Kit review USF Essex - Model shipways - scale 1:76.8

[Bluebeard]

Hello guys:
Here is my first review of many to come from Model Shipways distributed by Model Expo.
I’m sorry I don’t have a high end camera and all of the pictures are taken from IPhone, so I hope at least you can have a peek at what’s inside of all of these great models.

 

[Bluebeard]

I really love the color instructions from Model Shipways. They are very clear and in full colors.
Very good tool for any modeler from rookie to experts.

 

[Bluebeard]

Ship’s boat instructions and parts list.
Remember this guys can replace any of the kits parts you buy from them.

 

[Bluebeard]

Now for the blue prints. Total 5 page.
You might notice that they are not dark enough and I mentioned this fact to COO Carlos. He will exam the rest of the boxes to replace them
as needed.

 

[Bluebeard]

Keel, and bulkheads.

 

[Bluebeard]

The rest of the wooden parts:

 

[Bluebeard]

Brass , photo etched and Britannia metal fittings, blocks and pulleys, copper plating and ropes.Britannia metal fittings.

 

[Bluebeard]

That’s all I have for now.
I hope you like pictures and now you have a peek at what’s inside.

 

[Uwek]

Many Thanks for posting this very informativ review with the Look Inside of the kit box

 

[Submarinerblue]

Have any members actually built this kit? It’s been around for a few years, but I haven’t seen any build logs on the net except for an old one when it first came out that pointed out a few issues that needed to be corrected.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Maybe you can find some nice brass cannon to replace the ones in kit.

They look like the molds is WORN beyond life span on the barrels, lots of flash to clean up to be usable.

Otherwise a nice kit.

Thanks for the review.

 

[Jimsky]

Maybe you can find some nice brass cannon to replace the ones in kit.

They look like the molds is WORN beyond life span on the barrels, lots of flash to clean up to be usable.

You are correct, Kurt. It is just a flash to clean, otherwise, the barrels look to scale and sound. The casting reveals lots of details. IMHO, why pay extra for the brass cannons?

 

[Bluebeard]

You are correct, Kurt. It is just a flash to clean, otherwise, the barrels look to scale and sound. The casting reveals lots of details. IMHO, why pay extra for the brass cannons?

I will pass down your information and other comments to Carlos.
I’m pretty sure he will take care of the situation.

 

[paulv1958]

I see that one of the ships wheels is missing a handle also. Lots of cleaning up needed of the pewter parts. Flash or not, the amount shown should have been cleaned up prior to boxing. That much is poor respect of the product sold. QA is not great. Even the cheap AL kits are cleaner. We have to stop accepting lack of care and rectifying. This is one of the reasons we look to other suppliers. I purchased an expensive EBike on the weekend and two of the retailers I went to lost out on a sale due to their poor attitude and care. Lots of ordinary folk lost a lot of income over the covid and many have changed their attitude to shopping. Only the good retailers are surviving lock downs.

 

[vintagemodeler]

Now for the blue prints. Total 5 page.
You might notice that they are not dark enough and I mentioned this fact to COO Carlos. He will exam the rest of the boxes to replace them
as needed.
View attachment 212205View attachment 212206View attachment 212207View attachment 212208View attachment 212209View attachment 212210

I also have this kit and had the same problem with quite light plans. I contacted Model Expo and as usual with their great customer service they immediately sent me another set of plans that were much better. It looks to me like these plans were run on a xerox not printed, but the information is there.

 

[Savatage]

They do have some good kits, and Carlos is quick to get back to you if there is a problem with them. Currently doing their Syren kit and will probably either grab the Confederacy for my next build or their new cross section of the Connie they released last year

 

[Bluebeard]

They do have some good kits, and Carlos is quick to get back to you if there is a problem with them. Currently doing their Syren kit and will probably either grab the Confederacy for my next build or their new cross section of the Connie they released last year

Is good to hear that.
Maybe my next next review will be the Syren.
What do you think guys?