This is a review of the Nautilus Models, Modelbrass, White Ensign, Eduard and Warhammer upgrades, for RoG 1:72 U-Boat.
The Nautilus, wooden deck, is superb. It takes real cratsmanship, to do this kind of laser work.
Though the instructuions are a but sparse, they're sufficient. Any deck hatchs that will be displayed, open, are easy to cut out. And the kit access hatches are a nice addition, and,a real "Must Have" for the deck.
The upper conning tower hatch can be used as the torpedo loading hatch. Or the kit hatch can be used for this purpose, your call.
The Modelbrass set is exquisite. The flood ports are another "Must Have". I skipped the main deck (since I'm using the Nautilus deck) but the conning tower deck is perfect. Brass tubing, works great, for the upper conning tower hatch combing.
Once again, the kit instructions are sparse, but thier Online instructions will answer most questions.
The retractable bollard caps and bases are also added benefit of this kit, if you want the bollards extended. If not, you can go with WEM.
White Ensign sets the standard for excellance. Their instructions leave few questions and are on par with the parts.
Between their upgrade kit, and torpedo loading kit, we can do things that could only be done by museums, or in our dreams, in earlier days.John, and the boys and girls at WEM, are true artists.
Eduard takes up where WEM and Modelbrass leave off. And, lives up to the standard WEM sets. In both parts and instructions.
The below waterline fittings are unbelievable. But be careful, the parts are as delicate are they are beautiful.
What you learn, doing the Modelbrass flood ports, will make, doing the Eduard parts, much easier.
While many topside parts are repeats of WEM parts, it gives you room to screw up. (Maybe you don't, but I do!)
The Warhammer bridge detail matches WEM and Eduard. And provides enough parts to allows plenty of flexibility as to which boat you want to build.
The resin parts make it possible to easily modify the kit even further. The instructions are pretty good, too. With the Modelbrass deck, this part, of the boat, becomes a master piece in itself.
Last, but far from least, are Steve Nutall's scopes and gun barrels. These are the finishing touch.
There are no instructions, but, if you need instructions, the RoG model's probably still in the box.
With these kits, and a little time and patience, anyone can build a mesuem quality model.
Of course, I'm still waiting for four more upgrade kits. The Yankee Model Works upper hull and the CMK interior rooms. But then, I'm crazy. Just ask my wife.
Now for the negetive side.
It's NOT a US Guppy, diesel boat. I want a 1:72 Guppy!!! Especially, now, that I know that WEM, Steve Nutall, Eduard, Nautilus, Modelbrass and all the rest are out there. Just waiting, to produce upgrade parts for her.
Mike K.