| The HMS Campbeltown was a Type 22 Frigate
built for the Royal Navy by Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd. in Birkenhead.
Launched in October 1987, she was a Batch 3 version designed to address
some of the shortcomings revealed in the Falklands War. She was active
in the Atlantic serving with NATO forces and in the Persian Gulf during
the Iraq war. She was decommissioned on 7 April 2011.
This new kit from Orange Hobby in the Blue Series can be built to represent
her from 1987 to 2008.
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| HULL |
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| The hull is hollow cast waterline style hollowed
out with most of her superstructure in place. Detail is very sharp and
casting is among the best I have seen. |
Click images
to enlarge |
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE |
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| The superstructure enclosing the funnels is cast separate along with
the main gun turret and enclosed masts. Casting on these parts is also
very good with nice surface detailing. |
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| FITTINGS, AND HELICOPTER |
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| Directors and other weapons are included here. Many of these parts
look somewhat plain, that is until you study how they integrate with the
included photo etch parts for more detail. Radar domes, floatation canisters,
and RHIB's are among the other done parts. The two long strakes for the
hull side are exclusive to Campbeltown. |
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| The EH 101 Merlin helo is very well cast
with well defined surface details and an opened up interior door. Winglets
with the aft landing gear are separate and well cast. A hollowed out socket
helps locate the parts with minimal fuss. |
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| GUN BARREL & METAL PARTS |
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| Not only is a CNC machined gun barrel included, but the Harpoon launcher
tubes are also turned brass. These also integrate with the PE to produce
an awesome launcher. |
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| PHOTOETCH |
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The photo etch provided in this kit is very extensive and
includes everything you could possibly need. All are protected with a plastic
shield to prevent damage in shipping. Many of the frets use relief etching
to enhance the 3D effect.
FRET A
The first fret includes most of the railings custom made to fit the
kit without cutting. |
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FRET B
Mast platforms and yardarms are on this fret. Not the Harpoon launcher
frame. |
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FRET C
Safety netting, doors and hatches and mast parts on this fret. |
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FRET D
Jackstaff, anchor chain and platform support girderwork. |
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FRET E
This fret is dedicated to the EH-101 helo. Rotors, tail plane, and
doors are included. |
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FRET F
This little fret adds some railing, and girderwork. |
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| DECALS |
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| A sharply rendered decal sheet with markings for F-85 Cumberland and
F-86 Campbeltown. Deck markings for the helo deck, warning circles, and
flags make up these nicely registered decals. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are seven pages showing the parts in exploded views
with plenty of subassembly views. Well drawn and very thorough. |
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| BUILD UP |
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| These photos are from Orange Hobby and show the unpainted
kit built up.
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| Conclusions: |
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Another stunning release from Orange Hobby in their Blue Series. This
kit is among the most detailed and well engineered kits now on the market.
It is a must have for your modern Royal Navy fleet. Retail price should
be around $45-50.00 US. Check the Orange
Hobby website for this and other new kits. |
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