Trumpeter 1/700 USS West Virginia

[Steve]

The following is the first of my 3 posts covering this kit. Parts 2 and 3 will be added shortly.

Trumpeter 1/700 USS West Virginia

The kit is as excellent as I anticipated it would be. Here are my first impressions, more will follow as I inspect the parts and compare the instructions to the Maryland kit.

1. The hull without bulges is very well done.

2. Both the "Fore deck" and 'Rear deck" parts are the same as the Maryland kit. Deck fittings may vary.

3. Two sprues "D" and "E" replace sprue "B" from the Maryland kit. The superstructure deck (sprue "E") is identical to the Maryland. Many of the other parts from these sprues are used for both kits.

4. The bridge has different platforms and other parts which I believe are representative of the differences between the two ships. These are on Sprue "D"

5. All of the other sprues (and there are many) and the PE are identical to both kits .

6. If you already have the Maryland kit comparing the two will be easy once Hobby Search posts the instructions on their site. Currently they have only posted a series of very good photos of the kit built up.

7. Shades of the New Orleans class kits, Trumpeter is maximizing the reuse of sprues and only adding ship specific parts on separate sprues as needed. I believe with both hull shapes they can do all the 1941 Big 5 plus any variation throughout the war except for the modernized three post their major refits. The '44 Colorado already exists (in Japan) and the '41 California is listed by Trumpeter.

Comments and questions always welcomed.

Steve G.

[Steve]

This is a continuation of my inspection of this kit and a comparison to the Maryland kit.

Trumpeter 1/700 USS West Virginia (Part 2)

So far I have reviewed the instructions thru Step 6. They follow the same sequence as for the Maryland kit except for step numbers. Steps 1 thru 6 in the West Virginia cover steps 1 thru 9 in the Maryland.

I see no significant differences between the two kits in these steps with the exception of types and locations of deck fittings mostly on the Rear Deck plus some minor differences in the small AA outfits.

With the exception of the number of semi-shielded 5" mounts (4 vs. 2) and location of vent fittings the main superstructure deck is outfitted the same in both kits.

A small PE deflector has been added to the fore stack.

I will start on the bridge instructions next.

Questions or comments always appreciated. - Steve G.

[Steve]

The following is the third and final part of the review.

Trumpeter 1/700 USS West Virginia (Part 3)

This is the continuation covering the comparison of the West Virginia to the Maryland kit for the bridge structure, 16" turrets and final assembly steps.

This starts with Step 7 (Step 10 in the Maryland kit).

Step 7 covers the director platform and the AA platform. There are slight differences in details for the director platform but they are generally similar (sprue D vs. B). The AA platform uses the same part for both kits (sprue C). The only difference relates to the replacement of the 1.1" AA with 3".

Step 8 (Step 11 Maryland) covers the assembly of the bridge and conning tower structures which are open between them. The basic structures are similar and use many of the same parts. The next level up is the connecting signal platform between the two towers. They again are generally similar and both have the same searchlight and AA gun arrangements. The next level has covered platform extensions and small range finders p/s not found on the Maryland. The foretop now has the radar added. Visually these two bridge structures are similar. I assume the Maryland reflects the latest arrangements prewar as the AA outfit now has the 1.1" mounts. The different parts needed for the West Virginia are now found on the new sprue D.

Step 9 (Step 12 Maryland) covers the assembly of the 16" turrets. There are only minor differences between the two kits and both carry the catapult on "X" turret. The West Virginia does not carry the range finder on "B" turret as found on the Maryland. All of the parts needed are found on sprues common to both kits (which also have the triple 14" turret parts).

Steps 10 to 14 (Steps 13 to 17 Maryland) cover final assembly of tower masts, bridge sub assemblies, the many ship's boats (the West Virginia has additional boats alongside the bridge p/s), float planes and
the underwater hull fittings.

Misc. comments and observations:

The Instructions have the same format, graphics and step sequence with the minor exception of the numbering of the steps. The graphics are ship specific and parts locations for both above and under the various bridge platforms are shown.

I recommend that the 3D printed lattice cage masts be substituted for the kit PE.

I have not commented on the accuracy of either kit or the shape of the Maryland hull bulges. I leave those challenges to others.

Comments or questions always welcome. Steve G.

[Timmy C]

Thanks for the three-part review, Steve! Do you mind if I merge them all into a single thread? It'll keep everything together in case they start getting scattered because some get more comments than others.

[Steve]

Thanks for the three-part review, Steve! Do you mind if I merge them all into a single thread? It'll keep everything together in case they start getting scattered because some get more comments than others.

Please do - that works for me! Steve G.

[Bill Clarke]

Thanks Steve

[Steve]

Now posted on Hobby Search with full instructions.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10282766

[Robin]

Steve,

Thanks for the review. I should be receiving my kit today and I am looking forward to inspecting it! Now all I need is for Trumpeter to release the 1/700 USS California/ USS Tennessee.