ParaGraphix 1/350 USS Franklin Detail Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2018 | Manufacturer | ParaGraphix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | USS Franklin Detail Set | Scale | 1/350 |
| Set Number | PGX212 | Primary Media | Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nice enhancement to the Moebius kit; five alternate subjects | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $29.95 |
First Look
Paragrafix has release this USS Franklin Photo etch (PE) Detail Set to add additional detailing for the 1/350 scale Moebius USS Franklin kit. Take a look below:
While the basic kit is nicely detailed out of the box, this set provides additional windows in the primary hull, underside vertical thrusters, a detailed bridge, crew figures, an alternative name plate for the display base, and alternate names and registry numbers for the kit itself. According to ParaGrafix, the only 'authentic' name in this bunch is USS Franklin out of the movie 'Star Trek Beyond'. The second name is the USS Frank Lin which was displayed as USS FRANK LIN on the bridge plaque in honor of art director Justin Lin's father. The remaining names are some of the sister ships of the Franklin from the Essex-class World War II aircraft carriers.
Included in the set are:
- USS Franklin NX-326
- USS Frank Lin NX-326
- USS Essex NX-309
- USS Hornet NX-312
- USS Intrepid NX-311
- USS Reprisal NX-335
While the name options and primary hull surface details are nice, the star of this set is that bridge. The kit has a large window at the front of the bridge that would have to be blanked out when you build the kit lest you see the bare interior of the primary hull. This photo-etched bridge set sits inside that window and provides a detailed interior visible through that window, complete with photo-etched crew figures. You'll have to take notes from the movie for bridge interior colors.
You can find this set and the Moebius USS Franklin kit over at CultTVman's Hobby Shop (I picked up mine from them at Wonderfest 2018).