Eduard USS Hornet Detail Sets. 1:200

[Shar2]

USS Hornet Detail Sets
1:200 Eduard

Continuing their range of 1:200 scale ships Trumpeter released the USS Hornet in 2013, since then only the likes of Mk1 Design and Tetra have released detail sets, which are almost as expensive, if not more, than the kit itself. Eduard have now joined the fray with five individual sets for those who like to have more of a choice as to what areas they like to add detail, and on a more affordable budget. The five sets include items for the cranes, radar, life boats, Oerlikon, 5” guns and quad AA mounts.

Part 1- (53-128) this single sheet set is designed to replace the two ships boat cranes situated on the port and starboard quarters and plus the jib and fittings on the deck crane aft of the island. The boat cranes are of an almost solid construction with a fixed jib and these are represented with a single piece of etched brass folded to shape. To this structure there is a large top box fitted to top of the vertical leg of the crane, which is missing from the kit and also some of the other add-on sets. The cranes are finished off with the fitting of the two hooks, assembled from the upper and lower wheels, hook and hook frames with the wheels joined by two lengths of wire of 0.2mm diameter provided by the modeller. The deck mounted crane uses the kits pole, to which the new jib, jib support, cable wheels, hooks brackets and the top mounted platform complete with railings. The crane is finished off with the attachment of the lower platforms, platform supports, and vertical ladder.

Part 2 – (53-129). This radar set contains the main CXAM radar arrays which will need some careful folding to keep the square shape from becoming warped on the main array whilst the second array isn’t folded, but there are a number of small parts, well small for 1:200 scale, particularly the dipoles and mount. The set also includes detail for the Mk 33 Fire Control Director, which includes all the various doors and hatches for the director crew along with the two half Mk 3 radar arrays stacked vertically, their supports and framework.

Part 3 – (53-130). Whilst this set is titled Lifeboats, it also contains some new gratings for the top carley float on each of the twelve stacks of three. Each stack is also provided with new support clamps and a pair of tie down straps. The 32ft cutters need to have a couple of areas removed from the thwarts section, before the new well is fitted, along with the new stern planking, footstep, bow hatch, cabin, and rear railings. There are new floor gratings fitted into the lower hull to complete the assembly. The motor boats are fitted out with a new internal cabin area, rear deck, centre console and decking, light fittings plus a complete set of railings and hand rails.

Part 4 – (53-131) The kit 20mm Oerlikons are pretty basic and to this end this single sheet set is designed to not only add detail, but correct hem at the same time, all thirty of them. Each gun receives new shield, shield mount, shield mount cover, gunsight, traversing hand wheel, which will require a slug of 0.5mm plastic rod 0.5mm long, the inner and outer faces of the ammunition drum and the correct style of shoulder guards. The set also contains a selection of anti-slip foot plates that are fitted around each mounting.

Part 5 – (53-132). The final set in this collection contains parts to detail each of the single 5” guns and the quad 1.1” mounts. The 5” guns receive new sights and sight mounting plate, railings, elevation wheel, traversing crew seat, and two parts for the circular mounting plate. Meanwhile the 1.1” mounts need several parts to be removed before the etched parts can be added. The extra detail includes two crew seats and their supports, ammunition hoppers and replacement gun sights and mounting brackets. The mountings themselves are fitted out with new anti-slip floor plates.

Conclusion
Whilst the kit is an amazing bit of moulding it does have a number of shortcomings and simple design in areas. This is where these sets come into their own. The etching is up the standards we have come to expect from Eduard and it’s good to see that some extra research has been done other than just from the kit parts. The idea of having individual sets rather than one huge one is great for those modellers who only want to add it to certain areas rather than having to do the whole ship, which to some just isn’t required. If the sets for the 1:200 Missouri are anything to go by these won’t be the last we see released for the Hornet. Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[bootneck]

Nice review Dave and, as you say, having the ability to buy these sets individually means that the modeller can obtain them as and when during various stages of the build. This would indeed be easier on the finances by spreading those costs over time.

Mike

[colin]

Nice idea, means (in my case anyway) if you did mess say the radar up making it, you don't have to buy the whole set again as when they come complete