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USS Yorktown. Etched sets in 1:350


Shar2

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USS Yorktown

Eduard 1:350

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It was great to see Merit International release the USS Yorktown earlier this year, but, no matter how great a kit is, Eduard always seem to find something to improve upon. The first two sets for the Yorktown have now been released. The first is for the ships boats and cranes, whilst the second is for the AA weaponry. Both sets are up to the usual standard set by Eduard and as such are full of very small parts, where a good pick-up pencil wouldn’t go amiss. Some of the kit parts need to be modified by the modeller before the etched parts can be fitted.

Ships Boats and Cranes, (53140). This two sheet set contains parts for all the ships boats, the two large cranes either side of the aft hanger plus the jib for the main deck mounted crane. Each of the enclosed motor boats is provided with new centre cockpits, complete with the boats wheel, as well as a new prop, rudder, front and rear cabin doors, plus a full boat load of handrails and railings. The open motor cutters are fitted with new thwarts/gunwhales, deck planking, cockpit, engine housing, propeller, rudder, flag staff, bow mounted windlass and rear mounted railings. The larger of the motor cutters also has a fo’c’sle mounted anchor. Each of the carley floats is given a new grating, for which the centre of the floats will need to be carefully removed, and selection of straps and fixings tying them to the ship.

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The large cranes mounted either side of the rear hanger are completely replaced with new brass ones. Once folded to shape they are each fitted with the two hooks and their cable wheels, rotating base, through which a small piece of styrene rod is mounted. The large platforms atop each crane are provided as they are missing on the kit cranes. The deck mounted crane jib is a complex affair, comprising a three sided box section into which seven ribs are fitted before the missing side of the jib is attached. The jib is then fitted with the two hooks, their cable wheels and finished off with the handrail that is fitted to the top. Whilst the trunk of the crane isn’t replaced, it is detailed with the prominent vertical ladder, top platform, complete with railings, mid section walkway and the associated platform supports.

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AA Guns, (53141). As the title suggest, this single sheet set is to provide detail for the various AA weaponry found around the ship. The 5” single mounts are fitted with new sights and railings, whilst their mountings receive new three part bases and two ready use lockers for each of the eight guns. The quad 1.1” mounts also receive new sights, sight mount, shields and their supports and gun top plate. Their mountings also receive new bases, but these are single piece items. The twenty four 20mm Oerlikons are each fitted with new shields, shield supports; sights, shoulder harness and ammunition drum face.

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Conclusion
You either love or hate brass etched detail sets, but for me they are almost vital, if you wish to produce as detailed a model as possible. Eduard are pretty much the kings of mainstream maritime etch at the moment and their release schedule seems inexhaustible. These sets will certainly go toward building that museum quality model that we all strive for at one point or another. Who knows how many more sets they will produce for the Yorktown, but I know for sure these won’t be the last. Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of logo.gif

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