Niko
Model 1/700 USS Roanoke CL-145
Reviewed by Timothy Dike |
| The Roanoke CL-145 was a Worchester class
light cruiser laid down in May 1945. She was launched two years later and
finally commissioned at Philadelphia in April 1949. The concept of this
new class of cruiser dates back to 1942. She was to be armed with the new
6"47 cal semi-automatic dual purpose main gun that could target both airborne
and surface targets. This was the same gun used in Cleveland and Brooklyn
class cruisers, but mated to an automated shell handling system that could
feed the shells at a higher rate. In practice the complicated machinery
proved to have problems with jamming. With the second world war over, the
need for such a gun system was limited. New missile defense systems would
soon replace the heavy main gun armaments on most ships. Only two of this
class were completed, but they were put to work filling the gap until newer
post war designs could make it into service. Roanoke served in both the
Atlantic and Pacific and was active until decommissioning in October 1958.
Niko Models has produced yet another unique warship in 1/700 scale.
This one depicts the Roanoke towards the end of her career.
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| HULL |
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| The hull on this kit is cast waterlines style with much
of the superstructure in place. The casting is clean and well done. Details
are sharp and well defined, but the superstructure walls look a little
plain. |
click images
to enlarge
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE, FUNNELS, AND PLATFORMS |
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| The bridge and various platforms are well cast with braces along the
splinter shields where appropriate. Funnels have hollowed out tops and
recesses where photo etched grills will fit, a nice touch. |
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| WEAPONS, AND FITTINGS |
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| The main gun turrets are well cast with sighting hoods and frames around
the gun slots. Cast resin gun barrels are provided as well. The 3" 50 cal
anti aircraft guns are well made and detailed. They have separate bases
with nice intricate details and separate gun barrel assemblies that can
be mount and elevated just like the real versions. |
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| BOATS, HELICOPTER, AND SMALL PARTS |
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| Ships boats are pretty detailed with nice rudder detail cast on. There
is also a single Sikorski HO3S-1 helicopter to mount on the stern. |
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| Gun directors, searchlights, flag bags, and all kinds of other finely
cast details are provided on these resin sprues. Some parts such as the
cable reels came out very nice. Most of these parts are pretty impressive
for their small size. |
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| PHOTO ETCH |
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| An extensive photo etch fret is included with relief etching used to
help bring out the details. There are plenty of railings for the ship and
all kinds of other fine details. Mast yardarms, stern crane, and many of
the various platforms are included on this fret. There are even helicopter
details. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are six pages, four of them exploded views
using photos of the actual kit. These are well done and should be sufficient
to build the ship.
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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A highly detailed and accurate kit of the Roanoke a kit you will not
likely see in plastic anytime soon. This kit includes everything
you need to build this kit except maybe paint and glue. It is kit is listed
in Pacific
Front Hobbies catalog for $79.00 a great price for a such a complete
kit. They carry the entire Niko line of ships and many more hard to find,
high quality kits. |
