Reviewed by Timothy Dike
| The USS Porter was the lead ship of a new class of Destroyer leaders. Built to counter the heavy destroyers that Japan was then building these destroyers were large. With four twin 5" guns and two quadruple torpedo launchers they packed a powerful offensive punch. The USS Porter underwent a major refit just before the war that saw her bridge cut down and her aft superstructure greatly reduced. She retained her 1.1" guns but picked up some 20 mm guns and fire control radar. | ||||
| This kit is very similar to the PreWar version of the USS Porter so much of this review is identical to that one. | ||||
| The hull is very well cast with no defects. My sample sat perfectly flat so no straightening will be necessary. The detail is really good starting from the paper thin break water on the bow to the turret base rings. The shape closely matches the drawing I have. |
to enlarge  |
|||
| There are slots recessed into the deck to fit the ventilators into. This will help locate those parts and hide the seams when assembled. | ||||
 |
||||
| The funnels are cast in two parts, with separate lower trunking. The
forward funnel even has the cap that was added after the first refit. Also
note that they are hollowed out for realism.
Superstructure parts are cast on a thin resin wafer. The detail of these parts is really amazing with thin walls and splinter shields. |
 |
|||
|
||||
| The guns are yet another amazing thing, with nicely detailed 5" gun houses and separate cast gun barrels. But the thing that really blew me away was the 1.1" machine guns. Wow, these are awesome, just clean a tiny bit of flash and install. |  |
|||
You get two with this kit, and I'm told these may be part
of a future weapons set to be offered later this year.
|
||||
| The other parts may be less impressive than the previous one, but are nice just the same. Even 5" loading machines are provided. A resin mast is provided but as always I recommend replacing it with a stronger brass one, especially if you plan to add rigging. |  |
|||
| A photo etch fret is included with vertical and inclined ladders, depth charge racks and other items. The 20 mm guns are primarily made up of PE but with a resin base. These are not as fine as some of the other photo etch manufactures are providing. But it is a big bonus to have them in the kit. |  |
|||
| Instructions were not available at the time
this review was written. I will add them when they are ready.
|
||||
 Conclusions:
This is a terrific new subject with some really great detailing. I am truly pleased to see a new US Navy destroyer on the market, especially one that is done so well. If you don't want to do a prewar version, then don't worry a later version is coming as well. Check the Combrig website for price and availability. |
||||
