to the hull whilst on the underside the four propeller shafts, supports and propellers are attached along with the two rudders and the bilge keels. As with other sub-assemblies the fore and aft funnels are assembled, complete with PE funnel caps. According to the instructions items such as the thirteen 12pdr guns, windlasses, deckhouses, derricks and other parts are fitted before the whole deck is attached to the hull/maindeck, but it would be best to add these after the deck had been fitted to prevent damage and loss. Assuming this, the shelter deck and ships boat cradles are fitted along with two more 12pdrs, searchlights, cable reels, and ammunition lockers are attached. The bridge structure is made up of four parts, onto which the upper PE railings ate attached, as are the compass binnacles, signal lamps and a small shelter structure. On the underside the bridge supports are added. Still on the foredeck, PE items are fitted, these include inclined ladders, grilles and shutters. Once the foretop has been assembled the supports star can been added. To this the yardarms and topmast is fitted, the foremast is attached to the bridge and the foretop assembly attached to the top of the foremast. With the bridge in position along with the foremast and it's attendant supports the fore funnel sub-assembly can be fitted into position. The five turrets are then built up out the single turret, two 12" gun barrels. On top of each turret, three sighting positions and two platforms are attached. Only four of the five turrets have the twin 12 pdr mounts fitted, with A turret the odd one out. The rear spotting structure is also assembled at this point Each of the seven ships rowing boats have separate rudders, but no other embellishments. The three steam pinnaces each have a separate rudder, deck and funnel. When these boats are complete the can be fitted to their respective cradles and supports. As mentioned above there are numerous mushroom vents on the main deck and these can now be fitted, followed by the anti-torpedo net booms, anchors, davits, three 12pdr guns on the quarter deck and the ensign staff. There is the option of having two accommodation ladders depicted in the lowered position, one amidships on the starboard side and one on the port quarter. The five turrets, rear spotting structure, PE name plates on each quarter and the Jack staff are fitted. There are a number of stove pipes that are positioned around the superstructure, but you will need to check your references for the date of construction your build depicts, as these were only fitted during the winter. Finally there are thirty eight PE parts that are presumed to represent the tie-point for the anti-torpedo net wires. Decals The small sheet of decals provides the Union Jack and Naval Ensign in both straight and wavy form and the ships name plates. Please note, and it's a common fault in models, the Ensign and Union Jack are not flown at sea, only in harbour. There may be a smaller Ensign flown form the mainmast should yuo wish to depict the model at sea, but you'll have to provide your own. Conclusion This is a super model of the most important ship of its age. Trumpeter have done superb job on this kit and deserve a cheer for getting not only the shape of the hull right, but also the details that differentiate this from their earlier 1907 kit. The only downside is that they don't appear to have provided enough railings to cover the ship, especially as they provide some, they might as well gone the whole hog and provided them all. While there is nothing too taxing in the build the rigging is something else, particularly with the wire spreaders, although these are available along with several PE sets from the aftermarket companies should you not wish to try and make them yourselves. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

I've been looking for a 1:350 Flower class corvette, by Mirage-Hobby, to build but found that there are two; HMS Zinnia and HMS Anchusa. Can anyone who has these kits confirm whether they are both the same kit or do they contain different sprues etc? If they are separate then what are the differences in the kits? cheers Mike

Airborne Torpedoes and Trolleys Master Models 1:350 Having built a large and impressive model, say of an aircraft carrier, it sometimes feels that there is something missing. Yes, you could add some or even a lot of crew, but what about flightdeck equipment, airborne weapons etc. Well Master Models have just released these two sets that will go some way to liven up, or set the scene on the flightdeck or even the hanger. Both sets provide ten Mark 13 torpedoes and more importantly, their transport trolleys. The differences in each set are the change in airborne torpedo tails which is why there are separate early and late type in these sets. The trolleys and torpedo tails are in etch brass, while the torpedo bodies have been produced in turned brass. When combined with suitable crew these will look superb whether arming a Devastator or an Avenger or just parked in the weapons park. Conclusion These are two great little sets that provide that extra life on a flightdeck. The trolleys and torpedo tails look like they will be a little fiddly to make up, but as usual with these types of builds, plenty to care and patience will reap rewards. Then all you have to do is work out what scenario you are going to use them. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

USS Indianapolis Academy 1:350 History Indianapolis was the second of two ships in the Portland class; third class of "treaty cruisers" to be constructed by the United States Navy following the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, following the two vessels of the Pensacola class ordered in 1926 and the six vessels of the Northampton class ordered in 1927. Ordered for the U.S. Navy in fiscal year 1930, Indianapolis was originally designated as a light cruiser, and given the hull classification symbol CL-35, being re-designated a heavy cruiser with the symbol CA-35 on 1 July 1931. As built, the Portland class cruisers were to be 610 feet 3 inches (186.00 m) in length overall, and 592 feet (180 m) long at the waterline, 64 feet 6 inches (19.66 m) abeam, and with a draft of 21 feet (6.4 m) (24 feet (7.3 m) maximum). They were designed for a standard displacement of 10,258 tonnes (10,096 long tons; 11,308 short tons), and a full-load displacement of 12,755 tonnes (12,554 long tons; 14,060 short tons). However, when completed she did not reach this weight, displacing 9,800 tonnes (9,600 long tons; 10,800 short tons). The ship featured two distinctive raked funnels, a tripod foremast, and a small tower and pole mast aft. In 1943, light tripods were added forward of the second funnel on each ship, and a prominent Naval director was installed aft. The ship was equipped with four propeller shafts and four Parsons GT geared turbines and eight Yarrow boilers. The power plant generated 107,000 shaft horsepower (80,000 kW) and the ship had a design speed of 32 knots (59 km/h). She was designed for a range of 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km; 12,000 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h). She rolled badly until fitted with a bilge keel. The cruiser was armed with a main battery of nine Mark 9 8"/55 calibre guns arrayed in three triple mounts, a super firing pair fore and one aft. For anti-aircraft defence, she was armed with eight 5"/25 calibre guns as well as two QF 3 pounder Hotchkiss guns. In 1945, the anti-aircraft defences of Indianapolis were upgraded, and she received twenty four Bofors 40 mm guns, which were arrayed in six quad mounts. Both ships were also upgraded with twelve Oerlikon 20 mm cannons. No torpedo tubes were fitted on her. The Portland class was originally armed with 1 inch of armour for deck protection and side protection, but during construction these were substantially up-armored. As completed, the ships were armed with belt armour between 5 inches (around the magazines) and 3.25 inches in thickness. Armor on the bulkheads was between 2 inches and 5.75 inches, while armour on the deck was 2.5 inches, armour on the barbettes was 1.5 inches, armour on the gun houses was 2.5 inches, and armour on the conning tower was 1.25 inches. Additionally, the Portland class cruisers were designed to be outfitted as fleet flagships, with space for an Admiral and his staff to operate. The class also featured an aircraft catapult amidships. They could carry four aircraft. The total crew complement varied, with a regular designed crew complement of 807, a wartime complement of 952, which could increase to 1,229 when the cruiser was operating as a fleet flagship. The Indianapolis had an eventful and busy war either escorting carriers or bombarding shore facilities and batteries in preparation for amphibious landings. The was hit several times, the worst being on 31st March 1945 when a Japanese aircraft managed to get through the flack and dropped a bomb whilst in a steep dive. The aircraft just missed the quarterdeck, but the bomb went through the main deck, crews mess hall, berthing compartment, and fuel tanks, before crashing through the keel and exploding in the water underneath. She was saved by the watertight compartments and bulkheads which prevented any major influx of water. After emergency repairs by a salvage ship she managed to make her own way across the Pacific to Mare Island, California to have major repairs and a complete overhaul. In July 1945 Indianapolis received orders to proceed to Tinian Island, carrying parts and the enriched uranium (about half of the world's supply of Uranium-235 at the time) for the atomic bomb Little Boy, which would later be dropped on Hiroshima. Indianapolis departed San Francisco on 16 July. Arriving at Pearl Harbour on 19 July, she raced on unaccompanied, reaching Tinian on 26 July. Indianapolis was then sent to Guam where a number of the crew who had completed their tours of duty were replaced by other sailors. Leaving Guam on 28 July, she began sailing toward Leyte where her crew was to receive training before continuing on to Okinawa to join Vice Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf's Task Force 95. At 00:14 on 30 July, she was struck by two Type 95 torpedoes on her starboard bow, from the Japanese submarine I-58 under the command of Mochitsura Hashimoto. The explosions caused massive damage. The Indianapolis took on a heavy list, and settled by the head. Twelve minutes later, she rolled completely over, then her stern rose into the air, and she plunged down. Some 300 of the 1,196 crewmen went down with the ship. With few lifeboats and many without lifejackets, the remainder of the crew were set adrift awaiting rescue. About 900 men went into the water and due to the fact that the ships loss went unreported it was four days before they were accidentally discovered and reported by a US Ventura, by the time rescuers arrived only 317 men survived, the rest were lost either due to starvation, hypothermia, dehydration and the infamous shark attacks. The loss of the Indianapolis became the worst disaster in US Naval history. The Model The kit comes in a sturdy box with an attractive stylised painting of the ship in heavy seas. Inside there are the separate upper and lower hulls allowing the kit to be made into a waterline model should the modeller wish. The lower hull is moulded in red styrene whilst the upper hull is in Academy’s greeny grey styrene, as are the four large sprues and separate superstructure part. There are also two smaller sprues of black styrene. A small decal sheet is also included. The parts are all very cleanly moulded with no sign of flash and only one or two moulding pips. The parts are held very securely on the sprues and while the majority of gates are quite small there are some tiny parts that will need to be carefully cut away as they look likely to break. Detail though is very good, with some fine mouldings on the superstructures although the wooden deck area on the foredeck and the anti-slip decking on the anti-aircraft decks, does look rather heavily overdone, especially if one scales it up to full size, the anti-slip would be a trip hazard. If the fit of the hull parts is anything to go by then the rest of the kit should go together like a dream. The jury is out on why some of the parts are moulded in black styrene, they really should have kept all the sprues the same, but since most modellers prime their models before painting then it’s not too much of a problem, just in this case it’ll be a matter of having to rather than wanting to. The construction begins with the fitting of the lower hull to the upper hull. Now of course, if the model is being built as a waterline then this section can be bi-passed. If being built as full hull then the four propeller shafts are fitted with the propellers and fitted to their respective positions, along with the ships rudder, whilst at the bows the two anchors are attached. The two deck sections are fitted to the upper hull, being fixed into the groove around the hull edge and supported by three posts pre-moulded in the lower hull. The four boat booms are fitted to the sides of the upper hull, two foreward and two aft. Now the instructions call for two ships boats to be attached to their davits and fitted to the deck alongside what will be the aft superstructure. It would probably be best to leave these off until near the end of the build as they will easily be knocked off and also be an obstacle to painting. The smokescreen canisters are also fitted to the stern at this point. The rest of the build can be broken down into a series of sub-assemblies if required to make for an easier build and easier painting, but this review will stick to the instructions. The three turrets are built up out of the main gunhouse, turret base, single piece trunnion, onto which the three gun barrels are attached. Once completed B and C turret are fitted out with four liferafts, while A turret is fitted with six. Once the lower deckhouse of the front superstructure is fitted to the deck the three turrets can be mounted. Three paravanes, four floatation baskets, a life raft and to twin 20mm Oerlikons are then attached to the lower deckhouse. The fore funnel is constructed using the two funnel halves, the black styrene funnel tops and grilles, two exhaust pipes and a liferaft. The assembly is then fitted to the aft section of the lower deckhouse fitted earlier, followed by three cable reels, another small chimney and a ventilator. Right aft, on what the US Navy calls the fantail two quad 40mm Bofors mounts are fitted as are their fire control posts. Moving foreward the bridge tower is assembled. This is made up of a deck mounting two more 40mm Bofors mounts in their tubs, onto which the lower tower is fitted. The bridge deck is then attached followed by the bridge section itself, into which the upper bridge is fitted along with the foreward main gun director assembly, observation tubs, aldis lamps and binocular stands. The bridge structure has the two foremast supports running right from top to bottom at an angle. Onto these supports the two mast platforms, the director tower, and director unit are attached. The top mast assembly is then fitted. This assembly is made up of lower mast, platform with small radar fitted, yardarms with pre-moulded supports and finally the topmast. The completed bridge structure is then fitted to the forepart of the lower deckhouse. Aft of the bridge two small deckhouse assemblies with additional floatation baskets are fitted as are three aerials. Right aft of the lower deckhouse the spare float for the aircraft is attached along with its support. The mast, aft funnel, main mast, AA gun decks and aft superstructure are assembled next. The tripod main mast is made up the front leg with pre-moulded bracing beams is attached to the rear pair of legs. Onto the tripod a platform is fitted along with the yardarms. On the platform the large rectangular radar array is attached to the rear, while the topmast is attached to the front. The aft funnel is a simple affair, with just the two halves that need to be glued together. Each of the AA gun decks has four single 5” AA mounts, with each mount made up of the mounting, trunnion and barrel. The forward deck also has two quad 40mm Bofors fitted. The funnel deckhouse is made up of three side and the roof, onto which the funnel is fitted along with four director tubs and two searchlights. Just aft of the funnel there are three steam pipes and aft of those a small deckhouse is fitted. The aft radar tower is constructed from two halves, turntable and radar array. With the aft superstructure fitted to the quarterdeck just aft of the rear turret and the hanger doors fitted to the rear of the central well, the gun decks, now fitted with the radar tower, mainmast, eight 5” and two quad 40s can be fitted. Just aft of the rear gun deck another small deck piece is fitted with the aft main gun director four twin 20mm Oerlikons and four floatation basket. The two catapult turntable towers are then fitted on either side the amidships hanger well. Onto these the two three piece catapults are fitted and posed either stowed or angled for use. There are four aircraft included in the kit, two Curtis SOC Seagull biplanes and two Curtis SOC Seahawk monoplanes. Both were used on the Indianapolis with the Seahawks shipped only a month or so before she was sunk, so depending on when the modeller wishes to depict the model with decide which aircraft they wish to fit. The Seagull aircraft are made up of a single piece fuselage, complete with canopy, upper and lower wings, separate main float and wing floats, cabane and interplane struts, horizontal tailplane and separate propeller. The instructions don’t actually show how these aircraft go together but it’s pretty obvious form the sprues. The Seahawks also have a single piece fuselage, and are completed with the fitting of the wing, horizontal tailplane, main and wing floats, plus the propeller. Neither aircraft has the option of being folded but this shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve for the average modeller. With the aircraft fitted onto the catapults the aircraft crane is attached just forward of the mainmast. Completion of the model comes with the fitting of the Jack and Ensign Staffs. To display the full hull model Academy have provided a nice looking stand onto which the ships name plaque is attached. Decals The small decal sheet contains just the ships pennant numbers, four Stars and Stripes, two straight and two flapping and the national insignia for the aircraft. Considering their size the decals are well printed and in good register. Being slightly glossy they should settle fairly well with your favourite softening/settling solution. Conclusion This is a very competent kit straight from the box. The moulding is nice, the fit appears to be very good and the detail is pretty good. Whilst some of the finer details such as the railings are missing, and some parts such as the crane and catapults would be better in etch there is nothing to stop the modeller from producing a very nice and from what I can gather a reasonably accurate model of this interesting ship. I reckon it will be good for beginners and experts alike as the build isn’t overly complex and it provides an excellent base to super detail. I’m sure this will also be released as a Premium edition kit in the future as Academy have done with the Graf Spee and HMS Warpsite so you won’t have to wait for the aftermarket companies to release their wares. Highly recommended.

DKM Battleship Tirpitz Academy 1:350 History Tirpitz was the second of two Bismarck-class battleships built for the German Kriegsmarine (War Navy) during World War II. Named after Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, the architect of the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy), the ship was laid down at the Kriegsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven in November 1936 and her hull was launched two and a half years later. Work was completed in February 1941, when she was commissioned into the German fleet. Like her sister ship Bismarck, Tirpitz was armed with a main battery of eight 38-centimeter (15 in) guns in four twin turrets. After a series of wartime modifications she was 2,000 metric tons heavier than Bismarck. After completing sea trials in early 1941, Tirpitz briefly served as the centrepiece of the Baltic Fleet, which was intended to prevent a possible break-out attempt by the Soviet Baltic Fleet. In early 1942, the ship sailed to Norway to act as a deterrent against an Allied invasion. While stationed in Norway, Tirpitz was also intended to be used to intercept Allied convoys to the Soviet Union, and two such missions were attempted in 1942. Tirpitz acted as a fleet in being, forcing the British Royal Navy to retain significant naval forces in the area to contain the battleship. In September 1943, Tirpitz, along with the battlecruiser Scharnhorst, bombarded Allied positions on the island of Spitzbergen, the only time the ship used her main battery in anger. Shortly thereafter, the ship was damaged in an attack by British X Craft, and subsequently subjected to a series of large-scale air raids. On 12 November 1944, British Lancaster bombers equipped with 12,000 pound (5,400 kg) "Tallboy" bombs destroyed the ship; two direct hits and a near miss caused the ship to capsize rapidly. A deck fire spread to the ammunition magazine for one of the main battery turrets, which caused a large explosion. Figures for the number of men killed in the attack range from 950 to 1,204. Between 1948 and 1957 the wreck was broken up by a joint Norwegian and German salvage operation. The Model The kit comes in a suitably long box with an artists impression of the Tirpitz at sea strangely with a King George V class battleship. Artistic licence at its best, particularly with the KGV turrets turned to towards the Tirpitz whilst she has her turrets trained fore and aft, but it is just the boxart. More importantly, inside, the box is split lengthways into two halves, with one half taken up with the single piece hull and the eight sprues and three deck parts all in a bluey-grey styrene. There is also one sprue of black styrene for part of the stands and one in a very shiny gold for the other parts of the stands. This kit supersedes an earlier release and whilst the differences between kits is unknown the moulding of this kits parts appears to be pretty good, with no signs of flash and only a few moulding pips. There are however, quite a few sink marks, particularly on the main and secondary turret roofs. There is also a large seam running from stem to stern on the large single piece hull part which will need to be removed. Detail is pretty sparse overall and it does appear to a pretty simplified kit. The centre main deck is moulded to the centre superstructure which initially looks like it has none of the paraphernalia associated with this class of ship such as portholes, hatches, watertight doors etc, which is rather disappointing. The light AA weapons are very basic and look slightly out of scale. These would be better replaced with aftermarket items. This kit does remind me a little of the old Revell example, before they re-jigged the whole thing into the much better kit that it is now. It also looks like the original kit was motorised as there are tell tale marks inside the hull showing where the battery box, gearbox and motor housings have been filled in on the original mould. The construction sequence begins with the assembly of the stands, the black parts of which would be better painted in say matt black to contrast well with the very bright gold parts. On the ship itself the rear of the propeller shaft fairings are applied and fitted with the propeller shafts themselves, along with the A frames and propellers. The centre propeller is fitted directly to the centre keel fairing moulded into the hull. The rudder post holes need to be drilled out before the rudders are attached. Assembly is then accomplished in the following order, foredeck, quarterdeck then the centre section. The foredeck is fitted out with the main anchor capstains, anchors, cable reels, Jack staff and two 20mm cannon. Anton turrets two 15” guns are attached to a centre spindle and slid into the apertures with the spindle glued to a slot just behind the front face. The turret is then fitted to its position and a retaining fixture glued to it from underneath, thus allowing the turret to rotate. It may be better to leave the turrets off until final assembly to aid painting, particularly if rotating parts aren’t essential to the build. With all the parts fitted the foredeck can be glued and taped to the bow of the hull. The quarter deck assembly is very similar to the foredeck, with the fitting of the cable reels, Dora turret, (made up the same way as Anton), Ensign Staff and stern anchor. In addition to the two single 20mm mounts, there are also two quad 20mm mounts fitted just foreward of the main turret. The completed deck is then glued and taped to the rear of the hull. On the hull sides the rear boat booms and the propeller guards are attached. The centre section of deck and the superstructure is fitted out with Bruno turret foreward and Caesar turret aft. The secondary armament, consisting of six 5.9”, (150mm) twin turrets each made up of the turret and the single piece twin guns which again are slid into the apertures and clicked into place. The fore and aft 150mm turrets are the same with the two middle turrets each having rangefinders, so ensure you have them fitted into correct positions. These are fitted to the deck in the same way as the main turrets. There are separate deck sections onto which the tertiary armaments of eight twin 105mm mounts are fitted. These sections are then fitted to the centre superstructure deck, along with the rather basic catapult, port and starboard boat cradles, forward 37mm platform with two mounts fitted, aft pair of 37mm cannon. Fore and aft on either side of the superstructure a number of paravanes are fitted and the torpedo tubes are fitted amidships. The nature of the basis of this model being motorised is seen in the way the centre deck section is fitted to the hull. Two poly caps are inserted in wells in the foredeck and quarterdeck sections and the centre deck push fits into the caps. Since the deck no longer needs to be removable the modeller really should glue and tape this section to the hull. Several sub assemblies are put together. These include more 20mm and 37mm cannon, the rangefinder towers, searchlights, ships boats and ships cranes. Construction can then start on the superstructure, starting with the forepart, bridge, and bridge tower. Each section is made up of separate sides, deck, platforms and detailed with the various cannon, small rangefinders, and the like. The folding bridge wings are fitted to the lower section onto which the forward control tower with the 7.5m rangefinder and gunnery control radar, (FuMO-23), is fitted. The mid section also has two more platforms fitted out with 20mm and 37mm cannon, forward searchlight and armoured tower. The top section has the distinctive yardarms fitted aft, four small rangefinders, and finally, right at the top the forward 10.5m rangefinder and associated radar arrays. The foremast and yardarms are assembled and added to the rear of the forward superstructure. The completed section is then fitted to its position on the forward section of the centre deck. Moving aft the large single funnel is assembled out of the two halves and separate funnel cap, which has a solid funnel grille. To this assembly the side mounted searchlights are mounted along with their distinctive covers which can be posed either open or closed. To the rear of the funnel there is a large platform fitted, on which two searchlights and two quad 20mm cannon are attached. A smaller platform is fitted lower down the funnel and between the two platforms the boat handling cranes are sandwiched. The funnel is then fitted to the upper deck along with the aircraft hangers on both sides of it, and the main ships cranes aft. The ships boats are then fitted to their respective cradles on the hangers and on the cradles fitted earlier in the build. Aft of the catapult there is a small structure which not only has more of the ships boats sited on top, but also carries and observation platform and small main mast with its unusual yard arm arrangement. Aft of this structure is the two story rear superstructure, housing two more rangefinder towers, searchlights, single, twin and quad 20mm cannon and the aft 10.5m rangefinder and gunnery control radar. With the fitting of these two structures the build is complete apart from the adding of the two Arado 196 aircraft should the modeller wish, each of which are made up of the complete aircraft moulded as one piece and two separate floats. Decals There are two sheets included in the kit, one carrying waterslide type decals providing the identification and national markings for the aircraft, whilst the second is self adhesive and covers the ships ensigns and national flag, (without swastikas in the top left corner. The self adhesive flags are not pre-cut, so care will need to be taken when cutting around the flags, probably with a sharp scalpel blade. The decals are not printed that well and if viewed close up are rather poor; looking like the ink has run, making them look fuzzy. It’ll probably be best to replace them with aftermarket items. Conclusion From the box this looked like it would be a nice model, but unfortunately it really is showing its age and its provenance. It will take a lot of work to bring up to even a good standard, using plenty of aftermarket items and scratchbuilding the rest. If you’re that way inclined then the kit appears to be pretty well done shape wise, and thus would be a good base, although I have to say there are easier ways of creating an accurate Tirpitz. Someone new to maritime modelling may find it a useful starting build as it’s fairly simple and would certainly be a useful painting exercise. Review sample courtesy of