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In-Box Review
1700
HMS Express H-61
HMS EXPRESS H-61
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by: HG Barnes [ HGBARNES ]

History of AJM Models

Thirty years ago, in the journal “Sea” I stumbled across articles and photos of micro model ships. These photos were taken by members of the informal association of Polish Mikromodelers who every year on the occasion of Sea Days met at exhibitions in Gdynia.

After seeing their work up close, tried to carry out such models. From that moment on ships and models have become my passion, which, incidentally, was inextricably linked to my profession… I am a trained dental technician.

By 2014 I decided to start preparations for the opening of the company, producing resin ship models. To the resulting interesting models, I established contacts with the best companies, producing various components of our kits. ~AJM Models home page~ (edited)

Introduction

Several months ago, or more, I watched a review on Model Builder International’s YouTube channel about a company I’d never heard of. It’s always a treat to see new companies spring up and especially when they bring out different and very interesting subjects. My entire family have many generations of working on the sea, dating back many centuries. Needless to say, I was hooked when I saw all that AJM Models have to offer and wanted to take a closer look at one for myself… they did not disappoint.

I contacted the retailer Hobby Link International and what arrived at my home is what you’ll see now.

The Box and Content

A sturdy cardboard box shows how a very skillful modeler has reproduced this example of HMS EXPRESS H-61. This will certainly aid in the construction and painting of your kit. Inside you’ll find a reasonably protected bag of over 110 resin parts including the waterline hull. Next is the bag with well over 200 photo-etched parts on 3 frets, decals and 2 gauges of brass rod. Finally, the 4 page assembly guide and painting instructions in color where needed.

The resin parts have nice detail and AJM Models used a very high-quality material to make them. Naturally, I’m going to wash these, yet I felt no release agent at all. My main hull has a slight warp but nothing a bit of warm water won’t fix. Some parts, though, were out of the sealed bag and a few got snapped off from their plugs.

The PE is thin and well produced plus there is everything you’ll need to complete a highly detailed kit. My main fret and rods had a few bends in places but again, nothing that couldn’t be easily fixed.

The instructions are complete yet a bit busy and need to be a little more thought out with respect to sub assemblies. Also, they are not numbered and could use a few more photos of the completed model along with a detailed rigging diagram.

The Decals look sharp and in scale, have nice color and registry plus they’re on a single carrier film.

The Price from Hobby Link International is very reasonable at only $45USD plus shipping. You will have to wait for the kit to arrive from Poland but from what I can see is worth seriously looking into on their website.

Conclusion

This will build up to become a splendid example of this class of ship and a rare item for your shelf. It is definitely on my build list. Many thanks to Paul at Hobby Link International, AJM Models and to YOU for having a look. When inquiring about this or any of AJM Models products please mention you read an article on KitMaker Network Model Ship Wrights.

SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent detail, rare subject and great price.
Lows: None.
Verdict: Recommended.
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:700
  Mfg. ID: No. 700-017
  PUBLISHED: Oct 29, 2019
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 86.05%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 80.00%

Our Thanks to Hobby Link International!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About HG Barnes (HGBARNES)
FROM: ALBERTA, CANADA

H.G. Barnes is a former voice artist and sales/marketing executive. Currently ghost writing, he's recently published the first of many Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, and Adventure novels. He's been building model kits of every genre since memory to go along with his short stories, yet aircraft h...

Copyright ©2021 text by HG Barnes [ HGBARNES ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Model Shipwrights. All rights reserved.



   
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