Comparison review of the Trumpeter and Academy Warspite?

[Randy Nugent]

Hello.

As the title indicates I am looking for comparisons in reviewing the two versions of the Warspite, from Academy and from Trumpeter. If one exists could you please direct me to it please?
Or if it has not been done could I ask your opinions on those two kits and how they compare for accuract, size, detail, and such.

Thank you very much.
Randy

[MartinJQuinn]

I have both kits. Picked up the Academy one when it came out, then got the Trumpeter kit at a sizzling price when Squadron had one of their sales.

The Trumpeter kit is slightly longer, they both appear to be the same width.

Academy is a 1943 fit (more AA guns). They also make a "Premium" kit, with wood deck and PE, in the 1942 fit.

Trumpeter is 1942 (less AA guns, different camo).

My conclusion after going over both kits (and having a buddy to the same) was that the Trumpeter kit is - out of the box - a little nicer. Now, how they build up is a different story. I also did not vet either kit for accuracy, so I can't comment on that. But in the end, I decided to keep the Trumpeter kit and sell the Academy one.

HTH

[Randy Nugent]

Thanks, Martin.

[Michael Mulvaney]

I have also purchased both kits and agree with Martin that the Trumpeter version is nicer and more detailed overall. However, Trumpeter mixed pre- and post-Puget Sound refit features on their kit. The central superstructure block (funnel, hangar, launches, etc.) needs the most attention. Trumpeter left this area in its pre-refit layout while providing post-refit features throughout the rest of the kit. The main changes not present on the Trumpeter kit are:

-Addition of enclosed lookout shelters one deck below the fore pom-pom AA mounts
-Addition of splinter shield around twin 4" AA mounts on forecastle deck (WEM's PE set for Warspite has this shield)
-Deletion of boat and davits between twin 4" AA mounts

Astern of the catapult area, only one launch and a stack of about 5 rafts were stored on either side of the aft superstructure block. If you look at photo references or books such as the AOTS volume on Warspite you will see these modifications. Academy got these details right with their kit, but left out details elsewhere and I find their level of fine detail to be less than Trumpeter's, especially on the main deck. The only other area Academy beats Trumpeter is the shape of the torpedo bulge near the bow. Trumpeter copied the bulge on their 1/350 Queen Elizabeth kit and is inaccurate for Warspite.

Despite these omissions, I still like the Trumpeter kit better.

[Christian M.]

Well,

so far I agree with Martin and Michael what they write (I have both kits too, Academy was build as my 3rd ship ever build at all by me).
But I want to add that the aftermarket sets of WEM and Pontos (I personally have only these 2 sets) will add the lacking detail issue at Academy kit, which is in base more correct as told by both too.
And of course, there is as always no limit for further detail sets here too ...

[Gaston]

I would say the Academy special edition, with wood deck, turned brass guns and masts, and photo etch, leaves the Trumpeteer in the dust where it is strongest... The price is incredibly low considering what you get. The front of the torpedo belt would be a big issue for me as well...

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/inde ... demy-1350/
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/inde ... pite-1942/

Gaston

[Felix C]

Are not the turret mounted AA tubs too thick in wall construction? Should they not be extremely thin in 1/350. as we see with PE bulkheads?

[zumo]

I have recently bought an Academy Premium at ebay, and I think the deck, photo etchs and brass adds are from Pontos, at least the instructions are signed by them and the level of quality stands up to theirs.
The only thing you need to add are the pompoms ( i have bought the Flyhawk one) and the 20mm oerlikons (in my case from master models), and you will have an outstanding model for a reasonable price.

[Cobber]

@zumo

do you mean that it is a good choise to buy trumpeter and add photo etchs available for Academy warspite right?
regards

[biggles2]

Beware of buying PE, which is designed for one manufacturer's model, on a different manufacturer's model. Even if it's the same ship! You may be disappointed and frustrated. ie. I bought Eduard's PE for Hobby Boss 1/700 Arizona hoping to improve Dragon's version. So far none of the PE fits Dragon's model. Hard to believe they're both the same ship and scale! Same thing with Trumpeter's 1/350 Graf Spee and Academy's version.

[Cobber]

ok understood

so I have to buy academy HMS Warspite premium edition.... (if I find her)

[zumo]

@zumo

do you mean that it is a good choise to buy trumpeter and add photo etchs available for Academy warspite right?
regards

Sorry, I had not seen this before. I don't say to buy Trumpeters and add Academys PE, I say that Academy Premium Edition is outstanding, all non plastic items are made by Pontos, and you only have to buy aftermarket AA pompoms and 20mm oerlikons, and you'll get a super kit for a reasonable price.