Photo etch set by Gold Medal models
Reviewed by Timothy Dike
The new Trumpeter Buckley Class Destroyer Escort is yet another exciting 1/350 scale release. It's a good kit with a few faults, some simply due to the limitations of injection molding. In plastic parts can only be so thin or they can not be molded consistently. Fortunately Gold Medal Models makes a set that will take care of that. This new set includes virtually everything you will need to super detail your Buckley class into a first class destroyer escort. 

This set is custom designed to this kit. Before it was released a sample kit was used to verify the dimensions and fit of the parts. The result is this custom tailored set with precut railings with or without safety netting. The railings are numbered so you should have no problem locating them on the kit. They also have cutouts for the chocks as they are located on the Trumpeter kit. The Buckleys had an open bridge so bridge instruments and a windscreen are included. The open doors are really a step up with not only the open door frame, but also the latches and dogs to lock them. 

Other notable feature in this set are the detailed yardarms, and gun details for the 3", 1.1", and 20 mm guns in the kit. 
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Additional detail shots of the photo etch fret.
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A more complete list of parts included is listed below: 
  • Pre-shaped and pre curved sections for main deck
  • Pre-sized and correctly detailed rails for all remaining decks
  • Extra and alternate railing sections for modifying the superstructure to other configurations.
  • Vertical ladders and inclined ladders in two styles
  • SA radar
  • Details for 20 mm Oerlikons
  • 1.1" machine guns
  • 3" 50 cal. gun mounts with gunsights, handwheels, seats, and other fittings as needed
  • Mk. 10 Hedgehog launcher including projectiles and blast shield
  • Depth charge tracks
  • K-gun loading racks with handling davits
  • Boat rudders and davit details
  • Stokes battle casualty litters
  • Floater net baskets; oars & see-through bottoms for life rafts
  • Life raft racks in two styles
  • Complete mast detailing including yardarm
  • ECM and D.F. antennas & optional fighting lights
  • Bridge window frame
  • Detailed bridge instrumentation
  • Cable reels in two sizes
  • HF/DF antenna
  • Replacement and highly accurate main deck spray shields
  • Gun depression rails for the gun tubs
  • Capstan brakewheel and anchor chains
  • Watertight doors in several styles and in both open and closed configurations including attached coamings for the open versions
  • A detailed relief-etched figure of England's Captain Walton B. Pendleton
  • A selection of small fittings for expert modelers such as:
    • turnbuckles
    • eyebolts
    • porthole eyebrow gutters
    • arbor heads for the K-gun launchers
  • Royal Navy "Captain"-class frigate special depth charge stowage racks
  • Royal Navy SG radar antenna
  • Royal Navy ship's boats details
  • Royal Navy HF/DF antenna.
The instructions as usual are excellent, with a variety of well drawn sub assembly views. Parts locations are clearly indicated as well as how the parts integrate with the plastic ones. The railings locations are noted and alternate parts are explained and illustrated. I always learn something when I read through Loren Perry's instructions. The illustrations are informative even for someone like me who never has time to build a ship anymore.
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Conclusions:
This is a great little set for the beginner or advanced builder. I like the fact that two type of inclined stairs are included. Not everyone wants to bend each foot plate into position, but if you do, you have that option.  You can pick and choose the parts you want to use and the end result will always be a much more realistic ship.

This is set # 350-38  Buckley / England Photo Etch set for $20.00 a nice price for this extensive set. You can order direct from Gold Medal Models or pick your set up wherever fine ship accessories are sold.

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