Alright everyone, fasten your seatbelts please. I am writing this at a time with Christmas not too far ahead. If you are seeking to enhance your Trumpeter Hornet (CV-8) 1/350 styrene kit above any level, then this is your set.
The Packaging…
WEM provides the kit in a double strengthened envelope with a sicker in the upper right corner reading:
1/350 USS Hornet The Hangar Deck
The Content…
Upon opening the envelope the model builder is confronted with one big photo etched brass fret and the instructions.
PE Brass Fret…
Simply wow ... that is what I thought about this set by WEM. What you see does not look like anything special but in fact, it is. All the support structure for the hangar deck ceiling are provided and much more.
Let me give you the list first:
1. - 9. Forward Hangar Roof Supports
10 - 19. Centre Hangar Roof Supports
20. Mid Elevator Surround Supports
21. - 32. Aft Hangar Roof Supports
33. Midships Elevator Surround
24. Large Ventilator Ducts
35. Ventilator Louvers
36. Centre Beam
All the folding lines are relief etched easing the folding process. As you can see from the list and the pictures, the major parts for the hangar decks fitting out are provided.
The Instructions…
Yes! These pages are instructions and they do something standard instructions hardly do:
They take you to the next level.
First there is the page with general advises followed by a parts list.
Right after there is the hangar roof location guide with some explaining text. This is followed by describing graphically and text wise how to assemble the various parts.
What follows now is breathtaking for itself. WEM provides the pattern to build up the complete hangar deck. Not only are there exact drawings of various sections but also text wise measures and details not found anywhere easily. Honestly, if you see one of these rare cases where a lot of research and efforts went into the instructions you wonder how you ever were satisfied with less. Finally the modeler receives in form of drawing instructions on how to work the centre area around base of island.
What is missing are descriptions about what tubes wires etc. were installed in the hangar deck and the modeler is well advised to do some research on this to live up the walls of the hangar deck as well.
No reference to the original subject is provided.
No actual building photos are including
Result…
There are few instances where I hardly find any word to express myself. WEM provides such a nice set for such a significant ship with stunning details and the corresponding plans. There is few left to ask for and that can be regarded minor. Bravo WEM!
SUMMARY
Highs: One of a kind set for the Yorktown class carriers with extensive and thorough instructions.Lows: None NotedVerdict: Once you decide to open the hangar deck this set is a must.
About Dariush (Dr_Who2) FROM: NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN, GERMANY
... being father of two lovely children brought me back what was a hobby of mine in my own childhood. I guess everyone with at least one child in the household can figure what I am talking about. Despite what I have built in my younger years (most of them blew up or sank in a pond) I learned to lov...
WEM's 1/350 photoetch hangar set for the Hornet is absolutely fantastic! Here are a few in progress pics:
Here's one showing a little scratchbuilt detail on one of the bulkheads:
regards,
Tim
Looks very impressive. Love the built up shots. I'm glad to see a good review of this set as I have it to complete my Hornet's hangar deck when I get around to her, maybe later this year. I'm thinking about attempting to not only detail out the hangar deck, but also light it with LEDs. Might be beyond my skill level, especiallly any scratch building beyond just cutting bulkhead panels, but I'm going to give it a shot. As Jimmy Buffett said, "there may be no exit, but hell, I'm goin in".
Bob
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