1/350 Borodino/Varyag
2 in 1 Photo etch set by Gold
Medal models |
| Two new kits from Zvedza sometimes overlooked
among all the Essex Class Carriers are the Borodino and Varyag.
These kits feature some really nice molding and details that are finer
than other plastic injection molded kits. So what do you do with a pair
of nice Russian warships? That's simple, you improve them with this new
extensive double set.
This is really two complete sets with the upper half containing the
parts for the Borodino, and the lower half the Varyag. The parts are relief
etched on .008" Brass sheet. The etching is typical of the finely detailed
sets coming from Gold Model Models lately. The set not only dresses up
the kits, but gives you more accurate features such as the pilothouses
with walls that are scale thickness. A real nice touch is the interior
details and etched window and door frames. You can model these with the
doors open if you desire. Other notable features are the captains walk
for each ship. Both feature ornate railings with awning frames. The one
for the Borodino features a crest to mount on the stern. There is also
two stunning crests with nicely etched details for the bow. |
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click images to enlarge
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Borodino
fret
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| The Borodino frets includes custom cut rails sized to fit
the kit. They are clearly labeled and noted on the instructions as to their
position and the bends you will need to make. I really love this approach,
it is the next best thing to pre bent rails. The rails come in a variety
of styles, with a drooped chain appearance on the outer rails. The solid
bar rails come in two and three bar styles. The boat details are very nice
and will allow you to super detail the various launches. They feature new
relief etched thwarts that will give your crew a scale thickness seat to
row from. Large and small oars will help propel them and each boat has
a properly sized rudder to steer them. The steam launch rudders have propeller
details. Speaking of propellers, two and three bladed screws are provided
for the ship. Once bent and attached these will look much better than the
thick plastic ones in the kit. Doors and hatches are beautifully relief
etched with hinges, latches, and frames really standing out. The skylights
are etched at half thickness with porthole frames etched at full to really
make them stand out. You also get other important items like funnel cap
grills and gun armor plates |
Additional detail shots of the photo etch fret.
Other details include a variety of turnbuckles, eyebolts, and other necessary
items such as vertical and inclined ladders. The latter are custom sized
to the kit, so no cutting is necessary.
Varyag fret
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| The second half of the fret is dedicated
to the Varyag. It features many of the same details found on the Borodino
fret with many Varyag specific items. The captains walk with it's open
grate flooring and braces to support it. A stern platform protrudes above
it with rigging to support it. Accommodations ladders are provided if you
want to display your ship in port. My favorite feature of this fret are
the gorgeous boat davits. These when folded will give a realistic girder
like construction appearance with thick outer edges and nice cutouts. The
masts on this ship have plenty of detail items to improve them such as
yardarms with foot ropes and mast platform braces. |
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| Another notable feature are the ratlines for the mast.
They have turnbuckle details on the bottom. |
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| The instructions as usual are excellent, with a variety of well drawn
sub assembly views. Page one is for the Borodino and page two the Varyag.
Parts locations are clearly indicated as well as how the parts integrate
with the plastic ones. The instructions call out the sections of railings
you will need and show you where they go. No need to measure the part with
dividers and cut railings to fit. Note that the fold points are also shown
for each railing section. The elevation drawings will even come in handy
when you go to rig your ship. |
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Conclusions:
This is an excellent set with parts to completely do both ships. When
you consider that this is actually two complete sets, the price works out
to be just $21 a ship. That is an awesome value for a set of this quality.
If you don't want to do both ships then split the cost of the fret with
a friend!
It is set number #350-36 Borodino/Varyag and has a retail price of $42.00
US. You can order direct from Gold
Medal Models
or pick your set up wherever fine ship accessories are
sold. |
