| The SMS Lützow was a member of the
Derfflinger class of German Battlecruisers which included Hindenburg. They
featured improved armament (4 twin 12" turrets) over the proceeding
Moltke class and Seydlitz.
Lützow was commissioned on August 8, 1915. Engine damage during
trials delayed her active service until early in 1916. Lützow took
part in the Bombardment of Yarmouth and Lowestoft on April 24–25, 1916.
She was best known for her role in the Battle of Jutland, on May 31 thru
June 1st, sinking the British battlecruiser HMS Invincible and according
to some accounts the armored cruiser HMS Defence. Lützow was heavily
damaged in the engagement taking around two dozen large caliber shell hits
that left her dead in the water. With no hope of recovery, the ship was
finished off by torpedoes fired by the escorting torpedo boat G38.
FlyHawk Models has been producing photo etch accessories for ship modelers
for a long time. This is a follow-up to their first ship kit, the
Derfflinger.
It shares many of the same parts with the unique ones noted below.
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| SPRUE A |
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| The kit is a waterline version and the hull is molded
as two halves. The hull sides have anchor holes molded open and plenty
of portholes. Also on the sprue are the rolled up torpedo netting. |
Click images
to enlarge |
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| SPRUE B (x 2) |
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| The main gun turrets are on this pair of sprues. Slides in the mold
are used to give the 12" gun barrels hollowed out tips. Medium gun shields
are molded with open slots for a much nicer final assembly. Ships boats
and other items feature nice crisp molding and a fair amount of detail. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| The many torpedo net booms are provided on this sprue. They are nice
and thin. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| This part is new for Lutzow and it mounts at the base of the first
main turret. |
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| SPRUE E |
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| This sprue is similar to the Derfflinger with some subtle changes on
the end. It includes some of the superstructure and upper decks . Decks
have nice fine planking molded onto the surface. Fully formed funnels are
provided thanks to slide molding. |
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| SPRUE F |
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| The base of the 02 level is molded as a single part with sockets for
the secondary turrets to swivel in. Much of this is covered over with the
deck shown in Sprue E above so there is little detail to make note of.
The end piece on this sprue does feature nice molded on louver detailing.
This part is nearly identical to the Derfflinger, but without the extra
part on the end. |
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| SPRUE G |
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| The is the end piece for the upper deck and it feature nice deck planking,
and nice skylights and thin boat cradles. slide molding allows for molded
on portholes and ladder detail on the sides. |
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| SPRUE H & L |
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| A couple of extra parts are supplied extra perhaps clipped off a sprue
for a future release! These parts have some nice louver details on the
sides. |
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| SPRUE J |
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| The waterline base helps hold the hull shape and includes provisions
for the weight typical of waterline ships. |
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| SPRUE K |
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| The deck is nicely molded with nice deck planking and clean anchorways.
Mounting sockets for the capstans are provided. Bits and chocks are molded
on. |
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| PHOTOETCH |
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| Photoetched railings with drooping chain are included in various lengths.
Mast supports and yardarms, anchor chain, and ladder stock are among the
other details. |
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| METAL WEIGHT |
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| The metal weight is included. |
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| DECALS |
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| Decals with the recognition circles, flags with some small crests are
provided. These are sharp and nicely registered. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| Instructions are two extra long pages printed in color.
These include sub-assembly views and color guides for painting.
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| Conclusions: |
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A natural follow-up to the Derfflinger, this kit should be a big hit
with Jutland and WWI fans. The molding is first class and the detailing
very fine, and the all the photo etch you will need is included. The kit
is available without the commemorative extras for $49.95 MSRP. The kit
is available from most online shops now. It is on sale now at Freetime
Hobbies for $29.95.
Thanks to FlyHawk
Models for the review sample. |
