The Kit

Last in my series of Chinese PLAN ships by Dream Model is the Type 054(a). Like the previous kits, Dream Model uses resin, however, this resin appears different from any other I’ve seen. It had a “recycled” feeling to it almost like recycled paper or cardboard. However, it painted up and sanded just fine.

As can be seen in the pics, the assembly is much like the other Dream Model Kits. The bulk of the ship is pre-formed from the hull up to the upper decks. There are only about two dozen other resin pieces included to assemble. The resin pieces themselves are fair to poor in quality.

The PE, however, is another matter. Very well executed, bending crisply, not too thick or too thin, the PE makes this kit. This kit doesn’t include resin copies of the PE parts for the “harpoon” type launchers, so you will have to fold and build the launchers.(a daunting task as each of the four launcher tubes has to be folded, edge bands applied and front and back pieces put in place.) Opti-visors are pretty much mandatory here.

Like other Dream Models kits, this kit uses PE to enlarge and detail existing parts. Railings are provided and unlike other Dream Model kits, this one actually has enough railings to finish the entire kit and all deck levels.

Decals

While the numbers are individual and have to be up on and lined up one at a time, the helo-deck is a single large decal (minus the numbers) which makes getting all the lines and circles lined up more easily.


Instructions

Nothing special here. A single page pictograph showing all assemblies. Basic, but functional. No major omissions or part number errors. (Although you’ll need a 3x opti-visor and maybe even an additional magnifying glass to see the numbers on the PE fret).

The Build

Pretty much OOB, except small additions to the radar mast, stretched sprue for the signal flag lines and aerials. Tamiya’s grey surface primer followed by Tamiya Acrylics, clear coat before decals and Testors dull-coat following decal application. I used “The Detailer” pre-mixed water based black-wash for the highlights on this build.