Newbie with photoetch question

Steve Dowty · Post by **Steve Dowty** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 8:20 pm

Not exactly a newbie--but the last time I built a ship model, photoetch wasn't even dreamed of yet (as far as I knew).

Now, I want to return to my roots and take up naval modelling again, but on a higher level. But I'm unfamiliar with the companies involved in aftermarket products. Assuming that for a hypothetical subject there would be photoetched brass sets available from ALL the major aftermarket players, which company would you expect to field the set that has the overall edge in accuracy and range of detail?

Thanks in advance, and since I AM a newbie to the forum, I hope I guessed right that this is the right board for the question.

Post by **Timmy C** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:12 pm

I think that the general consensus is that GMM=WEM> Tom's

GMM= Gold Medal Models: Considered to be more sturdy than WEM

WEM= White Ensign Models: Considered to have more tiny stuff and accordingly somewhat more expensive (free shipping though!)

Tom's= Tom's Modelworks: Lack of relief etching means this is the least expensive of the three. Slightly less user friendly (less clear instructions). Occasionally contains parts the other two missed.

Lionroar, a newcomer from China, has produced some really nice sets, including a whole box containing brass barrels, brass props, and many sheets of PE, for a relatively low price.

There are more manufacturers out there, but these four are the ones that come to my mind first. And anyone out there is free to correct me =P

aboard!

Ron Smith · Post by **Ron Smith** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 1:33 am

Yankee Modelworks makes a few sets, Midship does a few and some manufacturers like Mirage make PE specifically for their own kits. L'Arsenal also makes some very nice PE but it is mostly detail parts. Eduard as well makes ships specific PE.

Dustin G. · Post by **Dustin G.** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 11:19 am

I think the YMW sets are mainly for the resin ships that they make. I don't know if it would be worth it to convert them for a ship by another company.

Ship Model Gallery · Post by **MartinJQuinn** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:32 pm

Dustin G. wrote:I think the YMW sets are mainly for the resin ships that they make. I don't know if it would be worth it to convert them for a ship by another company.

They have released a set for the 1/350 Trumpeter Lexington and for the 1/350 Trumpeter North Carolina, along with the Lex backdate set, which comes with it's own PE set.