1/700 scale Trumpeter Admiral Kuznetsov
The Overall model kit: This Trumpeter kit was overall a satisfying kit given the generic qualities of the brand. The kit comes with detail sprues and includes the hull and main deck and armaments. The air group comes in transparent sprues highly detailed with complete decals.
The Build: Firstly I had to erase the fitting gaps after the hull assembly using Mr. Surfacer, which made the job easier compared to using the normal putty. For references on the carrier not many images were found especially on the color scheme and deck diorama. However after researching further a final scheme was decided upon. I decided to color the hull based on the 1995 appearance of the carrier which has a more subtle Balkan gray . Additional photo-etch is required as for any Trumpeter kit . The PE parts are from the generic railing of the modern Trumpeter sets which I customized into antenna and radar masts to enhance the detail. Eduard colored modern deck crew are used in the final deck appearance.
Final Conclusion: Overall it was an exciting build given the final result I was satisfied although many more detailing parts could have been implemented but as it was a commissioned built hence the deadline must be obeyed. The owner of this kit is Mr. Rofahmi Zainal Abidin who is pleased with the final product. It would be great to build another Russian carrier in the future as they are quite a rare naval genre.
8 additional images. Click to enlarge.
david leigh-smith said on September 16, 2018
Mee Wan you are a magician with these carrier kits. This is absolutely marvellous. You must have the eyes of an eagle and the hands of a surgeon.
gary sausmikat said on September 16, 2018
Very nice job, Mee Wan. Great detail!
Craig Abrahamson said on September 16, 2018
Such intricate workmanship….very impressive, my friend.
Rob Pollock said on September 16, 2018
🥉👍😊
Jeff Bailey said on September 16, 2018
VERY nice, Mee Wan. I have a question: why did you leave that giant warp on the bow of the ship and how did you get it all lined up?
Ohh … so that’s the way it’s made for the ski-jump effect. Never mind!
( Mee Wan, I hope you don’t misinterpret my silly attempt at humour – the carrier looks great! )
Mee Wan said on September 16, 2018
thanks all for the…kind words !
Tony Prince said on September 17, 2018
Something really different Mee Wan. Exquisitely done.
Mon Falcone said on September 17, 2018
I am new to making models. Never seen an aircraft carrier done before. So many different little areas on a large ship like this. It would be good to put this front and center in your home for guests to explore. It’s a beauty!
bob mack said on September 17, 2018
superb work
paul teixeira said on September 17, 2018
Just fabulous in 1/700! WOW.
Greg Kittinger said on September 17, 2018
Very nice – all the crew and aircraft on deck really bring it to life. Well done.