| The 67,500 ton Admiral Kuznetsov was
the Soviet Unions first full flight deck carrier, also known as Project
1143.5. It would probably be better classified as an Aircraft Carrying
Cruiser as it relies more on it's offensive missiles than aircraft. The
ship features a ski jump style flight deck to help get the aircraft airborne
as no catapults are used. A traditional angled deck allows for simultaneous
launching and recovering of aircraft. The aircraft she was designed to
operate include navalised versions of the Su-27, Mig-29, and the proven
Yak-41M VTOL, and Ka-27 Kamov Helicopters. They were designed to
operate in the Air Superiority role in defense of SSBN forces. The Kusnetsov
is the only ship of this type to see service. A second ship, the Varyag
was canceled and never completed due to changing strategic needs. The Kuznetsov
also carries the SS-N-19 Anti Ship missiles in twelve launchers. Like other
Soviet era ships, she bristles with all the latest in air defense weapons
and radar. |
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| HULL PARTS |
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| The hull is cast as one piece above the waterline. Molding
is quite good, with plenty of open portholes most with rain gutters molded
over them. Openings are molded into the hull to allow for more detail to
be shown. The walls for these openings are included on other sprues shown
below. |
Click images
to enlarge |
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The modeler has the choice of full hull or waterline display. Flat waterline
and full hull options are molded in red. |
| FLIGHT DECK |
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| The flight deck is molded as a single piece with lots of surface detail.
Safety nets are molded to the bow ramp and stern. These would be better
replaced by photo etch. The deck marking are recessed rather than raised
making them much easier to fill in if desired. |
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| SPRUE A |
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| Superstructure parts and decks for the Island are included on this
sprue. The parts include a fair amount of surface detailing. The elevator
tracks are molded on some of these parts. These are done realistically
and will allow you to position the elevators in any position from fully
raised to lowered. Some of the parts on this sprue form the walls that
are recessed into the hull sides. |
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| SPRUE B |
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| This sprue has the propeller shafts and some platforms. Note the bracing
under these platforms. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| This sprue has the main superstructure walls. Portholes are also molded
open, with rain gutters where appropriate. Plumbing and conduit detailing
is also very evident on the walls. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| More safety nets are included on this sprue, as well as many fittings
that are very thin and finely molded. Notice how finely detailed the landing
light bar is! |
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| SPRUE E |
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| Ships boats, floatation canisters, machine guns, and other small details
are well molded on this sprue. The deck edge elevator is also well done,
with open and closed elevator door option. Propellors are correctly done
with left and right hand blades. |
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| SPRUE F |
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| This sprue has many of the weapons and fittings used on the ship. Many
are cast with intricate details. These parts are about as fine as is possible
with injection molding technology. |
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| DISPLAY BASE OPTIONS |
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| Besides just giving you a full hull and waterline option.
You get a base and nameplate for full hull display. But the real plus is
the inclusion of a waterline base molded in a blue translucent color. This
base has a moderate wake around the ships outline. Now any waterline modeler
can have their ship in action without having to create their own sea. |
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| AIRCRAFT |
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| A full complement of Navalised aircraft are included in
clear styrene. The ship has the capacity to support 16 Yakovlev Yak-141,
12 Sukhoi Su-33 fixed-wing aircraft and a range of helicopters including
four Kamov Ka-27-LD, 18 Kamov Ka-27 PLO, and two Ka-27-S. But every possible
type that could be deployed on a ship are included. Although not all of
these aircraft were used, it is nice to have them all included to give
the modeler options. Panel lines on all aircraft is recessed and all have
exceptional detail for 1/700 scale. |
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Kamov Helicopters
There are three types of Kamov Helicopters with very subtle differences
that experienced modelers will appreciate. The Ka-27, Ka-29 and KA-31's
are all molded with the subtle differences. The helo's also include folded
and deployed rotors. They are made up of several parts with separate landing
gear and tail booms. |
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Sukhoi SU-33 |
| Two types of SU-33 aircraft are included The SU-33
and the UB variant. Vertical stabilizers and landing gear are separate. |
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Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig 29k |
| Mig 29k's are included and molded like the others with separate tails
and landing gear. |
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Sukhoi SU-25 |
| The SU-25 UTG ground attack aircraft is included three to a sprue.
The only thing missing is a wing load of ordnance. |
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Yakovlev Yak-141 |
| The venerable Yak-141 VTOL aircraft is also included like the others
with separate tails and landing gear. |
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| DECALS |
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| A decal sheet is included with all the deck markings included. Aircraft
insignia and numbers are well done. A ships crest is also provided as are
hull numbers. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| A twenty page instruction booklet describe the assembly in great detail
with a variety of sub assembly views. These instructions are well done
and should provide all the information that is needed to build this ship.
For painting, a color plan and multiple profile sheet is included also
showing the aircraft. Decal location is called out as are the colors used
to paint all the parts. |
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| Conclusions: |
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 Yet
another impressive kit from Trumpeter. This is kit #TSM-5713 1/700 Admiral
Kuznetsov Soviet Aircraft Carrier with a suggested list price of $69.95
US. A fair price for a large well detailed kit with an extensive airwing.
I'm glad to see subjects that have been so well done in 1/350 scale scaled
down to 1/700. Trumpeter has been on a roll lately, producing a variety
of high quality kits that ship modelers have been waiting for.
Thanks to Stevens
International for the review sample. They are the exclusive importer
for Trumpeter kits in the US. If your hobby shop does not carry Trumpeter
kits have them contact Stevens
International or try their Hobby Shop Locator to find one. |
