Kirov class heavy missile cruiser

[Shar2]

Kirov Class Battlecruiser

1/350

Another recently received etch set from White Ensign Models Russian warship detail upgrades. This one is for Trumpeters Kirov Class heavy missile cruisers.

Again the two sheets that comprise this set contain 139 parts of wonderful relief etched brass. The first, measuring 260mm x 130mm, contains a full set of railings, numerous supports, antenna, masts for the ESM, DF and lights. The interiors of the Kamov KA 27’s are also included if you really want to go the whole 9 yards. The piece de resistance of this fret though are the magnificent Top Pair and Top Steer radars. Take your time with these and you will be rewarded with amazing representations of the real things.

The second fret, measuring 205mm x 145mm contains two types of mainmast, (depending on if you’re modelling an early or late period model). A wonderfully rendered missile loading gantry, comprehensive crane constructions, numerous support structures and the ubiquitous helicopter platform netting are also included. Completing the fret are four lengths of standard vertical ladder sections, replacement helicopter rotor blades, (folded and spread), a load of life raft canister stowage racks and the ships name letters, (unfortunately only for Kirov, now Admiral Ushakov).

Conclusion

What can I say, if you have any of the Trumpeter Kirov class then this set is a must, particularly if you’d like to backdate the ships to their original state before the fall of the USSR and the ships subsequent change of names. Only downside would be the missing name letters for the Frunze,(Admiral Lazarev), Kalinin, (Admiral Nakhimov) and Yuri Andropov, (Pytor Velikiy), as it would have been nice to have a bit more choice.

Review sample courtesy of John at

[jimbuna]

Excellent review.....