Special thanks go out to Ms. Akiko Kimura, Executive Vice President of Model

Rectifier Corporation for kindly forwarding me a sample copy of this fine kit.

Review

Scale Size: 1:600
Manufacturer: Academy Hobby Model Kits United States Marketing: Model Rectifier Corporation - Edison, New Jersey
Kit Number: #1459
Price: $35.00 (Manufacturers suggested retail price)

Parts List
1 Single piece 17" highly detailed molded hull - molded in black (see photos)

Parts Molded in White
1 Plastic tree part containing - bulkheads and ships promenade and deck siding (see Photo)
1 Plastic tree part containing - Life boats, bridge front and details, compass platform, davit details, stair railing, life rings, vents, cranes, tank room top, misc. piping and misc. small bulkheads (see photo)
1 Plastic tree part containing - pre cut and preformed railing sections (see photo)

Parts Molded in Tan
1 Plastic tree part containing - 2 large main deck areas with wood grain detail.(see photo)
1 Plastic tree part containing - Focsle' deck and fore well deck, aft well deck and stern decking, funnel housing covers. All decking has wood grain detail. (see photo)

Parts Molded in Orange/Buff
1 Plastic tree part containing - Funnels, preformed funnel ladders and funnel piping, (see photo)

Parts Molded Clear
1 Plastic tree part containing - Grand staircase domes and covers (see photo)

Parts Molded in Black
1 Plastic tree part containing - Masts, Bits, Bollards, Prop housings, Funnel top details, winches, ratlines and name plate. (see photo)

Parts Molded in Brass
1 Plastic tree part containing - Anchors, props and a tree piece stand with nameplate. (see photo)

Miscellaneous Parts
1 small bag containing - 1 spool of fine thread for rigging and the ships decals Instructions:

The instructions found with this kit were very well thought out. The steps outlined were written in a very user friendly and logical sequence. They were very easy to follow and very detailed. I wish all models had instructions that were this complete!

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Things I liked:
I liked almost everything about this kit. The model is highly detailed and quite accurate for a model in this scale. The beginning modeler will find it very accessible but a challenge to build. The high end modeler will appreciate the number of details and parts on the sprues. Preformed and presized plastic molding is a very big plus for those who will build this kit without photoetch details. The high end modeler will find that there are details on this ship kit that you do not normally find on others. I very much liked the deck detailing (a little large in the planking size, but very nice), with much more detail than most Titanic models. The Focsle' deck detail is excellent. You will even find the gearing from hatch #1 to the windlass' as well as the anchor well and prow detailing. Modelers will find that this kit will prove to be very user friendly for those that choose to add photoetch detail parts. I liked how certain parts were molded in their characteristic (or very close) colors. This would help the first time modeler who wants to build the ship and doesn't want to paint it. Finally, I appreciated how the model parts were organized on the sprues which will make painting the ships fittings easier.

Things that I would have liked to see:
First off, I would like to see one Titanic model with the correct number of port holes. This model, like all others is missing many of the ports that wrap around the stern. Also, correct port configuration from side to side would have be desirable. This model seems to be a mirror image from side to side on the hull. (like all others) I would have liked to see the correct amount of collapsible life boats. Like the models big brother, the Academy 400, it is missing two. The deck detail would be more enhanced if the planking were smaller. The front anchor well seems a bit small, like all other kits and the anchor itself isn't the proper dimensions. I would have liked to see the deck benches not molded to the decking. Cutting these off will prove bothersome for those wishing to install PE. I would also like to see correct configuration of the bulkhead door and window placement, also seeming to be a mirror image. And lastly, the well decks lack the walk-under area like the Academy 400. Scratch builders will find this a somewhat easy fix though.

Overall Comments:
Quite possibly, this may be the finest ocean liner model on the market in styrene and in this scale. I found the model to be very highly detailed (more than any I have seen in this scale) and the ease of construction is a major plus. The decks actually fit! Which as you know is a major problem with other Titanic models in other scales.

The packaging is very attractive and eye catching. How the model itself is packaged was also quite appealing. All of the sprues were individually wrapped in their own cellophane bags, unlike other models in this scale and other model companies.

The instructions are very logical and easy to follow. And most importantly, the lack of flash was a real plus in my eyes after modeling larger scales of this ship. After struggling with other Titanic models of this scale, this particular model will prove to be a breath of fresh air for Titanic and ship modeling enthusiasts in general. I believe that this model has set a new standard for models in this scale. I would highly recommend it and plan to build it myself very soon. All in all, a great effort by Academy!