ModelKit 1/200 USS Porter

Reviewed by Timothy Dike
I am relatively new to paper models, having never built one. But there seems to be alot of interest in this media. Paper models are available from many different companies and vary in quality. This one from Modelik is one of the better ones in my opinion. This kit is of the USS Porter DD-356 in her prewar configuration. It is a full hull kit that assembles much like a scratchbuilt ship. It would be simple to make this into a waterline kit by simply cutting at the waterline with a pair of scissors. The hull is made up of frames that are connected along the keel. The instructions are in Polish but are easy to follow with some really nice illustrations. Parts are numbered and where two connect there are interlocking numbers. The exterior parts are printed in color so no painting is necessary.
The pages of the kit are illustrated below, they are printed on heavy cardstock. I have heard many paper modelers say that it is best to laminate these pages onto heavier card to make them even more rigid. There is nothing to stop you from laminating it to styrene for the ultimate plastic scratchbuild.
The beauty of this type of model is that you can use a copier to reduce or enlarge the pages to produce most any scale of ship that you like. In fact I would recomend that if this is your first ship that you begin working with a copy of the ship. As a devoted 1/700 waterline modeler I find myself computing the how much I will have to reduce this kit to get to my scale!
I found the plans and illustrations in this kit to be very helpful. Plan and elevation views are included as well as several detail views of the sub assemblies.
     This kit is priced at 6,90 EUR which is about $8.50 US a pretty good price for a 1/200 ship. Check out the e-papermodels.com website for even more ships and detailing accessories to enhance your kit.


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