Review: USS Hornet Extra Details Set, #350-21A
Brand: Gold Medal Models
Scale: 1/350
Review by: Zoltan Pocza
Sample by: Gold Medal Models

 

Introduction

Not too much ago Trumpeter released the 1/350 USS Hornet CV-8 kit. This kit was a demanded one, and it's very popular. Maybe it's because of Doolittle's Raid, that was launched from this carrier in 1942. This attack was small in physical effect, but it made new hope to American people after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Also it was an unbelievable technical action never seen before.

As lot of modellers are building this Trumpeter kit, Loren Perry at Gold Medal Models decided to provide 2 sets for this kit to enhance it, and to achieve as realistic detail level as possible in this scale. This time the review is about the USS Hornet Extra Details Set #350-21A

Please remember to see the USS Hornet Fittings Set, #350-21 that has been already reviewed at CarrierBuilders. If you'd like to build a fully enhanced USS Hornet, both sets are highly recommended!

First Imperssions

As the first impression, I have to mention that GMM posted the set in a very nice envelope, with 2 cardboards to strengthen the whole pack to make the PE sets bending virtually impossible. The pack included the PE set itself, bended at a line designed for this purpose, so this way it can fit the standard envelope, the detailed instruction sheet, and the cardboard. I received both Hornet sets plus some aircraft details set, all the 3 envelope were placed in larger one, and it was strengthen aswell, so you can be sure, that you'll have your parts undamaged.

My first impression with the PE set itself was very satisfying. It's very clean work, with many small details. The fret itself is artistically engineered, every part has some useful text etched into the frame, to describe what is it exactly as usual at GMM.  All the parts are very clean, and sharply detailed.

Overview

The Gold Medal Models Hornet Extra Details PE Set contains all the extra parts needed to improve your USS Hornet if you're not satisfied with the factory injection moulded part, and the USS Hornet Fittings Set, #350-21  is not enough. In my personal opinion both sets are containing very useful and nice parts, and both can give you incredible detail level to the carrier. I'm sure I'll use both sets when building a USS Hornet.

High Resolution image! 1280 pixels wide!
Click on the image to see it enlarged (even the bigger one)!

As I presume that you already replaced the railings, radars, and armament parts on your kit from the first PE set, I'm sure you'll love these aswell. I simply cannot imagine a Hornet equipped with the basic set, and with the injection moulded catwalks just to mention an area. The see through catwalks never can be made out of plastic with the injection technique to make it realistic, and not out of scale. Maybe these are simple parts, but usually these are the more noticeable parts on a model at first sight, along with the radars. With this PE set it's can be done without problems, as these details are there on the fret, with very fine details. A nice feature that these parts have the same numbering as the kit parts, so you don't have to think too much to find out what PE parts replaces the plastic parts. For the catwalks, there are splinter shields, and supports provided. These areas can be completely replaced with the PE parts. In the set there are accommodation ladders, arresting gear sheaves and barrier wires, but there are life raft bottoms, boat chocks, direction finder radar parts, boat supports aswell.

An other very important area that needs to be improved is the LSO platform. Landing Signal Officer platforms are installed on the starboard bow, and the port quarter of this carrier. For both areas see through parts are included where needed, and a nice windscreen is provided.

You have to be very careful when removing these! It's totally clear, that Loren know what a modeler needs, and has the needed documentation to make these sets as accurate as possible.

I recommend you to inspect the images above to have an idea about the quality of the parts. All images are in high resolution to preserve the details for viewing.


Click on the image to see it enlarged!

 

Conclusions

This is a very nice set, as usual. You should have no problems using these parts if you have some experience working with PE sets. As usual you'll have the basic tip working with these on the instruction sheet. Several parts are straight replacements of the kit parts, so it's not hard to work with. Loren made a great job with it. If you'd like to add more details to your USS Hornet, these sets are made for you! Highly Recommended!

Ordering

If you like this set, you can order it from Gold Medal Models at www.goldmm.com 

GMM USS Hornet CV-8 Fittings 350-21 US $ 40
GMM USS Hornet CV-8 Extra Details 350-21A US $ 40

Please note that these prices are the current prizes when the review was made!

Or you can send orders to:

GOLD MEDAL MODELS 
1412 Fisherman Bay Road
Lopez, WA 98261 USA 
USA

Sample kit courtesy by Loren Perry's Gold Medal Models. Thank you!

Photos and text © 2005 by Zoltan Pocza

June 20, 2005

www.carrierbuilders.net