1/700 scale Zumwalt in Pewter by TTH, a quickie review.

[proditor]

If you're not aware of the Zumwalt in pewter, go have a look here: http://www.tth.com/gp_pewter.html

Unfortunately the picture link is broken and that is seriously a shame.  I just got one of these beauties during Snowpocalypse 2010 here in the DC Metro area.  It was a nice thing to find at the door on Tuesday just before we got slammed.

Detail is good, actually far better than I thought it was going to be based on the couple of pictures I've seen of the model so far.  I haven't checked scale, but it looks "right" in terms of size next to an OH Perry frigate.  All she really needs is a coat of paint, and I could happily put her up on the shelf.

Good: Shape and detail are strong, like I said, stronger than I expected them to be.  All of the parts seem to be represented well and it just flat out looks neat.  Nicely waterlined, has internal mounting brackets for putting on a base (Which TTH will gladly do for you before they ship it).

Bad: There are some almost unnoticeable tool marks, like from a pair of pliers, near the helicopter pad.  I'm reasonably sure I can correct it like I would a warhammer mini, but it's going to take a bit more muscle than the same flaw in resin or plastic.

Price: Less than 60 bucks US shipped.  Yup, for less than the thing would probably cost in resin, I have a nice pewter Zumwalt all ready to escort my JAG Stealth Carrier.

They make a lot of nice ships, and if the Zumwalt is a fair indication, well, I'll be heading back for a San Antonio, and probably an LCS-1.

Customer Service: Very friendly, I dealt with them over the mail, and then called to give them my CC number to make the purchase.  While they seemed a tiny bit confused about me ordering a grand total of 1 ship, they got it to me quickly and efficiently.  They'll ship you a price list if you ask (Or PM me your e-mail and I'll send you a copy).

[jcf]

They have the file name in the link wrong, ddg1000_700.jpg instead of DDG1000_700.jpg. 



Looks cool.

[pyro-manic]

Whilst I think the Zumwalt is possibly the least attractive ship ever designed, that looks like a very nice model.

[Joe C-P]

All one piece? The gun mounts should be separate; I doesn't look quite right if they're integral.
However, it is good to see a model of the ship. I like the idea of pairing it with the JAG stealth carrier! One could also add a model of one or both of the LCS. And then the RN's Type 45 DD, which I think is coming out from someone.

[pyro-manic]

WEM are doing a T45, in 350th and 700th. Airfix possibly as well?

[Thorvic]

WEM are doing a T45, in 350th and 700th. Airfix possibly as well?

WEM do it in resin in 1/350th, Skyrex do it in White metal in 1/700, the WEM resin 1/700 kits has been cancelled due to Dragon announcing a Type 45 injection kit in 1/700 

G

[proditor]

My current plan is a small stealth fleet:

1 JAG Stealth Carrier
1 (Maybe 2) TTH Zumwalt
2-3 Cyber Hobby LCS-2
2-3 Handmade Modified Sea Shadows to act as pickets
2 Seawolf Class SSN (Hobby Boss??)

[Thorvic]

My current plan is a small stealth fleet:

1 JAG Stealth Carrier
1 (Maybe 2) TTH Zumwalt
2-3 Cyber Hobby LCS-2
2-3 Handmade Modified Sea Shadows to act as pickets
2 Seawolf Class SSN (Hobby Boss??)

Prod

Don't TTH do an LCS1 as well as Zumwalt ?

Oh BTW There was a readymade 1/700 Sea Shadow produced as part of one of those Japanese collectors series stuff, although i suspecty its rather difficult to find now.

Still it should be an impressive fleet set up once completed. Maybe you should look as doing a Steathy Wasp class in similar style to the steath carrier and San Antonio LPD. Would be an interesting scratchbuilding exercise.

G

[proditor]

They do indeed, but I'm not sure how I feel about the gun mounts.  With them all buttoned up in full stealth mode on the zumwalt, they look pretty good.  But as a more standard mount, I'm still iffy on the whole thing.

I tried grabbing one of the Takara sea shadows, but yes, availability is a bugbear.  In 1/700, they should be a hair under 3 inches, by roughly 1.1 inches.  I figure if I up them to 4 x 1.25, I can include the VLS system a la an old Popular Mechanics article, and really have something that will sing. 

As to the Wasp, that may be too ambitious for me just yet.  Once I finish a few of my other bizarre idea, and assuming I don;t hate them, I may have the confidence to give it a try. 

[elmayerle]

A stretched Sea Shadow with VLS could also be used for other purposes.  There was an AD study of combining elements of the Army ground-launched TSSAM and the Navy's air-launched version to make a VLS-suitable version for naval purposes.  That would be an "interesting" beastie.

[Joe C-P]

If someone makes one you could add a Austal US JHCV or one of their other designs used by the US militaries.

[anthonyp]

Mini pewter minis!!!   

As for the Sea Shadow, someone once made a CVH out of one of the Revell kits, but I seem to not be able to find it.