Reviewed by Timothy Dike |
| The Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates are one of the smallest
of the Ocean going escort ships. They are somewhat limited in the their
abilities but they are a cost effective way to put more ships at
sea. At 445' long and 45' wide they are larger than the typical WW II destroyer,
but pack more punch and are able to defend against more threats. They are
armed with one 76 mm 62 cal Mk 75 main gun, 4 .50 cal machine guns,
1 Mk 13 Mod 4 launcher for the GDC Standard SM-1MR missiles. In addition
she carries 4 Harpoons, 1 CIWS 20 mm 76 cal. Mk 15 Vulcan Phalanx
( RAM CIWS may be fitted later), and 6 Mk 32 torpedoes in two
triple tubes firing 24 Mk 46 torpedoes. This kit depicts a short hull version
of the ship so she only operated two SH-2G LAMPS Mk I Helo's. The Long
hull version can operate the SH-60B LAMPS III. This kit was originally
offered by Skywave and reflects the same high quality as is typical of
the Pitroad kits. |
| The hull is nicely molded and has the long graceful lines of the OHP
class frigate. There is a separate bow insert that fits into the bow section
nicely with just a light sanding of the sprue gates. The stern is a separate
part, I assume that this is so a long hull version can be built from the
same mold. The superstructure walls and upper deck are well detailed with
plenty of surface items such as doors, piping, and vents cast in place.
A light wash will really bring out these details. The masts look good and
are to scale and can be used as is, though the front cross bracing is omitted
to simplify the mold. Also included on this sprue is a Pegasus Class
Hydrofoil that is a nice kit by itself. |
click images
to enlarge
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| The kit includes a weapons sprue with a number of modern weapons, radar's
and an SH-3 and SH-60 helo. You will have plenty of left over parts, but
these can be used on other kits so put them away for later. |
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| .A lower hull and stand has been added since the Dragon has taken over
production of this kit for those of you that like to display your ships
out of their natural element! |
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| The decal sheet is included with markings for the short hull ships
7, and 9-20, as well as the three Australian ships, 01-03. Helo deck markings
and warning circles are also included. There is a US and an RAN flag included
but the US version has to much red showing and might not be acceptable
to all modelers. |
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| The instructions include 6 pages (one of which is shown for example)
with several exploded views showing the placement of the parts. There is
also a painting guide for US and Australian Ships including the Hydrofoil
and the SH-60's.
For those who want to super detail their ship, Flagship
Models makes a Photo Etch set (#700-3) specifically for this ship.
Gold Medal Models and Toms Modelworks also make railings and radar's to
fit this ship.
Conclusions:
This was a great kit when Skywave first released it, now with a lower
hull it has even more value. List price of this kit is around $14.00, and
it can still be found at most well stocked hobby shops, or some of the
fine mail order shops on the mail page.
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