I just happened to go to my local Hobby Shop today and to my surprise, there was a new 1/350 kit of USS Zumwalt DDG-1000 from Takom/Snowman Models! I must have missed talk about this kit, because I was definitely not expecting it.
A short in box review: nice crisp moldings, no flash, lots of detail(for such a plain ship), 2 small PE frets and decals for all 3 ships. The real ships have radar absorbing tiles on most of the superstructure, this is nicely represented by engraved lines on the surface. On smaller parts, like guns and radar antenna platforms, there are PE pieces that need to be glued on that represent the tiles. There are also brass turned barrels for the guns, even though it looks like the USN will never actually install them.
The decals look nice with all the required markings. There are clear windows and helicopter. 2 pedestals for stands and a separate bottom hull for waterline or full hull builds.
The hull mates together very nicely, with no signs or warping. The seams look tight and will take minimal prep to hide, although sanding might be a challenge to avoid destroying some details. The superstructure has beveled corner joints, something I’ve seen before and truthfully shy away from as they can be a blessing or a curse. However, this kit seems to have a very nice fit along the edges. There are also 2 frames on the inside that keep the sides at the correct angle and make it very solid.
There are also some tiny 3D printed items that look like small ball shaped antenna that aren’t identified and that I’m not familiar with. I see them on Zumwalt photos, but not Johnson or Monsoor. They are nicely packaged with the Barrels and helo decals in a small plastic case with an image of Zumwalt frosted on the lid. Very classy touch.
The biggest complaint I have are the instructions. They are smaller than usual and the lines so fine I can barely see them. For us old guys, it’s a bit hard to see.
I am linking the photos because they are fairly large. All the assembled pieces are taped together, no glue. You can see how tight the joints are just sitting in place. The super is sitting loosely on the hull. And finally, I did not do any accuracy checks. It looks reasonably close to my eye so I'll leave rivet counting to others.
At $90cdn I think it’s good value for money.
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