Felix C wrote:This is from the IPMSusa2.org review
"The release of this kit lit up the discussion boards in France. Here is a summary of the faults the Richelieu experts in France found:
The hull
Generally speaking, the hull is good; the dimensions are accurate to within 0.5mm. The bow is a little too vertical, making the curve at the bottom of the bow a little too high (about 1.5mm maximum). From the junction of the stern with the hole in the axis of the rudder and a distance of 20mm to the waterline, the shape of the hull is a little too strong (1mm maximum). The sternpost should be modified to about 0.8mm on the upper part.
The rudder, propellers, propeller shafts are wrong and should be replaced. It is missing the false keel.
The bilge keel can be replaced, but is far from being a priority.
The anchors and their hawses are false and really deserve to be replaced.
The porthole location on both sides of the hull are identical, they should be different.
The foc'sle is incorrect.
The superstructure
Generally speaking, the details are beautiful and dimensions are quite accurate, forms are not strictly accurate. The first deck, bunkers and the main tower are striking examples.
The funnel is a good shape, although the rear is straight instead of being curved. But it lacks 1.5mm in length.
The bridges are more or less accurate.
Equipment
The 40mm Bofors are very ugly need to be replaced. The associated gun directors are missing.
The 20mm Oerlikons are even uglier and must be replaced.
The 100mm are nice looking but wrong in dimension; plus the aft end of the shield is wrong. The underside of the 100mm platforms should be open on the sides.
The 152mm turrets are mostly correct in shape and dimension and can be used without problem. The barrels are wrong and must be replaced. The range finder of the central 152 turret should be the same as that of the other 152 mm turrets.
The 380mm turret is too small. The blast bags, their barrels and their barbettes are wrong and have to be replaced. The shape of the roof of turret 2 isn't good.
The gun directors of 380mm and 152mm are inaccurate.
Other elements
The boats are pretty, but wrong.
The rafts, projectors, ammunition boxes, paravanes, smoke screen generators are ugly and wrong.
Bofors mounts and Oerlikons bulwark' shields, cradles and cranes can be improved even perhaps replaced.
The searchlights are wrong.
The camouflage is at best representational. It wore such a camouflage from September 1943 (date of the end of its modernization at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in NY) to April 10 1944.
I will address these perceived shortcomings in my review of the kit. I do not pretend to be more knowledgeable, but can look at it with an impassionate eye.
Dear
Boys and
Girls, please can any of you direct me to a fully documented/illustrated build/review showing the actual corrections required for the
Trumpeter 1/350 Richelieu kit? I've got all the references needed but I'd like to see how others have done the work required. I can only find 2 finished builds (by
Peter Van Buren &
Louis Carabott) and 1 build in progress (
LE BOSCO) here......
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html
viewtopic.php?f=59&t=75145&hilit=richelieu
Please, can any one also account for
Trumpeter's errors given the comparative accuracy of their 1/700 kit? I know of the available photo-etched update sets for the kit from
L'Arsenal &
Flyhawk, but I can't find any evidence of aftermarket conversion/correction parts for the 380mm and 152mm gun turrets and their directors......
Terry (
Caravellarella)
You got me man. In the overhead shot it looks like there is a position for one 20mm gun there, complete with splinter shield and two ready service ammo lockers. As far as that dome is concerned though...anyone? I'm very intrigued and confused at the moment 
