| The much anticipated 1/350 USS Helena has arrived. This
kit is available right now at the 2004 IPMS Nationals at the Classic Warships
table. I have taken a few images to give you an idea of what it is like.
I will follow up with a full review when I get back home as I don't have
the facilities to lay out all the parts here. So for now browse through
the photo's and ask your questions on the message board and I will try
to answer them. |
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| The hull is two piece, not perfectly flat but pretty good
for a resin hull of this size. The hull is very plain in the middle with
the little details being provided separately. This may be more work for
the modeler to attach but you will not have to worry about replacing poorly
formed cast on parts.
Superstructure parts are very well detailed. My only complaint
here is the over-pour on the bottom of some parts.
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Nice funnel castings
Main guns are nicely cast. Don't let the simplistic appearance of the turret
face fool you, those holes are for the cast metal gun barrels with blast
bags. This final appearance will be much better. Most of these parts are
cast on a thin resin wafer. The 5" gun turrets are well cast with a small
casting gate on the rear of the housing where is will be easy to remove.
Catapult bases, boat crane kingposts, and gun directors are nice. The gun
tubs are well done.
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Cast metal parts are pretty nice looking.
Instructions, photo etch and decals are provided.
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| This looks like a kit with a lot of potential. You can
do a 1942-43 Helena with this kit. Everything you need is included. You
can get one right now from the Classic Warships table of after the show
this kit is available exclusively from Pacific
Front Hobbies. |
