Commandant Rivière,Type 12 Aviso-Escorteur, L'Arsenal 1:400 Scale, Build Review by Felix Bustelo - The Commandant Rivière by L'Arsenal in 1:400 scale is a model that was a pleasure to build and makes for a nice addition to the 1/400 scale Marine Nationale fleet of Felix Bustelo. You should be able to build any of the ships in Portuguese or Uruguayan using this kit as a basis. 
Fairmile D MGB 660 1943, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale, Review by Felix Bustelo - Felix Bustelo looks at the Fairmile D MGB 660 in 1:350 scale from White Ensign Models in this build up review. In this review, who will appear? Will WEM get Friendly Felix or Brutal Bustelo? Only Kharma knows.
Commandant Rivière, Type 12 Aviso-Escorteur, L'Arsenal 1:400 Scale, Review by Falk Pletscher -This is the 1/400 scale L'Arsenal kit of their Type 12 Aviso-Escorteur, also known as Commandant Rivière class frigate, and here is a quick review by Falk Pletscher.
Leopard, Jaguar Class First of the French Super Destroyers, L'Arsenal 1:700 Scale - The L’Arsenal 1:700 scale Leopard provides a very nice kit of the first class of giant destroyers built by France between the wars. With fine resin castings, full brass photo-etch frets and multi-color decals, the kit provides everything needed for a fine model of this unique three-stacked design. 
USS Laffey DD-459 1942, Benson Class Destroyer, Dragon 1:350 Scale - Dragon has dropped the next shoe in their 1:350 scale USN WWII destroyer lineup. Now you can have a square-stacked, flat faced, 1942 fit Benson class USS Laffey DD-459 in 1:350 scale to join the round stack, round face, 1942 fit Gleaves class USS Buchanan, as they both fought at the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11, 1942. Of course the Laffey comes with all of the superb detail found in the preceding two Buchanan kits. 
USS Buchanan DD-484 September 2, 1945, Gleaves Class Destroyer, Dragon Cyber-Hobby 1:350 Scale - The Dragon 1:350 scale USS Buchanan 1942 kit was the best detailed injected plastic warship kit produced in that scale when released. With the USS Buchanan 1945 kit, Dragon and Cyber-Hobby have taken it a step further. Not only do you get all of the detail of the earlier kit but also you get parts to portray the ship on September 2, 1945 at the surrender ceremony in this limited edition kit. 
USS Buchanan DD-484 1942, Gleaves Class Destroyer, Dragon 1:350 Scale - Dragon has long been known as the producer of the most detailed, injected plastic armor kits in the world. Now, DML has extended this commitment to world class excellence to the realm of 1:350 scale warships. You want the best in the world? The Dragon 1:350 scale USS Buchanan 1942 kit is simply the best detailed injected plastic warship kit yet produced in that scale. 
HMS Gorleston, Banff Class Sloop, White Ensign Models 1:700 Scale - In a strange about face, the Token Yank supports hunting his treasured Rum Runners. The White Ensign Models HMS Gorleston in 1:700 scale is a small but highly detailed of the Lake class USCG cutter Itasca, built in part to support prohibition. Transferred to the Royal Navy, she became the RN sloop HMS Gorleston. 
USS Winslow TB5, Torpedo Boat 1898, Flagship Models 1:192 Scale - Now you can bring a smile to the face of young Ensign Bagley, Lieutenant Bernadou and the 21 men of USS Winslow TB5 on their perch in Valhalla. Thanks to Flagship Models, you can bring confusion and consternation to the murderous Dons of the skulking gunboat flotillas and treacherous masked batteries. Brought to you in a generous and manly 1:192 scale, the Flagship multimedia USS Winslow will allow you to relive the heroic exploits of this plucky torpedo boat in the epic Battle of Cardenas. 
Ayanami, Fubuki Class "Special Type" Destroyer 1942, Skywave 1:700 Scale - Skywave has produced a superb destroyer kit. As part of their total coverage of Japanese destroyer designs of World War Two, the Skywave Ayanami presents the second series Fubuki "Special Type" destroyer in her early war appearance. 
  Schleswig-Holstein, Type 101A German Destroyer 1985, Admiralty Models 1:700 Scale - As with Pavel’s Hamburg, the Admiralty Schleswig-Holstein is outstanding. This kit is not just a repop of the Hamburg, the Schleswig-Holstein has significant differences in hull casting as well as the smaller resin parts. Now you can bring these ships into the missile age with their new Exocet missile canisters. 
Hamburg, Type 101 German Destroyer 1965, Admiralty Models 1:700 Scale - The first release of the Admiralty Models 1:700 scale Hamburg class destroyers as built, is already at top line quality in the components provided. The design is spectacular with a very high superstructure topped by three lattice towers. The execution of the resin and photo-etch parts for the 1:700 scale kit is more than worthy of the unique design of these destroyers. 
  USS Ingraham FFG-61, The Last FiG, Long Hull O.H. Perry Class Frigate, Dragon 1:700 Scale - With the 1:700 scale USS Ingraham FFG-61, RAST frigate gives you a plastic and brass model of the last of the Perry class frigates, plus a bonus Pegasus hydrofoil. As a long hull variant of the class, you get the Seahawk ASW helicopter, brass photo-etch fret and decals for FFG-56 through FFG-61, which includes not only the Ingraham but also the mine damaged Samuel B. Roberts. Dragon did not label this kit as a Premium Edition but it has all of the hallmarks of one.  
Schutze Class, German First Class Torpedo Boats 1882, NNT 1:700 Scale - If you are looking for a quick build of a historic warship design, look no further than the NNT Schutze class torpedo boats in 1:700 scale. These boats were the first German torpedo boats to be equipped with self-propelled torpedoes. You get two of the small models, each constructed with one resin hull and seven photo-etched parts. 
Provorny, Project 61E BPK, KashinMissile Test Destroyer, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The Provorny Project 61E, Kashin, destroyer provides a one-off variation of this numerous destroyer class. With the Combrig Provorny Project 61E BPK in 1:700 scale, every modeler can build this unique vessel in her configuration as missile test platform with the solid pylon main mast, Top Steer array, and single SA-N-7 mount aft. 
Escorteur d'escadre T-47B Surcouf , French Destroyer, L'Arsenal 1:700 Scale - Falk Pletscher looks at the 1/700 scale kit by L'Arsenal, representing the French Escorteur d'escadre of type T-47B. These destroyers, together with their half-sisters of type T-53 were the last French all-gun destroyers. 
HMS Liverpool, Type 42B Batch Two Destroyer, Dragon 1:700 Scale Premium Edition - With the 1:700 scale HMS Liverpool, Type 42 Batch Two Royal Navy destroyer, Dragon extends the Premium Edition execution to one of the short hull variants of the Type 42 design. Since the Batch Two design retained the short, wet, cramped hull of the original Sheffield Batch One design, it still retained most of the negative aspects of the original design. There are differences in the A sprue from the DML York, Type 42 Batch Three kit, but sprues B and C are identical in the two kits. 
Slavny, Project 61M BPK, Modified Kashin Soviet Missile Destroyer, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The Project 61M, Modified Kashin, destroyers were wonderful looking warships. With the Combrig Slavny Project 61M BPK in 1:700 scale, the modeler will get all of the resin parts, two brass frets and even a decal sheet to model this complex design. The only item that mars this kit is a set of inadequate instructions. 
USS Charles F. Adams DDG-2, Guided Missile Destroyer, Dragon Premium Edition 1:700 Scale -  The Premium Edition release of the Dragon 1:700 scale model of the Charles F. Adams guided missile destroyer DDG, provides an amazing degree of flexibility and options. First of all the ships of four different nations can be modeled, with optional parts that allows the modeler four different variants of the destroyer. 
USS Farragut DL-6, Destroyer Leader, Renwal 1:500 Scale Blast from the Past - If you can't find a mint unassembled vintage model kit for your Blast from the Past, don't hesitate to acquire an assembled version. It certainly will be cheaper and almost as much fun. Actually they may be more fun as any modeler will be more likely to tinker with an assembled version rather than a mint version. The Renwal 1:500 scale USS Farragut was ahead of its time in 1960 with individual Oerlikons and open doors. She may not seem as futuristic now but when JFK was our President, she was the Cat's Meow.
HMS Norfolk, Duke Class Type 23 Frigate 1990, White Ensign Models 1:700 Scale - Modelers now can build the newest operational Royal Navy frigate design. The White Ensign Models HMS Norfolk Type 23 frigate in 1:700 scale provides the latest in the long line of outstanding resin and brass kits from this distinguished British company. With good resin casting and an extensive and outstanding brass photo-etch fret, WEM again provides an exceptional product for the money. 
USS Pinckney DDG-91, Flight IIA Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, Dragon 1:700 Scale - Although, not without some problems that need correcting, the Dragon 1:700 scale USS Pinckney DDG-91 presents a solid kit. As designed DDG-91 through DDG-93 can be built but with omission of a few parts DDG-81 through DDG-85 & DDG-89 through DDG-90 can also be modeled. DML provides the plastic parts, brass parts and decals that you need for any one of ten of the Flight IIA Arleigh Burke destroyers. 
HMS York, Type 42 Batch Three Royal Navy Destroyer, Dragon Premium Edition 1:700 Scale - Dragon presents another of their Premium Edition kits, this time HMS York, Type 42 Batch Three Royal Navy destroyer. Although the 4.5-inch gun mount appears to be the only new inclusion among the plastic parts, there is a full brass photo-etch fret and new decal sheet included. The brass alone substantially upgrades the kit from previous all plastic models of this ship. 
KuK SMS Elster, Austro-Hungarian Torpedo Boat, Wiener Modellbau Manufactur 1:350 Scale - For something different, here is a preview of the Austro-Hungarian torpedo boat, SMS Elster. The Elster was one of the Schichau built boats of the so called "Sperber". She belonged to the last batch carrying a torpedo tube on the stern deck and only one instead of two tubes in the bow. These boats were laid down between December 1885 and June 1891. Peter Plattner of Wiener Modellbau Manufactur tells about his new 1:350 scale model in his drive to model the KuK Marine in 1:350 scale.
USS Mahan DD-364, USN Destroyer 1942, Midship Models 1:700 Scale - The Midship Mahan 1942 presents a distinctive build for this class as they appeared at the end of 1942 with Oerlikons and twin Bofor mounts. This kit makes an interesting comparison with the prewar 1938 Mahan to show how the class quickly evolved with the appreciation of the aerial threat.
USS Mahan DD-364, USN Destroyer 1938, Midship Models 1:700 Scale - The Midship Mahan 1938 in 1:700 scale presents a distinctive build for this class. Dominated by the tripod foremast the model reflects the clean lines of this pre-war design. With the Mahan line Midship has improved on their initial release of the Gridleys and provides more distinctly different designs with the four models in this Mahan class release.
HMS Starling, British Sloop, White Ensign Models 1:700 Scale - The Cupid of White Ensign Models, Passionate Pete, has done it again. The 1:700 scale sloop HMS Starling is packed with detail on almost every surface. Two distinctly different fits are covered in the parts content, presenting a clear choice for the modeler.
Sovremenny, Project 956 Russian Destroyer, Dragon 1:700 Scale, New Release Kit 7048 – This is the brand new version of the Sovremenny Project 956 Russian destroyer in 1:700 scale from Dragon. This release includes parts not available in previous releases of this class of ship. Included are optional parts for the Chinese PLAN 956E variant, lower hull and fittings for an optional full hull build, a brass photo-etch fret including ship’s railings and a beautiful decal sheet with decals for ten different ships.  
Brandenburg F215, Modern German Frigate 1995, NNT 1:700 Scale - The 1:700 scale resin and photo-etch kit of the frigate Brandenburg from NNT includes all of the detail and craftsmanship that a modeler could want. The model is further enhanced by the full color decal sheet and optional parts, which allow any of the four ships of this class to be built. Review by Steve Backer.

HMS Starling, Modified Black Swan Sloop, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - The White Ensign Models HMS Starling in 1:350 scale is full of options and parts of excellent quality. With all of the options provided, you can build the 1,300 ton sloop from her commissioning in 1943 through her appearance after World War Two. As flagship of Captain Frederic John Walker, the Starling was one of the foremost submarine killers of World War Two. Review by Steve Backer.

USS Gendreau DE-639, Buckley Class Destroyer Escort, Niko Model 1:700 Scale - Niko Model has produced an extremely detailed model in their USS Gendreau, Buckley class destroyer escort in 1:700 scale. With 102 units produced for the USN and 46 for the RN, the Buckleys were a sizable class of warship. The resin parts are beautifully executed and almost blemish free. The model has a very sizable brass photo-etch fret and can be said to be photo-etch intensive.

Kriegsmarine Flak-Lighters, German Coastal Gun-Fighter, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - On the night of July 26-27 off the island of Stromboli, 1943 three PTs commanded by LT J.B. Mutty encountered a new German naval craft, which the allies called F-lighters. When the RN and USN began to interfere with German coastal convoys in the Mediterranean a new variant of the F-lighter appeared, the Flak-Lighter. This version sacrificed cargo carrying capability to greatly increase armor and especially armament. The Flak-Lighter became a most formidable adversary for the PTs, MTBs and MGBs of the allied coastal forces. White Ensign Models now produces a 1:350 scale model of the Kriegsmarine Flak-Lighter. Review by Steve Backer. 

SMS Dukla, Triglav Class K.u.K. Austo-Hungarian Destroyer 1917, Wiener Modellbau Manufactur 1:350 Scale - Based on the 1912 and 1913 Tatra Class destroyers, the Austro-Hungarian Navy ordered four more large destroyers in 1916 to replace losses. These four were called the Triglav or Replacement Triglav Class. Peter Plattner of Wiener Modellbau Manufactur provides a preview in text and photographs of his latest kit from the model company in Vienna, Austria, a 1:350 scale model of the Triglav Class destroyer, which can be built as any of the four in the class.

ORP Garland, G Class Destroyer Polish Navy 1942, Niko Model 1:700 Scale - When Poland was invaded on September 1, 1939 her navy possessed four destroyers. Within three days she was down to three and they escaped to Great Britain with the fall of the country. On May 3, 1940 Great Britain loaned one of the Royal Navy's G Class destroyers, HMS Garland to the Polish Navy and she became ORP Garland. For seven years the Garland steamed under the crimson and white of the Polish flag and compiled a distinguished record. Niko Model of Poland has produced an exceptional 1:700 scale model of ORP Garland. Review by Steve Backer.

USS Gridley DD-380, Triumph of the Torpedo School, Midship Models 1:700 Scale - In FY35 and FY36 the proponents of a heavy torpedo battery for USN destroyers received their dream ships. Twenty-two ships in three classes, Gridley Class 4, Bagley Class 8, and Benham Class 10, were of the same dimensions and armament, dominated by four quadruple 21-inch torpedo tubes. For its first release Midship Models chose to produce 1:700 scale models of the torpedo men's dreams. The four kits are USS Gridley DD-380 Gridley Class, USS Henley DD-391 Bagley Class, USS Benham DD-397 Benham Class and USS Stack DD-408 Benham Class. With some limitations, each of the kits can be built as any of the 22 ships in almost any fit from as commissioned to l945 Kamikaze fit. Review by Steve Backer.

Elco 77-Foot PT Boat, MacAthur's Expendables, GMS 1:350 Scale - In 1937 General Douglas MacArthur was in charge of defending the Philippine Islands. He needed more naval striking power but knew that the USN would not attach any more major ships to the Asiatic Squadron. His solution was the idea of deploying Motor Torpedo Boats, such as the Royal Navy had developed. The USN did not start developing their own MTB until 1938. One firm that came into the arena at the suggestion of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy was located in Bayonne, New Jersey and named Elco. By 1941 Elco had the USN PT-Boat market all but locked up with their 77-foot PT-Boat design. Squadron Three composed of six Elco-77s was based in Manila and their actions in the five months after December 7, 1941 became myth. GMS, a new company from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, chose as their first resin kit in 1:350 scale, the Elco 77-Foot PT Boat employed by Squadron Three at Manila. Review by Steve Backer.

Leitenant Burakov, Imperial Russian Destroyer 1904, Combrig 1:700 Scale - Neither fish nor fowl, this article by Jim Baumann is not quite a kit review but is far more than a gallery piece. Indeed, in vintage Baumann style, it is more of a build review of how Jim changed the Combrig 1:700 scale kit of the Port Arthur Imperial Russian destroyer Leitenant Burakov during his build.

USS Bronstein FF-1037, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - Built as Destroyer Escorts, the two ship Bronstein Class were reclassified as frigates. Although they were under-armed and comparatively slow, they still had a long life in the USN, until being sold to Mexico in the 1990s. Geoff Cook has built the 1:350 scale USS Bronstein FF-1037 from Commanders/Iron Shipwright and provides a short review of the kit and his build.

Eagle Boat, USN Subchaser 1920, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - Even with the industrial capacity of the United States available, ASW ships could not be built fast enough to fulfill the USN requirements during World War One. Henry Ford thought that he could mass produce a warship, his deep ocean ASW Eagle Boat, just as he mass produced automobiles. It wasn't that easy. Felix Bustelo has built the 1:350 scale model of Henry Ford's Eagle Boat from Commanders/Iron Shipwright and tells you about it in this build-up review.

Modified Sovremenny, Soviet Destroyer Project 956E, Trumpeter 1:350 Scale - The Sovremenny Class of Soviet destroyers was introduced in 1980 and was designated Project 956. In 1987 the design underwent a significant modification that introduced a new radar and electronic fit, changed the bridge shape somewhat and totally redesigned the lattice mainmast. This variant was designated Project 956A. Trumpeter has produced a 1:350 scale model of the Modified Sovremenny, which they designate a 956E instead of 956A. Review by Steve Backer.

USCGC Modoc, Tampa Class Cutter 1942, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - Its summer in the city as Felix Bustelo changes his alter-ego from the NY Candyman to the NY Ice-Cream Man in the hot months in the Big Apple. To maintain this image Felix has built the Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 scale kit of the Tampa Class cutter as USCGC Modoc in 1942, sporting a cool Ms 16 Thayer blue and white North Atlantic camouflage. Time for Felix to go on Ice Patrol.

Sovremenny, Soviet Destroyer Project 956, Sarych "Buzzard", Trumpeter 1:350 Scale - In 1980 two new large destroyer size vessels made their appearance in the Baltic. NATO analysts quickly concluded that one of them, the Udaloy, was a specialized ASW design. However, the other was much different. She proved to be the Sovremenny, specifically designed for anti-surface ship operations with a strong gun and missile armament. The class was Project 956 and was given the class name of Sarych, which is the Russian name for buzzard. Trumpeter was produced a 1:350 scale plastic model of the Sovremenny, Project 956. Review by Steve Backer.

Al Hani, Libyan Frigate Project 1159TR Koni IV, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The last variant for the Koni series appeared in 1986. Libya ordered two of the frigates to be built in the Soviet Union. Previous variants of the original Koni design had involved the additions of superstructure or fittings but with the Al Hani the entire forward superstructure was redesigned. This was done to incorporate SS-N-2C SSMs with blast shielding worked into the design. As a result the Al Hani looked very different from previous Koni variants. Combrig has produced the Libyan Al Hani frigate, Project 1159TR Koni IV in 1:700 scale. Review by Steve Backer.

USS Kidd DDG-993, Dragon 1:350 Scale - The Imperial Iranian Navy was building four ships, typed as missile cruisers, in the United States, however, national events changed everything and the order was cancelled. The USN quickly jumped in and acquired the ships at a bargain price. This was the DXG design that the navy wanted before the government purchased the DX, less expensive, Spruance design. Dragon has produced a 1:350 scale model of USS Kidd with optional parts for 1980s or 1990s fits and decals for all four of the Ayatollah Class guided missile destroyers. Review by Steve Backer.

Obraztsovy, Soviet Project 61 BPK, NATO Code Name Kashin 1965, Combrig 1:700 Scale - They're almost here, the Kashin invasion. Combrig is about to release five different kits in 1:700 scale of the variants of the Soviet Project 61 BPK (Destroyer), Code named the Kashin. The kits will come with all of the bells and whistles, a large number of fine resin parts, a photo-etch fret, a full decal sheet and instructions. This is a preview of the Obraztsovy Project 61 as of 1965. This is the initial version of the Kashin as the class first appeared. This preview shows all of the resin parts and the decal sheet but does not include photographs of the photo-etched fret or instructions. Preview by Steve Backer.

Beograd, Yugoslav Frigate, Project 1159R, Koni III, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The Koni bulks up with missile muscle. The Yugoslav Navy had purchased two of the original Project 1159 ships. They decided to add more fire power with the addition of four Styx SSM. Also both frigates were renamed. The Combrig 1:700 scale model of the Yugoslav frigate Beograd, formerly Split, shows Project 1159R with the four missile canisters.  Review by Steve Backer.

Reis Korfo, Algerian Frigate, Project 1159T, NATO Codename Koni II, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The Koni goes tropical with Project 1159T, the first variant of this frigate design. Classified as the Koni II by NATO, the 1159T design was fine tuned for hot weather operations. The profile of the ship was changed over the Koni I in that an additional deckhouse gave the ship an unbroken superstructure running 60% of the length of the ship. Algeria purchased three and Cuba purchased three. The Reis Korfo, one of the three Algerian frigates, is now produced in 1:700 scale from Combrig. Review by Steve Backer.

Defin, Soviet Export Frigate, Project 1159, NATO Codename Koni I, Combrig 1:700 Scale - In the mid 1970s the Soviet Union came up with a small frigate design, specifically for export. This was Project 1159 and the first ship was the Delfin. The Delfin was kept in the Black Sea to train foreign crews of the countries buying Project 1159 frigates. There were a total of six Koni I frigates built. Now you can outfit your 1:700 scale East German Navy, Yugoslav Navy and even your Bulgarian Navy with Koni I frigates. The Delfin is now produced in 1:700 scale from Combrig. Review by Steve Backer.

RN Ariete, Italian Torpedo Boat 1943, Regia Marina 1:700 Scale - Italy had suffered huge losses of destroyers and other escorts in the convoy wars in the Mediterranean. More were needed that could be constructed quickly and economically. The solution was the Ariete Class torpedo boat. Forty-Two were planned, 16 were laid down and eventually 15 were completed but only one, the Ariete served with the Italian Navy. Thirteen were seized by the German Army and became the TA 24 Class torpedo boats for the Kriegsmarine and two served with the Yugoslav Navy after the war. Regia Marina has produced a 1:700 scale model of the Ariete that allows the model to be constructed as any of the 15 boats that were completed. Review by Steve Backer.

SMS B-98, German Destroyer 1915, NNT 1:700 Scale - In 1911 Imperial Russia laid down a new type of destroyer, which was the Novik. It was extremely large, powerful and was the fastest destroyer in the world in 1914. Russia ordered 36 more of these large destroyers, with the machinery ordered from Germany, as was true in Novik. With the start of World War One, Blohm and Voss, which had some of this machinery ready to ship to Russia, offered to use it to build large destroyers, similar to the Russian Novik, for the German Fleet. Blohm and Voss built six of these large destroyers for the High Seas Fleet, where their size and speed became valued for reconnaissance roles. NNT has released a 1:700 scale of one of the six, B-98. Review by Steve Backer.

Royal Navy MTB 57, 1:350 Scale Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat 1942, White Ensign Models - The latest release in the 1:350 scale Narrow Seas Range from White Ensign Models is the MTB 56 Vosper 70-foot Motor Torpedo Boat as she appeared in 1942. This design was the most successful of the Vosper designs and was in continuous production from 1940 through 1945, the only design produced throughout the war. In all 117 boats of this type were produced by Vosper.

Eagle Boat, Henry Ford's Model T of the Sea in 1:350 Scale - In 1917 the United States needed ASW warships and plenty of them. A wooden hulled subchaser of 110 feet was developed but it was too small for the open seas. Henry Ford had a better idea, a 200 foot, steel hulled Eagle Boat sub-hunter that could be mass produced like his Model T automobiles on a conveyor belt without using any specialized shipbuilding labor. At least that was the theory. The result was a slab sided, ungainly, ugly duckling without any aesthetic virtues. Commanders/Iron Shipwright will be producing a 1:350 scale model of Henry Ford's Model T of the Sea, the Eagle Boat.

USS Porter  DD356, Early War Fit, Late 1941 to 1942 - This is a model of the Porter Class destroyer as the class appeared after the excess top-hamper was removed, greatly changing its appearance from the pre-war fit. This was done in 1941 in order to accommodate more AA guns, which were subsequently added. Porter was sunk with this fit in October 1942 at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the rest carried on with this fit into 1943. Combrig is almost ready to release a 1:700 scale model of Porter in her early war fit. Review by Steve Backer.

USS Porter DD356, Pre-War Fit 1936-Early 1941, Combrig 1:700 Scale - In 1933 the USN started construction of their first class of large destroyers. The eight ships of the Porter Class were very heavily armed for surface combat with eight 5-inch/38 guns but unfortunately they were low angle guns. The navy placed their trust in a new AA weapon, the 1.1-inch automatic cannon. The Porters were the first class of warship to mount this new ordnance. Combrig is about ready to release a 1:700 scale model of the pre-war fit of the Porter Class, 1936 to early 1941. The kit has resin and brass photo-etch components. Review by Steve Backer.

USCGC Bibb, Treasury Class Cutter, Testors 1:600 Scale - Forty years ago, one of the smaller producers of plastic warship models was Hawk. The Hawk molds have been acquired by Testors and the models have started to be released again. Randy Ward looks at one of these "Golden Oldies" as he examines the 1:600 scale model of USCGC Bibb of the Treasury Class cutters.

Azard, Orfei Class 1st Series, Imperial Russian Destroyer 1916 - This follow up design to the Novik "Super-Destroyer" of the Imperial Russian Navy was slightly smaller and slower than the original. Their were 22 ordered in the 1912 Program for the Baltic Fleet but only 14 were completed. The Azard was involved in sinking the British submarine L-55 in 1919, during the Interventionist Period of the Russian Civil War. Combrig has produced an 1:700 scale model of this destroyer as she appeared when she joined the fleet in 1916.

Sovremennyy, Modern Russian Destroyer, Trumpeter 1:350 Scale - Brand new from Trumpeter is a 1:350 scale model of the modern Russian/Soviet Sovremennyy Class destroyer. In this review by Mark Meredith, he states that the model appears to be a scaled down version of the Trumpeter 1:200 scale kit. However, Mark's final verdict is, "Overall, this is the best kit available in 1:350. "

La Fayette, Modern French Stealth Frigate, 1:700 Scale - Very distinctive in the ranks of modern navies, the La Fayette Class was designed to minimize its radar signature. L'Arsenal has released a 1:700 scale model of the modern French stealth frigate, La Fayette. The model can be built to represent any one of the five units of the class in the French Navy. The multimedia kit contains resin and brass parts as well as a full decal sheet and instructions. Review by Steve Backer.

HMS Musketeer, M Class Fleet Destroyer 1943 - The L Class and the M Class Fleet Destroyer designs of the Royal Navy were the last British destroyers designed prior to the outbreak of World War Two. They were also the only designs to have fully enclosed gun mounts. HMS Musketeer took part in the Battle of North Cape in December 1943 and engaged the Scharnhorst near the end of the action. White Ensign Models has produced a 1:350 scale multimedia model of HMS Musketeer as she appeared in 1943. Review by Steve Backer.

Cigala Fulgosi, Italian Stealth Frigate - The Cigala Fulgosi and her three sisters have been called corvettes and they have been called small frigates. By whatever name you call these ships, their stealth design is unmistakable. These combatants are some of the newest additions to the Italian Navy. Regia Marina in their latest release, has produced a 1:700 scale model of this unusual design. Review by Steve Backer.

HMS Exeter, Type 42 British Destroyer - Felix Bustelo reviews the outstanding kit of the HMS Exeter, Type 42 British Destroyer produced in 1:600 scale by White Ensign Models. WEM has made a bold move to produce a model of this handsome ship in the scale popularized by Airfix by since overtaken by 1:700. If you have not built a kit in 1:600, the difference in size and ability to detail over the smaller scale is significant.

Izumrud, Project 1124P for the KGB - The KGB of the Soviet Union had its own navy. One of the missions for the state security organization was to guard the maritime boundaries of the Soviet Union. Seventeen of these ships were built from 1973 to 1976 and designated as Grisha II by NATO. Combrig has released a 1:700 scale model of this KGB ship.

Kerch, Gadzhibei Class Destroyer - 1917 - As part of the 1914 Naval Program 8 large destroyers were ordered for the Black Sea Fleet. Kerch was one of the first four that were to serve under the flag of the Tsar and the Bolsheviks. In her short career she probably sank more tonnage than any other destroyer of World War One. The Kerch is now available in 1:700 scale from Combrig.

USS Arleigh Burke, Aegis Class Destroyer - The USS Arleigh Burke is the latest class of destroyers of the USN. Distinctive with their Aegis radar, the Arleigh Burke is now available in 1:350 scale from Panda Models. In-Box Review by Timothy Barron.

HMS Janus, British J Class Destroyer 1940 - HMS Janus was one of eight members of the J Class destroyers built for the Royal Navy in the late 1930s. The K and N Classes were also of this design. The design was significantly larger and more powerful than preceding fleet destroyer designs. White Ensign Models has produced a superb model of the 1940 fit of HMS Janus in 1:350 scale. Review by Steve Backer.

MPK-44 Ex-Komsomolets Latvii, Small Antisubmarine Ship - Similar in size to a small frigate, Project 1124, NATO code name Grisha, was packed with weapons and specialized in ASW. They were produced in five series. This model of MPK-44 formerly Komsomolets Latvii is produced in 1:700 scale by Combrig. It is of the first series Project 1124, Grisha I.

HMS Glowworm, British G Class Destroyer 1940 - On April 8, 1940 the out-gunned HMS Glowworm, out of torpedoes, used her last offensive weapon, her bow, to ram her antagonist, the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. B-Resina has produced a 1:700 model of this gallant destroyer. In-Box Review by Steve Backer.

HMS Wild Goose, British AA Sloop - The Black Swan Class was designed by the Admiralty in 1937. They and the following Modified Black Swan Class were very heavily armed for their size, with six 4-Inch DP guns, plus additional AA guns. The class was heavily involved in the Battle of the Atlantic and then with the British Pacific Fleet. Imperial Hobby Productions has released a 1:700 scale kit of the HMS Wild Goose, a member of the original Black Swan Class. In-Box Review by Steve Backer.

La Fayette F710, French Stealth Frigate - The La Fayette has an exceptionally clean and elegant design. She was designed in this manner to minimize her radar profile. Heller has just released an plastic injection kit of La Fayette in 1:400 scale. The components of this kit are examined in 90 photographs in this photographic preview.

USS Thornton, USN Torpedo Boat TB-33 - Iron Shipwright has produced four different torpedo boats of the pre-World War One USN. Ed Grune looks at and builds the USS Thornton TB-33 from Iron Shipwright in 1:350 Scale. Ed has added details included crew heads, sheltered with canvas privacy screens.

USS Livermore, USN Destroyer - Mike Leonard provides a look at the 1:700 scale injection molded kit of the USS Livermore from Skywave. Additional photographs are from Gordon Negaard.

HMS Laforey, British Destroyer - The L Class was the follow on fleet destroyer design to the J Class but with the requirements that they be faster and have fully enclosed gun mounts. The resulting design was a 300 ton jump upwards in displacement from the preceding design. HMS Laforey was the leader of the eight ship class, that all served in the Mediterranean. H-P Models has a 1:700 scale model of the HMS Laforey.

Tochnyi, Imperial Russian Destroyer 1907 - To help replace losses of the Russo-Japanese War, the five ship Tverdi Class was authorized. These small destroyers were built in sections, transported on the Trans-Siberian Railroad to Vladivostok, where the sections were assembled. The new Combrig 1:700 scale kit of Tochnyi, a member of the class, is subject to the photographic review of the resin components.

HMS Exeter, Type 42 Batch 2 Destroyer 2002 - The Type 42 destroyers have been the mainstay of the destroyer force of the Royal Navy for a generation. White Ensign Models has produced an 1:600 scale model of HMS Exeter, the lead ship of the second series or batch. In-Box Review by Steve Backer.

Likhoi, Imperial Russian Destroyer 1906 - The French built Lovki Class Imperial Russian destroyers consisted of eleven 335 ton ships that served in the Baltic Fleet during World War One. This is a photographic preview of the resin components of the 1:700 scale model of Likhoi from Combrig.

Novik, Imperial Russian Destroyer 1914 - When the Russian destroyer, Novik, was completed in 1913, her 40,000 shp made her the fastest warship in the world. Far larger than the typical early war destoryer, Novik was very actice and effective during World War One. In Box Review of the Combrig 1:700 scale model by Steve Backer.

Orsa, Torpediniere - The Italian Navy called the four ship Orsa Class torpedo boats. In size, function and ability they were destroyer escorts. In Box Review of the Regia Marina 1:700 scale kit of the Orsa by Steve Backer.

SMS V 106, Imperial German Torpedo Boat - A four ship class of Dutch destroyers was being built in Germany in 1914. In August 1914 these were appropriated into the Imperial German Navy. Build Review of the H-P Models 1:700 scale kit by Steve Backer.

Italian Three Pipers - Four Classes of Italian Destroyers laid down from 1913 to 1919, were designed with three stacks. Rerated Torpedo Boats, the ships of the Pilo, Sirtori, La Masa and Generali classes served as escorts in WW2. With this unique kit in 1:700 scale, Regia Marina gives the modeler the chance to build any one of the 26 ships in the four classes, in fits from 1914 to 1958.

USCGC Commanche - In-Box Review of the 1:350 model of this Algonquin Class 1,000 ton United States Coast Guard Cutter, produced by Iron Shipwright.

Neustrashimy, Modern Russian Frigate - This new kit from Combrig in 1:700 scale has excellent casting and a top notch photo-etched fret. Reviewed by Steve Backer.

Gearing FRAM Destroyer - The JAG 1:700 kit is reviewed by Peter Van Buren with his build of the kit.

USCGS Hamilton (FRAM), Peter Van Buren provides a Build Review of the 1:700 scale kit from JAG of the sleek Coast Guard Cutter.

Nivose, Floréal Class French Frigate, Build-up Review of the 1:400 scale full hull kit from L'Arsenal. Reviewed by Hans Beernink.

USS Bainbridge, DD-1- A first look at the one piece full hull resin casting of the first class of US Destroyers. This resin and PE kit by Iron Shipwright will be released on or before the IPMS US Nationals at the end of July. 

B Resina's HMS Campbeltown, St. Nazaire Raid, 1:700 Scale. Build-up Review by David Lilly

USS Benjamin Stoddert, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - White Ensign Models has a well deserved reputation as the leading producer of British warship models, so the decision to produce a U.S. Cold War combatant is somewhat surprising, but nevertheless welcome. Ships from this era have been overlooked until recently, and in 1/350 scale you can just about forget it, unless you want to build the Tamiya New Jersey or DML Spruance… again. WEM has not let us down in this release. This kit is outstanding in every definition of the term. Take just about any negative quality you can imagine in a ship kit and toss it out the window! Review by Rob Mackie. 

USS Knox, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - This is one kit that you should have on your "must buy" list. White Ensign should be commended for raising the standards of resin ship kits. I look forward to building this kit as soon as I clear a few other projects on the table. Review by John Sheridan. 

HMS Mary Rose, British World War One Destroyer, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - If you have any interest in the warships of World War One, if you have any interest in destroyers of any time period or if you have any interest in an exceptionally well designed and produced model kit, the WHITE ENSIGN MODELS’ Mary Rose is the kit for you. Review by Steve Backer. 

USS Pegasus, Hydrfoil PHM, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - This kit was a fun and relatively easy build of a very unique subject. While there were some very minor flaws that are easily corrected, it is an excellent kit. If you like modern United States Naval ships or small combatants, then I would recommend you add this to your collection. Review by Felix Bustelo. 

HMS Kelly, White Ensign Models 1:700 Scale - The White Ensign HMS Kelly should build into a beautiful and accurate model. With its excellent instructions, it should not be a difficult build. The model looks like it could go together in a matter of hours and should make a great weekend project. Review by Ken Summa.

USS Patterson DD-392, Bagley Class Destroyer, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - "WARNING – WARNING: STRANGE SHIPS ENTERING HARBOR!" This message was broadcast at 0143 on August 9, 1942 by the USS Patterson, which along with sistership, USS Bagley, was an escort for USS Chicago and HMAS Canberra. These ships, plus HMAS Australia, comprised the Southern Force off of the newly invaded island of Guadacanal. As Samuel Eliot Morison stated in The Struggle for Guadacanal, Volume V in his epic History of United States Naval Operations in World War II; the Patterson was "…the only American ship that was properly awake…". Review of the 1:350 scale USS Patterson produced by Commanders/Iron Shipwright. 

USS Russell, Sims Class Destroyer, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - Sims Class Destroyers were the last of the single stack designs. They represented a transition from most pre-war US destroyers - all of which featured a high, angular bridge - and the designs that evolved into the Fletcher Class. Review of the 1:350 scale USS Russell produced by Commanders/Iron Shipwright. 

USS Conyngham, Mahan Class Destroyer, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - The Mahan class of sixteen ships was the follow-on design for the Farraguts and made minor improvements to the Farragut design with one major improvement. The Mahans introduced an advance in propulsion. Review of the 1:350 scale USS Conyngham produced by Commanders/Iron Shipwright.