PaulC wrote:
Von Fricke wrote:
I have both the SS Model Emden and the HP version and the SS Model is far superior. Both in detail and ease of building and even the price is good but then HP is no longer producing resin kits so they are difficult to find. I got mine for HP 15-20 years ago and it cost at least $60 at that time ( I was part of a $2,000 order) and my SS Model Emden cost $59 including shipping from China.
How are the SS Model instructions for Emden? I bought their Bretagne and the instructions were really poor - I actually followed drawings and photos of the ship I found online for the most part.
It was very difficult to impossible to tell what needed to be trimmed from the parts (e.g. from the bridge platforms) and what should stay. There were missing parts too - e.g. no anchors or secondary directors for the bridge wings, though the bases were there and you could make them out on the "instruction" sheet.
I found too that the model was based on the World of Warships Bretagne which is "modified" (e.g. more light AA, AA gun tubs on B and X turrets), not an accurate reflection of the actual ship in 1940.
But...in terms of quality of the 3D printing and detailing...it was pretty nice! At least in my view...
I think a lot of models they have are just from either WoWs or War Thunder 3D models they adopted to printing. How all of that licensed is a separate topic, but it is sad to see you found instructions to be lacking.
I know someone who ordered a lot of their models now and will get them in couple of weeks. Would be able to tell a lot then.
The 3D printed stuff is the way to go. Much less parts, much better accuracy. Superior to injection moulding it seems, but they could benefit from more brass (especially for masts, gun barrels, railings). It is not the first company to foray into this - some like Modelbauray printed few interested subjects but they have too thick details on deck, hull plating, etc. They have an Averoff which is cool, or the Swedish coastal Battleship. Im considering to start building those kits more and more, I think it is the future for realistic models.