To strengthen the Navy of Taiwan, the United States
sent several Modernized Gearing Class Destroyers to help patrol the straights
of Formosa. The Navy of Taiwan is not well documented to those of us in
the Western world, but Veteran Models, a new company out of Taiwan has
chosen this as their first subject. I first became aware of this company
when I received pictures of the 1/700
ROC Destroyer Chien Yang that Chen.Chih-Pang
submitted to the ModelShipGallery.
His model was truly a work of art. I am pleased to learn that this kit
is now available to all of us. The kit comes well packed in a sturdy box
with the hull protected in bubble wrap and all the parts secured to cardstock
with double sided tape and packed in plastic bags. A nice instructions
sheet and CD's are included to help you build your kit. |
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| HULL |
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| The hull is cast as a waterline kit, with most of the superstructure
cast on. There is a small casting gate at the bow that must be removed
but the rest of the hull looks ready to build. The details is amazing,
and really isn't all evident with the naked eye. The hull has all kinds
of surface detail, from doors and hatches to piping and conduit running
along the walls. The second deck level is cast in place with overhanging
surfaces cleanly cast right into the corners. |
Click
images
to enlarge |
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A lower hull is included with a sooner dome cast on. A base is included
if you wish to build your ship full hull. The base will allow you non waterline
modelers to display the ship with props and rudders.
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE |
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| The superstructure parts that are not cast onto the hull include the
bridge, and some other decks. The bridge is cast onto a resin runner leaving
only a small casting gate to remove and preserving the majority of the
detail. The surface detail is also quite well done on this part. |
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The funnel and other platforms are well cast with some platforms having
underside bracing. |
| WEAPONS AND FITTINGS |
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| The various parts show an attention to detail that goes above and beyond
what you will find in the typical kit. Some of the weapons are mounted
on coils of wire that are cast on the base. |
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| The kit includes an MD-500 ASW Helo that is really amazing considering
it's small size. The majority of the parts are incredibly fine for resin
castings. The main guns are very well cast, and all the parts are very
delicate. |
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You will have to do a little straightening with the mast and propeller
shafts, but this shouldn't be to difficult. |
| PHOTOETCH |
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| Two photo etch frets are provided relief etched on stainless
steel. The parts are very fine with clean crisp lines. Etched fold lines
are provided to allow you to fold in the right place.
Railing is also very fine with netting etched on the lower half. Helo safety
nets are also included with some nice net detailing. |
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| DECALS |
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| The decals are shown from the backside. Cutting lines are
included on the back side
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are a 6 page booklet showing the assembly
in a step by step process that is easy to follow. Very thorough and well
illustrated. A step by step guide to assembly is provided on a CD that
will allow you to build a really great model.
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| REFERENCE |
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| The kit includes a CD with photo's of the real
ship and sister ships taken from a multitude of angles. Virtually every
detail on the ship is photographed in high resolution that not only allowed
the designers of the kit to produce an accurate kit, but will allow you
to build an accurate model.
Completed model with MD-500 on deck.
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| CONCLUSIONS |
|
 This
kit is extremely well detailed and includes everything you need to build
a first class model of a Taiwanese Destroyer. This kit is truly one of
a kind and Veteran has produced a kit that you would only expect from a
Veteran Company. If their first release is this good, you can expect great
things from this company. I am looking forward to seeing what else this
team can produce. This kit has previously only been available in the far
East. As I write this negotiations with Pacific Front Hobbies and Trident
Hobbies are underway to bring this line to the Western world. I will update
this review with the details as soon as they are available. |
