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August 2020 |
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| Tom’s Modelworks has released a photo-etch set specifically designed for Aoshima’s 1/700 HMS Cornwall, Dorsetshire, Kent and Norfolk kits: County Class Cruisers, set 7103. The instructions indicate that the set can also be used with the older, resin, County Class kits, released by WSW and HP. They also note that this set is based on the 1/350 WEM sets for HMS Cornwall and Kent, designed by Peter Hall, and that Third Floor Annex did additional original design. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Click to enlarge images |
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| COUNTY CLASS CRUISER PHOTO-ETCH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There are two 5 ½ by 3 ½
frets of photo-etch in the package. According to the instructions, you
can detail “any two kits” with this photo-etch set. This is an extensive
set, chock full of parts. One fret is labeled SET 7103A. The other
just SET 7103. We will start with fret 7013A, as it’s the first one up
on the instructions.
This fret has two different cranes, a searchlight platform, lattice mast, pulleys, Type 284 antennas (in two sizes), depth charge racks, an admiral’s walk, rails and canopy for Kent, funnel caps, funnel pipes, whistle platform, a catapult, inclined ladders and aircraft props. It also has other smaller parts – like AA guns - all of the railings included in the set, and parts for a 1/700 Short Sunderland. The second fret has more cranes, another catapult and stern walk, more aircraft props and funnel caps, as well as additional radars and the shelter deck supports. There are multiple shelter deck supports, each one specific to a certain ship, and each photo-etch part is identified by the plastic part it replaces – an excellent touch. Additionally, this fret has PE yards and throws in few parts for the “S” class destroyer that is packaged in one of Aoshima’s County Class releases. Everything looks good – there is some relief etching on the funnel caps and watertight doors on both frets. |
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| CONCLUSIONS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This is a very large and really well done set of photo-etch, which will help modelers dress up an any two of Aoshima's 1/700 Counties (or the WSW & HP resin kits). The set retails for $32.00 USD, which is a great price, considering you can do two ships. The set is available directly from Tom's Modelworks, whom I'd like to thank for this review sample. Highly recommended! |  |
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