The Trumpeter Udaloy kits have been out for over a year, and Trumpeter has now release a photoetch detail set the Udaloy class.

This upgrade set consists of three PE sheets, with something I've never seen before; all three sheets are laminated in clear plastic. This has certainly prevented any of the finer etchings, radars, railings, etc from getting twisted out of shape. The plastic removed easily, and doesn't hurt the PE as it comes away. Nice!

The railings included 4-bar and 5-bar, as needed throughout the ship. The 5-bar, intended for the main deck, has an extra length leg for angled bar supporting each stantion, as well as a slight droop for realistic effect.

Sheet B has many great parts on it; upgrades to the distinctive lattices of the Udaloy, and much needed replacements for the dreaded aztec stairs. There are also finely etched accomodations ladders, some additional radars, and some open platforms. There are a few places where the etch was not as crisp as I've seen sometimes, but I don't think it will be obvious after painting.

Sheet C has open watertight doors, railing for the helo deck, overhead doors for the helo hanger, and replacement hatches for the SA-N-9 launchers, plus some larger, finely etched nets for the helipad.

A double-sided sheet of instructions is included. The instruction steps and part numbers have no correlation to the kit instructions; there are some aftermarket photoetchers that do this, so it seems odd that Trumpeter did not. There are a few places were a kit part's number is references for replacement or additional detail, but this isn't consistent.

Read through the instrucions carefully; there is that extra leg to fold at each stantion on the main deck. It is shown on page 2 but not necessarily before you try to fit the rails!

Good to see Trumpeter getting on the bandwagon here. I'd have liked to see the main lattice masts replace with PE, and I'm not sure why they felt the SA-N-9 hatches needed replacing. Overall, it will make a nice addition to your Udaloy.

Purchased at Hobbyland , Columbus OH via Stevens International- MSRP: $54.95. Stevens is the exclusive importer for Trumpeter kits in the US. If your hobby shop does not carry Trumpeter kits have them contact Stevens International or try their Hobby Shop Locator to find one.