White Ensign Models 1/350 Varyag Russian Armoured Cruiser Detail Set First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

White Ensign Models continues to turn out some very interesting detail sets in their 1/350 scale range. Their photo-etch detail sets add levels of detail and fidelity to a variety of ship subjects, and this release is definitely no exception!

This set is designed for the Zvezda 1/350 Varyag Cruiser kit. Varyag had a brief but interesting career. Built in a US shipyard, she was launched in 1899 and commissioned into the Russian Imperial Navy in 1901. During the Russian-Japanese war in 1904, Varyag had been seriously damaged and outgunned by the Japanese Navy. Rather than surrender their vessel, the surviving Russian crew scuttled their ship. The Japanese later salvaged and repaired the ship and put her into service as the Soya. During WWI, Russia and Japan found themselves on the same side and the Soya was returned. The Russians sent their ship off to Britain for overhaul, and before it could be returned, the Russian revolution led to its confiscation by the British government. In 1920, she was sold to Germany for scrap, but she ran aground while under tow and eventually sank (again).

This set transforms the Zvezda kit into another of White Ensign Models' works of art. You can see from the parts roadmap above that this set provides an extensive face-lift of the stock kit. New ladders, railings, porthole frames, ratlines, boat oars, and even a completely new pilot house are some of the numerous details provided in this set.

Just when you thought you couldn't find any greater detail in 1/350 scale, White Ensign Models has come alongside with their latest creations. This set is a must-have for the Zvezda kit! You can purchase this set from White Ensign Models.

My sincere thanks to White Ensign Models for this review sample!