USS Wasp

[Shar2]

USS WASP Ultimate PE Set

White Ensign Models 1/350

Anyone who has bought the Revell/Gallery/MPC 1/350 USS Wasp LHD 1, will know that the kit will build into a fantastic model straight from the box. But if you want to go that extra mile and make it into a museum quality model then you really need to get these PE frets from White Ensign Models.

In this, the Ultimate set, you get two large frets for the ship, one medium sized fret for the aircraft and another for the vehicles and LCAC’s. Each can be bought separately should you only wish to enhance either of the three subject areas.

The Ship

These two frets of relief etched brass add to, or in some areas, replace the kits plastic and/or PE parts. Now whilst the kits PE is very nice, Peter Hall just has to go one better and he does just that with these frets. As usual the detail of these finely etched frets is second to none. Everything from the radars to the ships refuelling hoses are exquisitely done.

The majority of Fret A is given over to the ships railings, netting, catwalk ladders, and fittings. AN/SPS 48 and 49 radar antenna fill the gaps along with the satcom platform and topmast antenna.

For the complex catwalk structures are provided on Fret B, you use the kits walkway, the frets railings and the many brass support trusses. What you also need, (and it is very clearly illustrated in the instructions), are lengths of 20thou, (0.5mm) rod for the uprights. Whilst this will probably be the most fiddly area of work, the end result will look amazing. The foremast is nearly completely replaced with etched parts with only the kits main mast trunk being used. Along with the above, the refuelling hose structure, cable reels, boat falls and grabs, fire points, platforms and supports make up about half of Fret B. The rest of the fret makes up the detail within the boat and vehicle decks. Everything from vehicle loading ramp extensions and supports to the internal catwalks, and even the well deck gantry tracks are provided. Now it would be a shame to put all this within the ship and not see it, so it may be an idea to fit some lighting in these areas to really show off the detail.

Aircraft set.

This medium sized fret is chock full of extra detail for the kits aircraft. Each helicopter gets a new set of rotor blades and hubs, internal cockpit detail, (some clearing of the plastic parts for the etch to fit will need to be done, and in some cases the canopy will need to be carefully removed as well).

The larger helicopters, (CH-53 and CH-46), and the CV-22 Osprey aircraft also get separate loading ramps and side doors. The only helicopter that doesn’t get an interior is the SH-60K, but you are given extra parts to model one of these in a fully folded state, complete with blade supports.

The kits AV-8B Harriers aren’t neglected either. Each is given a full cockpit and seat, (plastic card is used to make the core of all the aircraft seats), a full set of new pylons, LIDS, outriggers and exhaust heat shields. An aircraft ladder finishes the build.

Finally on this fret WEM have provided a number of pieces of ground equipment to populate the flightdeck and hanger deck. These include hanger aircraft movers, missile trolleys, a fluid trolley, trailer, aircraft towing arms and even aircraft jacks.

Vehicle and Landing Craft set.

Another medium sized fret, although slightly smaller than the aircraft fret, it is still full of minute parts to enhance all the kits vehicles and landing craft.

For the LCU’s you are given a new mast, bridge canopy, anchor jib, railings and a 20mm cannon. Whilst the LCAC’s get new propeller guards, intake louvers, exhaust grilles, railings, various antenna and windscreen wipers.

When it comes to the vehicles Peter Hall has really gone mad. The tracked vehicles get new PE tracks, various storage bins, cargo doors, (for the LVTP7) and 50cal machine guns. The M60’s even have reactive armour blocks should you wish to fit them. The LAV 25’s get new rear doors, storage bins and 50cal. The HUMVEES get new doors or slatted seats, (depending on type) and new front grilles. Finally, for the MTRV Truck you can remove the plastic rear bed and fit a new PE one complete with seats, tarpaulin frames and tailgate ladder.

Conclusion

This is an amazingly comprehensive set, which given plenty of time, patience and dexterity will considerably enhance what is already a great kit. I would say that the ship set is a must, whereas the aircraft and vehicle sets, whilst fantastic in the detail they provide, may be too much for anyone other than a complete detail freak who is determined to get the most out of the USS Wasp. I can very much recommend these sets but, illuminated magnifiers or visors and a steady hand will definitely be required.

Review sample courtesy of John at

[Dads203]

Oh dear Dave......................How much have you just cost me for this little lot?????

Going to have to buy a set now

Looks like a really complete set for the wasp, good to see it on a review mate.

Dan

[jimbuna]

Nice review and a great looking set....if I inly had the space and still had the eyesight *sigh*