Whether we like it or not, we ship modellers are definitely in the minority in this world which makes it difficult for companies to produce and market new and varied kits. Then it comes down to which scales and subjects are 'good sellers'. It is not surprising that we may have to wait years for a particular kit to appear (e.g. WEM's proposed Aquitania and HMS Renown). When a company finds another niche things begin to improve albeit from the modeller's point a view, it is often a compromise.
Enter Skytrex with their sales into RN historic societies and associations. Many folk want to give ship models as gifts but don't have the time nor skill to build one and therein lies the bulk of Skytrex's sales. In order for Skytrex to market their models they have to put as much detail onto the main casting in order to negate the need for assembly. Why is this relevant to the modelling fraternity? Quite simply, we begin to see a range of subjects appear not tackled by the more traditional kit companies. Recently, Skytrex have extended their ship subjects in 1:700, 1:600 and 1:350 scales.
The 1:700 early war (1940) Tribal is marketed as HMS Cossack. First impressions on opening the box were very encouraging - this was obviously a cut ('cast'?) above previous kits with far more attention paid to detail. My first diorama featuring a Tribal was based on WEM's Cossack kit. This otherwise splendid model suffered from poorly drilled scuttles along the starboard side. No problems in this respect with the Skytrex Tribal. Like so many Skytrex kits, this one too has a great deal of detail cast onto the hull leaving only a few items to add to complete the model. The main armament, masts, boats, director tower and that's about it! The main armament is very well portrayed with separate barrels to enable the modeller to choose the angle and direction of the guns. The AA weapons (0.5in machine guns and quad Pompom) are moulded in and are a tad too simplistic for my taste and these would be the first things I would replace.
Similarly, I would recommend replacing the carley floats which are represented on solid frames which should be etch brass crucifix girder-frames. Indeed this model literally begs for upgrading with the WEM Cossack etch brass fret. The boats, although being quite accurate representations, are not the correct type in two cases. The forward starboard motor boat should be a whaler and the 16' dingy should be a small motor boat. The boats are attached to the over scale white metal davits which need to be removed and replaced with brass equivalents. A notable improvement over previous 1:700 Skytrex models are the closer-to-scale deck bollards/cleats and the finer funnel caps.
To add railings to the kit however, you will either have to file the cleats/bollards slightly from the deck edge or cut your railings to accommodate them. I would also prefer to replace the masts with brass equivalents. However, if this is not to your liking then the white metal masts provided are a big improvement over previous kits and are viable option. The hull measures out on my scale ruler as 375' (loa) x 34' which at this scale is very acceptable. All other items appear to be very close to scale when checked against drawings.
Overall, at £15.00 this model represents excellent value for money. It is a generic early war Tribal which allows you to make any one of the class. White metal is not difficult to work with and alterations with plasticard and etch brass will result in a truly stunning model.

Copyright © SMML 2003