| The Comstock is a Whidbey Island-class
dock landing ship commissioned on February 3, 1990. Home ported at NS San
Diego Comstock is assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 3. Comstock is
designed to transport a US Marines and their equipment to hot spots around
the globe. She can carry 4 LCAC or 21 LCM-6 (on deck: 1 LCM-6,
2 LCPL and 1 LCVP). Comstock doesn't carry any aircraft but has a flight
deck large enough to operate most any VTOL or Helo. More info can be found
here.
This new kit from Orange Hobby in the Blue Series can be built to represent
her in her current fit.
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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. The well deck has some interior
detailing and an insert to make up the floor. |
Click images
to enlarge |
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE PARTS |
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| The other superstructure parts are cast on resin sprues with
protective gates to help prevent damage. The parts have very sharp detailing
and the casing is very nice. The ships boats, miscellaneous radoms, cranes,
and well door are among the parts shown here. |
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| FITTINGS |
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| Anchors, RHIB's, boat davits, and multitude of fine details are
included here. As you can see from the pictures, the level of detail is
very good especially considering the small size. |
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| METAL PARTS |
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| CNC machined radoms are included in brass along with some resin
ones. |
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| AIRCRAFT and LANDING CRAFT |
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| Two nicely detailed MV-22 Osprey, two CH-46 helos. The Osprey have
several parts and can be displayed with wings stowed or deployed. The CH-46
have separate winglets and are very detailed. |
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| A nicely detailed LCM and two AAVP7's are included to get your Marines
ashore. The LCM is almost a kit in itself with it's own PE set included.
Nice to see such a highly detailed modern landing craft included in this
kit. The AAVP7's are nicely done as well with separate sides and turret.
It also has it's own PE shown below. |
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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 custom length railings matched to the kit.
Safety netting and ladders, and framework. |
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FRET B
More railings, open doors, crane rigging, and platforms and other details
are included here. |
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FRET C
Towers, and mast parts are among the parts on this brass fret. |
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FRET D
This fret is for the LCM and includes railings and details. |
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FRET E
Rotors and doors for the CH-46 are included on these two frets. |
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FRET F
These parts are for the AAVP7 and include rear door and front plate. |
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| DECALS |
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| A sharply rendered decal sheet with markings for the flight deck, warning
circles, and of course hull numbers and flags. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are fourteen pages showing the parts in exploded views
with plenty of subassembly views. Well drawn and very thorough, they seem
to cover all bases. |
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| Conclusions: |
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Another stunning release from Orange Hobby in their Blue Series. This
kit is one of the most detailed and well engineered kits I have seen. It
is a must have for your modern US Navy fleet. Retail price should be around
$75-80.00 US. However Freetime
Hobbies has it in stock for $69.95.
Check the Orange
Hobby website for this and other new kits. |
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