Intro...

A very useful generic etched set from Lion Roar, adding to their growing range for those that just want to add that bit extra, without going the whole hog on ship specific sets.
Coming on the familiar black fading to blue card, the single sheet of etch is attached to one side and a small double sided instruction sheet is behind the card completing the package.

The Set...

The set includes amidships and stern cranes for Pennsylvania and North Carolina classes and stern cranes for the South Dakota and Iowa class battleships. The quality of the etching of the latticework booms is first class. These parts will require handling with extreme care and a tool such as a “etch mate” or ”hold and fold” will be of great assistance as the material is quite soft and the fragile structures will deform easily, a major plus is that the folds are well defined. In addition to the booms, bases for the stern cranes, hooks, blocks and much of the rigging is included on the fret.
The instructions are quite clear, and laid out showing the amidships cranes on one side and the stern cranes on the other, The stern cranes for North Carolina & South Dakota class are the same, and the same drawing, with a different boom is referenced for the Iowa class.
At around £6.00 this set represents good value for money, and should be popular with 1/700th US Navy builders.

Conclusion…

As I have said above the set on its own represents value for money. Catapults in 1/700th are impossible to represent realistically in injection moulded plastic, and sets such are these are a real boon for those who wish to make a simple, economical and eye catching improvement to their models. My only real criticism is a lack of clarity in certain areas in the instructions. All said and done both set are highly recommended.