by Gil Costa
1/350 USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51 (Trumpeter)
Presented is the Trumpeter kit of the USS Arleigh Burke, a US modern destroyer. The kit was very well designed and went together beautifully although one has to use care with all the mitered corners of the superstructure. These required some gap filling when final assembly was made. The bridge area comes as clear plastic but I found it easier to paint the windows rather than mask them all. The only disappointment with the kit was the gun barrels (I used Master brass replacement), and the lack of proper decals. There were no warning circles and I had to purchase a set of JAG replacements. These turned out to be terrible and the carrier film split when cutting them or attempting to apply, but I made do. The hull numbers were way over sized and I replaced with aftermarket lo vis examples. The enclosed photo etch was adequate except for the safety nets which were in short supply compared to references. I did purchase the GMM photo etch for modern warships and used these and 1st level railings from this set. The rest are included railings. Additionally, all molded ladders and chains were removed and replaced with photo etch and real chain respectively. I added scratchbuilt loading straps and covers for the inflatable motor boats while modifying the crane in the "ready" position. Also, various supports and GMM photoetch were added to the elaborate mast. The torpedo tubes were replaced with "Veteran" resin parts. Finally, weathering was done with a wash and some drybrushing while pastel chalk was used for the non-skid texturing on the decks and rust streaking. The water base was made with my usual method of sculpted Liqued Gel Medium which is then painted and covered with Future.
