Reviewed by Timothy Dike
April 2014
| Tetra Model Works is a new player in
the ship modeling world, but their first set is making a giant splash in
the market. This set is designed specifically for the new Trumpeter 1/200
USS Hornet kit is a large kit, but one with average details.
The Tetra upgrade set contains 14 brass photo etch frets with relief etching, and six bags of CNC metal barrels, chain and other details. Let's take a closer look at the details. |
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| PHOTOETCH | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FRET A | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The first fret includes new platforms and shields for the 20 mm gun mounts that line the flight deck. These are an instant improvement over the thick plastic parts. New railings and safety netting are also included. |  |
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| FRET B | |||||||||||||||||||||
| More platforms and shields are included on this fret. Lines are etched onto them to help locate the bracing. |  |
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| FRET C | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Railing and platform are on this fret. Many of the platforms are perforated as they were on the real ship. |  |
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| FRET D | |||||||||||||||||||||
| This fret includes heavier brass for the bracing and structures located under the flight deck on the bow. The relief etching helps the details to stand out and the parts are notched so they interlock to aid in assembly. |  |
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| FRET E | |||||||||||||||||||||
| this fret also includes perforated platforms and railings, as well as the early radar assembly and the aircraft crane and details. |  |
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| FRET F | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A new pri-fly cabin is included with relief etched rivet details and a more accurate thin wall appearance. New bridge port hole frames and hinged covers are included as well. New radar screens and details for the gun director are far superior to the parts included in the kit. |  |
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| FRET G | |||||||||||||||||||||
| New fighting top platforms with diamond plate deck tread etched on the floor is a big plus. Another plus is the new doors. Some include open frame with an both sides provided. |  |
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| FRET H | |||||||||||||||||||||
| More platforms, braces and railings included on this set. |  |
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| FRET I | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weapons details such as the 20 mm gun details including new shields, shoulder rests, gun sights and elevation wheels are included. For the 5" open gun mounts, a new base and breach are included. The latter designed to work with the CNC gun barrels shown further below in this review. Fuse setter stands, seats, and other details will give life to the otherwise plain 5" and 1.1" gun mounts. |  |
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| FRET J | |||||||||||||||||||||
| New boat cranes with rigging is provided to replace the plastic ones in the kit. The LSO platform and JIC netting is included as well. |  |
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| FRET K | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Inclined ladders, more doors and railings and yardarm details are provided on this fret. |  |
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| FRET L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| More of the rooms under the flight deck are included here. These are also set up for interlocking assembly. |  |
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| FRET M | |||||||||||||||||||||
| This fret is mostly railings, most with drooping chain effects. They appear to all be custom cut to length for their various locations. |  |
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| FRET N | |||||||||||||||||||||
| More railings, platforms, braces, and porthole frame are included on this fret. |  |
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| METAL BARRELS AND DETAILS | |||||||||||||||||||||
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In addition to the photo etch, this set included the following brass parts, most CNC turned. Anchor chain is one of those details that really enhances a kit. Refueling hose
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| INSTRUCTIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||
The instructions are several pages many with captioned
color photos.
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| BUILDUP PHOTOS FROM THE MANUFACTURER | |||||||||||||||||||||
The following photos from Tetra show the finished kit and
some subassemblies in their natural brass color showing what your kit can
look like. Radically different than the soft plastic details!
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| CONCLUSIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||
I am very impressed with the engineering of this new set. It certainly addresses most of the shortcomings of the Trumpeter kit and gives you the opportunity to add details fitting of this ships large size. I wouldn't recommend this set for beginners, but if you have done a little photo etch already, then you will really appreciate this set. This is set TETSE200011/200 Tetra Model Works CV-8 USS Hornet
Super Upgrade Set retailing for about $270.00
US on Free Time Hobbies site.
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