Yesterday I bought Trumpeters new kit at my LHS, it was $89 CND, which is actually cheaper then the best price I've seen online (with shipping factored in). (Buy local! Burnaby Hobbies, in Vancouver, BC)
Disclaimer: I'm no expert, nor the type to go comparing the model parts to plans and diagrams. Are the AA guns wrong for the year? Is the bow shape off by a few mm? I have no idea, you'll have to wait for the real reviews. Many of you are far more informed then I, so I simply offer you my impressions of the kit.
So, what of it?
Firstly, it's not waterline friendly, not at all. The hull is packed with internal bulkheads, and is split down the center line.
Second, contrary to a comment posted elsewhere, there's no included wooden deck. Not sure where that idea came from, but it's not true.
What is included is some PE, more then then normally comes in a modern kit, (except Dragon's Scharnhorst). Unless you are inclined to super detail everything to the nth degree, the included PE is probably enough for you, minus the lower railings which are not provided. It seems an odd thing, they include ladders, radar, cranes, windows etc. but the basic railings? Nope. Go figure.
Happily, the instructions include the PE, inline with the assembly procedure. I really like this, I hope it's a trend that catches on.
Also in the box: The usual good trumpeter instructions, their standard base, a plane, their usual full color painting diagram, and all parts in baggies. 11 sprunes, 520+ parts, 1 PE fret and an anchor chain (yay!).
Everything appears crisply molded, no visible flash, and very much what I expected.
Is it perfect? I'd assume not, but what I can tell you is that I'm a happy consumer with a 350 scale town class cruiser to build!
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