Set Ref: PE35166
Price around: £22.25 GBP
Review by Geoff Coughlin (November 2013)
Our thanks to White Ensign Models for supplying the review sample. Get this PE set here now at: www.whiteensignmodels.com
This is certainly a comprehensive set – a full rundown of what’s included in the set is below.
The Airfix release of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyer was much heralded about a year ago and we reviewed that kit then – you can read that initial impression here. We hope to bring you a build of that model incorporating this photo etch set in due course, but what a welcome addition this PE set is – it will dramatically improve your base kit.
This is what you get in the WEM PE set:
- Flight Deck Safety Nets (Port & Starboard)
- Flight Deck Safety Nets (Stern), Railings (Boat Bay)
- Railings (Hangar Mezzanine Deck Sides)
- Railings (Hangar Mezzanine Deck Forward)
- Railings (Superstructure Vent Platforms)
- Railings (Midships Superstructure)
- Railings (Foc’sle)
- Railings (Missile Silo)
- Hangar Ladder Handrails
- Vertical Ladders (Aft Superstructure)
- Foremast ESM Sensors (Large)
- Foremast ESM Sensors (Small)
- Harpoon Launcher Blast Deflector
- Harpoon Launcher Support Frame
- GPMG Mountings
- Folding Hangar Doors
- Flight Deck Hold Down Grid
- Lynx Helicopter Antennas
- Lynx Rotor Blade Cradles
- Lynx Main Rotors
- Lynx Tail Rotors
- Lynx Tail Fold Break
- Lynx Tail Stabiliser
- Merlin Helicopter Parts (Folded)
- Merlin Helicopter Parts (Spread)
- Sea Boat Gantry Stays
- Sea Boat Fittings
- Foremast Forward Yards
- Foremast Forward Yard Braces
- Foremast Rear Yards
- Foremast Rear Yard Braces
- Hangar Crane Assembly
- Crane Hook
- Aircraft Mechanical Handler
- Caged Vertical Ladders
- Ships’ Name Plates
- Boat Cradles
- Boat Cradle Bases
- Life Rings
- Gun Deck Safety Nets (Fore & Aft)
- Gun Deck Safety Nets (Outboard)
- Boat Bay Platforms
- Life Ring Ejector Rack (Flight Deck)
- Life Ring Ejector Rack (Bridge Wing)
- Mainmast Sensor Disc (Lower)
- Mainmast Sensor Disc (Middle)
- Mainmast Sensor Disc (Upper)
- Mainmast Sensor Dipoles
- Mainmast Sensor Dipoles (Top)
- Hangar Fuel Hose Reel
- Vertical Ladder Stock.
So, as you can see – a lot for your money!
The quality of the PE is very good and we know from the projects that feature in SMN that have used WEM sets before, they usually fit very well and there’s every reason to expect the same this time.
Decals are included for all six Type 45 Destroyers currently serving with the Royal Navy; quality is excellent and will provide an opportunity for you to build and finish a relatively unique model.
Highly recommended
SMN Quick Guide Star Rating
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | ***** |