Trumpeter 1/700 HMS Warspite 1915 Kit First Look
by Dave Manter
| Date of Review | January 2013 | Manufacturer | Trumpeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | HMS Warspite 1915 | Scale | 1/700 |
| Kit Number | 5780 | Primary Media | Styrene, photo-etch |
| Pros | New subject, can be built as a waterline kit or as a full hull kit | Cons | No PE railing provided for main deck |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $39.95 |
First Look
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The H.M.S. Warspite belonged in the Royal Navies Queen Elizabeth class of battleships. She was mainly equipped with eight 15 inch guns and 12 152mm secondary batteries. H.M.S. Warspite construction began in October 1912 and was completed in March 1915. On May 31st, 1916 she participated in the naval battle of Jutland, where she took damage to her rudder and sustained 15 large caliber hits. She underwent modernization off and on from 1924 to 1937. She then participated in most of the major Royal Navy actions during the 2nd World War, including the Sicily landings and the Normandy landings.
The Trumpeter kit of the H.M.S. Warspite consists of 164 parts on 11 sprues and 22 photo etch detail parts. Detail on all of the plastic parts is fantastic. No flash is present and seam lines are minimal. 2 sets of main gun barrels are included, so I expect a World War II version to be released as well. The instructions are well written and will be easy to follow. All of the main components fit very well and no problems should be encountered. The decal sheet is very well printed.
Some of the photo etch is used to add some of the port hole detail on the bridge and should work out very well for this. The ship can be built either as a full hull version or as a waterline kit.
Another winner from Trumpeters growing ship line! The artwork on the box alone is worth buying the kit for!!
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!