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.

This Flyhawk update set is to backdate the Trumpeter HMS Eskimo 1941 to 1939. It has 3 sets of brass photoetch, two for the 1939 backfit kit, and a common 1/700 Tribal fret.

Fret A has many parts to upgrade the bridge 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 some great details to add to your auxiliary control- including a tiny photoetch ship's wheel. The main difference between this fret and the 1941 is a minor difference in antenna.

B replaces almost the entire 01 level of the superstructure with photoetch, as well as having anchors, davits and hose reels. This fret also shows more changes from the 1941 version, albeit variations of the some same items. For example, there are some changes in the amidships Pom-Pom platform and how it mates with the after funnel. This fret also has some other modifications for the earlier bridge of Eskimo

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. (Oerlikons are not used on the 1939 fit) 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.

If you want to backdate your HMS Eskimo or Tribal to a 1939 fit, this Flyhawk set is the only way to go.

This is set #FH700128 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.