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USS Missouri Etched Detail Sets. 1:200


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USS Missouri Detail Sets

1:200 Eduard



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Fourth in Trumpeters release schedule of famous battleships in 1:200, the USS Missouri kit is one to behold, particularly the size and detail held within the huge box. But as wonderful and detailed the kit is there are always ways to make a model finer and more detailed than even the kit manufacturers thought possible. Naturally Eduard have taken up the baton and released not one, but 10 etched sets for the modeller to bedeck their creation. The sets vary in size and complexity ranging from two to three large sheets down to one small sheet of relief etched brass. Of course the modeller doesnt have to use every set, but can pick and chose which suits their requirements best. Note that before using any of the sets, some of the kits details will need to be removed.

Part 1- (53-113) this single sheet set is designed to detail the ships 20mm Oerlikon AA guns and mounts. Each gun receives new shield, shield mount, shield mount cover, gunsight, traversing hand wheel and the correct style of shoulder guards. There are enough parts to detail 58 individual weapons.


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Part 2 (53-117), this set, containing two quite large sheets of etched brass is designed to detail up to twenty 40mm quad mounts. The kits gun mounting plate needs to be quite heavily modified before you can use the set along with the removal of the twin barrels rear handles. Now, some careful bending is required to produce the curved elevation tracks fitted to each side of the replacement etched foot plate which is attached to the mounting plate. The mounts are then fitted with new railings and operators seats. The guns themselves are fitted with new sights and the whole mount finished off with the new splinter shield.


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Part 3 (53-118), This smallish sheet contains a surprising number of parts for the ships catapults and aircraft handling crane. Whilst the core of the catapults and crane are assembled from kit parts the rest is constructed from this sheet. The catapults receive new walkways, turntable, additional support brackets, cable wheels, panelling on the underside front, front and rear bulkheads. There are also two new aircraft launch cradles which are complex items in their own right. The crane receives additional internal crossbraces for the main boom new cable wheels, cable, hooks, access ladders and platforms. A couple of parts need to be made up from styrene rod, such as the guide wheel axles and a pair of large bollards that are fitted just aft of the crane on the fantail of the ship.


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Part 4 (53-119), Contains a selection of thirty eight floater net baskets in six different styles. Each basket comprises of the main netting which needs to be bent and rolled to shape, before the ends can be folded into position. The supports, three per net are then attached before the assembly can be glued into position on the model, for which there are clear diagrams on the reverse of the instructions.


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Part 5 (53-121), this is one of the larger two sheet sets, containing parts to detail the 40mm gun tubs. Each tub is fitted out with four layer ammunition racks that surround the insides and finished off with an access ladder for the crew to get over the splinter shields. One pair of tubs also receives a new etched floor.


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Part 6 (53-122), is designed to provide the ships railings for the main deck, although only the stanchions and tightening chain are provided, well, along with the templates for drilling the holes to fit each stanchion. Wire is then fixed to each stanchion ate three heights, although no wire is provided and no instruction on what gauge to use either. This is definitely one for the masochist modeller, but if done correctly will look outstanding.


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Part 7 (53-123), this is the largest of all the sets with two large sheets and a medium sized sheet. The number of parts contained in this set is quite mind boggling, there seems to be additional or replacement parts for pretty much every part of the superstructure and the attending fixtures and fittings. The large parts include items such as the chain plates on the foredeck with added hawspipe gratings, mast platforms and their associated support structures, plus a replacement breakwater and its supports. The small and very small parts include such items as the vertical ladders, winch details, davit wires, boat boom cranes, which can be posed rigged, complete with Jacobs ladders, or folded away, capstan details, new floorboards for the carley floats and even the handles on the front of the searchlights. The 5 practice loaders are also super detailed with ten parts per unit, such is the level of detail Eduard have gone to. There are also numerous vents and intake grilles fitted around the main superstructure along with cable reels deck house lights, a host of new aerials and a couple of smaller radars. The funnel caps get a complete makeover which really will help with the scale look of these parts. Finally there are additional fittings and replacement parts for all the main and secondary turrets.


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Part 8 (53-124). Although this set is titled radars, it contains quite a bit more on the single sheet. Of course the main SK-2 radar array is completely replaced and whilst fiddly, even in this scale, it will look amazing when assembled. There are a lot of parts tot eh SK-2 and the assembly is almost like building the real thing, so special care will be required to ensure everything is aligned correctly. Each of the Mk37 gun directors are also given the Eduard treatment with the replacement of the radars with highly detailed Mk12 and Mk22 arrays and their support structures, in addition to new armoured sighting and access doors, ladders and handrails. The main rangefinder housing is provided with new walkways, railings, roof parts and completely new arm extensions which Trumpeter missed off.


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Part 9 (53-125). This small sheet contains the rungs for the ladders that are fitted to the hull sides. Using the templates provided, the modeller needs to drill 04mm holes in the specified areas before fitting the rungs. Yes it will be awkward and time consuming but the effect will be worth it.


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Part 10 (53-126). The final set in this extravaganza of detail provides the hull plates that are fitted along the length of both sides of the upper hull and missed off in the kit. Templates are provided for the correct positioning and its just a matter of measuring along the hull every 35mm placing the template and fitting the plates.


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Conclusion
Well, what can I say, there is enough detail within these sets to keep even the most ardent detail nut happy for hours, if not months. The level of additional and replacement detail s quite overwhelming and you will really need your mojo set to high if you wish to add it all, which after all is the point. If, at the end of the build you have retained your sanity then you will have a truly museum standard model and one worthy of any collection. Of course, with the sets being separate you can buy and fit as much or as little as you wish, depending on say experience or time. Very highly recommended.


Review sample courtesy of logo.gif

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