Beginners models

remko:

I have the Trumpeter Kirov in 1/700 (I assume that is the kit you mention) and have not built it, only test fitted some of the assemblys. They all lined up well and seam filling looks like it will be minimal. The one flaw I saw was the helicopters, which were less then impressive. I will be replacing those. I can't speak to the accuracy of the ship, others will have to chime in on that, if it matters to you.

As for easy resins, I can only speak for 1/700 scale. Some not too hard ones, with easy PE, are from JAG Collective, the USCG Cutters Hamilton and Bear. Pretty easy builds, nice looking kits. I haven't built the USS Austin by them yet, but, it doesn't look too awful. I have JAG's USS Sacremento and that looks like it will take some serious time and effort to do well.

Hope this helps!

QUOTE: Originally posted by Remko I'd also like to know what the general thought is on the Kirov class battlecruisers from Trumpeter. Are they any good, or more for the experienced and very patient modeler? Remko

Remko, I've built three of the Trumpeter Kirov class ships; I'm currently looking for the Kirov to complete the set. I built mine completely out of the box. A couple of companies do offer some exceelent aftermarket Photo-Etched sets for these kits that really enhance the model. The kits are a challenge to build out of the box though, if only because of the quantity of small parts that go on it. Those small parts do require a bit of patience and a light grip on the tweezers. Like Rocky, I didn't build the helicopters for them.

However, as you can see below; if you take your time and enjoy the building process, these kits do build up into nice looking kits!

Frunze:



Kalininn:



Pyotr Velihky:



Click on the pics for an expanded view. I hope you like them. Enjoy your kit!

Duke, Rocky, thanks.
Those are some great pictures Duke!!! I haven't got the model yet, but will do so soon. I have always loved this ship, just becasue of the sheer size of it. Apart from Aicraf Carriers these are the largest warships constructed since WWII. Too bad that there is son little info about it available...
Anyway, thanks for the help. I'll see if I may be able to find some better helo's to go with the ship. I'm sure they are available somewhere!!

Remko

I think I have some aftermarket Helixes (Helixs? Helixoi? Helixoose?) by Aoishima / Dragon / DML. One of those guys. Anyway, not too bad.

Yup, Aoshima has a cool set of Soviet Naval planes. This set consists of 24 YAK-36 Forger-A VTOL fighters, and 8 Kamov Ka-25 Hormone-A helo's. These would be a great addition to the Dragon (not Trumpeter, sorry my mistake) Kirov class cruiser. Hmm... Come to think of it, one helo and two yets might be very cool looking!!! Perhaps the ship could be modified a bit to accommodate the jet fighter on the stern deck!!!!

Remko