Revell SMS Dresden and SMS Emden 1:350

The Revell kit

These are not a completely new kits, but date from 1995; nonetheless, they have stood the test of time pretty well and are well moulded for their day. They come out at 33.9cm long and should fit very nicely on a shelf or cased.

As you can see, you get two kits to enable you to make both sister ships in their class and looking at the manufacturer’s models included in this review, make up perfectly well to be faithful representation of these important German Navy ships just prior to and during WWI.

This is a very straightforward model to build and you can of course build them straight from the box. For me though, I think that these 1:350 scale models in particular can look spectacular when many of the items like the railings and ladders are replaced with photo-etch from the likes of White Ensign Models and other aftermarket manufacturers.

Recently we uploaded a great video from Graham Thompson into your Techniques Bank where he shows you exactly how you can replace delicate plastic masts with brass metal replacements – much, much more straightforward than you may at first think, so do check that out. The reason for mentioning it here is that there are rigging possibilities with this kit and some of the parts look delicate and so this would provide a great canvas from which you can move on.

The deck is nicely moulded with decent recessed detail that will good to weather. Some of the other smaller parts like the ladders have excess flash that will need to be removed, but hey, that’s modelling.

Inclusion of a stand is a nice touch as your completed model will look great mounted on it.

A set of paper flags and reel of cotton for the rigging is included – neither particularly convincing but there to use if you want to.

Instructions

This comprises a fold-out sheet with exploded diagrams showing where all the parts go – clear enough. The models should present few, if any problems to modellers with just a little experience.

Decals

Revell include a decal sheet with appropriate markings for these vessels. Colour is solid and strong with no items out of register, just remember to apply them onto a high gloss finish and then matt down as appropriate to reduce any chance of decal silvering.

In conclusion

Fine really for the money and size of model. Plenty of people buy and make models in this scale and you will have another type to add to your collection and a sight easier to store and display than Les’s Trumpeter 1:200 scale USS Arizona!

SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5