The Tribal class of destroyers were a heavily armed success story for the Royal and Commonwealth navies. They served throughout World War Two, and many were modernized and continued to serve in some Commonwealth forces into the 1950's. Trumpeter's plastic model of the HMS Eskimo fulfilled a need in the model kit world, and Flyhawk has fulfilled a need in Trumpeter's model.

Flyhawk's update set for the HMS Eskimo 1941 (05757) is comprised of 3 sets of brass photoetch. Each sheet has a number of relief-etched parts, great for taking your plastic kit up to the next level. Two of the frets are unique to the 1941 Eskimo kit, while the other is a common 1/700 Tribal fret.

Fret A has many parts to upgrade the bridge and forward superstructure of Eskimo. Virtually the entire bridge is replaced with photoetch parts, as well as some short runs of railing and stack details. There are also various details to add antennas, DF loops, masts and the protective weather overhangs for the exposed gun crews. There are also upgrades to add to the torpedo launchers, and new sky lookout positions.

B replaces almost the entire 01 level of the superstructure with photoetch, as well as having anchors, davits and hose reels.

Fret C is common to both the 1939 and 1941 versions of this upgrade set. (This fret is labeled for all 1/700 Tribal Destroyers) This fret covers railings, ammo boxes, watertight doors and the quad barreled pom-pom. There are also single 20mm Oerlikons on this fret and quad Vickers .50" mounts. These weapons are really quite intricate, and are quite an improvement over the plastic kit ones.

There are also some additions davits and cradles for the ship's boats, and replacment deck and cabin for the launch.

Flyhawk has their normal three color, multi-sheet set of instructions, seven pages in this case. Flyhawk relies on little text, using sequential drawings to show how best to use and install this upgrade set, using a combination of replacement of kit parts or a synergy of the both plastic and photoetch.

A great way to pop your 1941 HMS Eskimo or Tribal up a notch, using Flyhawk's great photoetch set.

This is set #FH700127 1/700 HMS Eskimo Destroyer 1941 (For Trumpeter 05757) with a list price of $21.95. Flyhawk products are available from many online and traditional retailers. Modelwarships.com thanks Flyhawk for providing this review sample.