White Ensign Models 1/350 Buckley Class DE/Captain Class Frigate Detail Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2006 | Manufacturer | White Ensign Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Buckley Class DE/Captain Class Frigate Detail Set | Scale | 1/350 |
| Kit Number | PE3594 | Primary Media | Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Adds beautiful detailing to the Trumpeter 1/350 Buckley-class Destroyer Escort kit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Advanced | MSRP | £16.98 (+VAT) |
First Look
White Ensign Models continues to turn out some very interesting detail sets in their 1/350 scale range. Their photo-etch detail sets add levels of detail and fidelity to a variety of ship subjects, and this release is definitely no exception!
This set is designed for the Trumpeter 1/350 USS England Destroyer Escort kit previously reviewed here. The kit itself is a simple build with acceptable detail for the average modeler. But as we all know, White Ensign Models' detail sets aren't oriented to the average modeler. These well-engineered sets require some experience and a steady hand to effectively transform these delicate parts into details properly folded and installed on the stock kit. For those who have those skills, the difference in detail between the stock kit and one transformed with this detail set is night and day.
Of course this set provides an extensive set of handrails for the kit. The kit guns are enhanced with the finer details that cannot be molded in styrene (in this scale) such as the gun sights, aiming mechanisms, and operators' seats.
The basic kit provides a set of photo-etch for some of the weapons details, but these kit parts are a little easier to use for the average modeler. This set replaces those parts with details more in scale and with a little more fidelity in detail. The radars, ladders, hatches, spray shields, and bulkhead doors really take the model to the next level of detail.
The instructions also walk the modeler through the detail differences to transform the Buckley-class DE into a Captain-class frigate. These details include main gun shields, different structures for the depth charge racks and K-guns, differences in gun armament, differences in antennas, and the locations/installation of motor boat, whaler boat, and life rafts.
This set transforms the Trumpeter kit into another of White Ensign Models' works of art. You can see from the parts roadmap above that this set provides an extensive face-lift of the stock kit. Just when you thought you couldn't find any greater detail in 1/350 scale, White Ensign Models has come alongside with their latest creations. This set is a must-have for the Trumpeter kit! You can purchase this set from White Ensign Models.
My sincere thanks to White Ensign Models for this review sample!