Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Zulu Destroyer 1941 Kit First Look
by Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2014 | Manufacturer | Trumpeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | HMS Zulu Destroyer 1941 | Scale | 1/350 |
| Kit Number | 5332 | Primary Media | Styrene, PE |
| Pros | Nice detailing | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $47.95 |
First Look
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Trumpeter has released another member of the Royal Navy's Tribal-class destroyer family. Their first was HMS Eskimo released in the middle of 2013, this release represents HMS Zulu as it appeared in 1941. The Tribal-class were the 'sport models' of the Royal Navy destroyer fleet with a top speed of 36 knots and armed with eight 4.5 inch L/45 guns fitted on four semi-enclosed twin-mount turrets plus four Mk.IX torpedo tubes, depth charge rack and launchers, and a variety of smaller caliber guns.
The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on seven parts trees plus the full-hull and one fret of photo-etched details. According to the specs, the kit is comprised of 215 styrene and 42 photo-etched parts. Among the features and options in this box:
- Full hull with propulsion and rudder details
- Display stand
- Detailed deck fittings including photo-etched anchor chain to the winches
- Detailed open air bridge
- Detailed main gun turrets
- Detailed torpedo launch tubes
- Detailed secondary armament
- Photo-etched ladders and railing
- Detailed utility boats and life rafts
Markings are provided for HMS Zulu as G18 in 1941. The kit provides a nice color profile showing the color pattern applied to Zulu though I'd double-check the recommended Gunze paint equivalents to the Snyder and Short Royal Navy paint chips and online references.
This is another nice release from Trumpeter with enough detailing to catch the eye but not so much to be over-engineered and difficult to build. This would make a nice project for the experienced modeler to tackle over the holidays.
My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample!