Ahoy mates!
Jim Adams (goldenpony) gives us his thoughts and opinions on this new "Premium Edition" kit from Dragon Models Limited.

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
~Gunny

Very nice Jim.

I'm doing a build review on this same kit for IPMS/USA. It is too bad about the raised details on the flight deck.

Gator

I have one Premium kit ready for the Cold War Tin Cans GB, 2 more in the stash, nice to know they are good kits and fit for novices. Speaking of Premium kits and PE, Does anyone have suggestions as to PE-bending tools, that work for both small PE frets and the larger rail pieces? Um, maybe I should post this question somewhere else?

A little off topic, mate, but you've come to the right place...

PE bending tools, yes, there are a few key players in the market, all bend ferrous and non-ferrous metals of various gauge's...BUT, there are differences in the way that each bend, and certain features of each makes each of the different tools attractive to different modelers.

My two favorites are the Fenderbender and the Hold-n-fold, and like I previously stated, they both bend metals, but differently, thus, the two tools are in my toolbox...if you're serious about using photo-etch in your builds, then one, two, (or more!) of these tools will make the job easier in the long run...best bet is to talk to many modelers about the subject, research as much as you can on each product, then try to make a decision as to which one would best suit YOU...check these out........................

FenderBender

Hold-n-Fold

Flip R5

Its odd that I really didn't notice that until I got to that sprue. I was really liking the kit right until I saw that. I am sure it won't be that much of a challange, but it is a pain.

I would really like to squeeze that one into my schedule and do a build log straight OOB. I'll waht I can do here in the next month or so.

James,
The PE might cause you some headaches when you first try to work with it on the smaller scales. My current build has some PE and I was looking over that portion of the build last night. When it is time for those steps I will just sit back, turn off the phones, lock myself in the spare room, and take my time. It is a challange, but it will also make your build better in the long run.

Oops, sorry to jump out of topic, my bad! Thanks for the info, have some research to do now.. thanks and my apologies again! Jim

Jim, I used a sharp chisel blade in the X-acto knife and mine came off relatively quickly. Total time I believe was about 15 minutes removing and sanding.




James, I recently purchased the Flip R5 tool. It's perfect for the smaller photo etch parts, for me that is. I also have a smaller pe tool similar to the Hold-n-fold. Between the two, it's all I need for 1/700 scale.

btw...If you do decide on the Fenderbender, get one now. There are only a few left in stock and Ausfwerks has no plans to make any more.

Gator

hello Jim,
thanks for the review,have you thought about running a campaign for the Falklands War.you could get the treadheads and the airdales involved also.just an idea.
cheers,
Bruce