Panda Arleigh Burke "Winston Churchill"

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

Got this kit for Father’s Day. Any thoughts on quality, things to look out for?

2

I have the USS Cole version of the same kit … 1/350, right? I think it’s a pretty good kit overall, but some of the details are overdone, like the studs all along the sides of the hull. You should pre-fit parts carefully before you glue to see where gaps will be and trim edges for a closer fit. The hardest part (I’m not done yet) was getting the three decks sections to fit correctly in the hull. It’s bent a little inwards on both sides towards the center and the angled edges are hard to line up while you set the rubber bands or holding tape. Another fit challenge was mating the forward bridgework to the hull. The sides tend to overhang the hull edge and need trimming.
Last thing … which I haven’t gotten to yet … is that the etched railings in the kit are steel, not brass. You’ll need to find a way to cut these off the sheet without bending them too much because they are really hard to cut. Last complaint … therre are ugly raised lines to show deck decal placement and you may want to shave them down a lot before you get too far into your build.
“Other than that, Mr. Lincoln, how did you like the play?”

3

Thanks, MBT, do you think they changed anything with the fit with the Flight IIA model? I have not taken it out of the box as yet?

4

mbt70, you know if doing as the churchill there is a fair bit of modifing such as the duuble hanger, lengthening the 5" barrel to 62cal & the flight 2a is about 8ft longer than the cole is
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ddg-51-pics.htm

5

Didn’t know all that. Maybe I’ll stick to one of the hull numbers in the kit because I don’t plan on any mods. Thanks

6

I just completed Panda’s USS Cole and have to agree with MTB70’s comments. I used Flagship photoetched details vice those supplied with the kit. The whole thing took a bit of extra work but worked up to be an pretty acceptable model; did mine as the USS Stethem (DDG63).
Dick McC

7

Anyone know where I can pick up this kit, I’ve been looking one for while.

8

I have one on the shelves,
Email me and maybe we can work something out.
tankbuster2005@yahoo.com

Let me know if you’re interested.
Doug

9

Here’s a review from finescale:

http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=a&id=1707

Take care,
Doug

10

Whoa … that article was almost identical to my post above!

11

Great minds think alike! I’m a returning modeler (after several years) and just finished a couple of Tamiya battleships. My impression from these posts is that Panda has a way to go to meet Tamiya’s quality.

12

I did it as the USS Fitzgerald and i agree with all the things MBT70 said, i just wished i had asked him brfore i built it, lol!



13

Very nice build … and chock full of ideas for mine! I like the skyscape backdrop, too.
I also recommend everyone take a look at Chris’ web links … very impressive stuff.

14

Hey thanks!!

15

This model has potential, but not without a lot of elbow grease. I have one about half finished, but I’m adding the White Ensign detail set to the model. If you intend to go all-out on this kit, get that set…you won’t be disappointed.

Jeff

16

I was doing a detailed surf of the net for Arleigh Burke models and, I must say, this is one of the most popular ships to come out in many, many years. They are out there in many scales, many types of kits and there are a huge number of scratchbuilds. I think it’s because it’s such a smart, trim, efficient looking vessel. Any comments? Looks like we have a classic going on and a legend building.

17

I agree with Jeff Herne, a bit of work (as above-MBT-70) with the White Ensign set and it’s a winner.