Trumpeter 1/700 German Zerstorer Z-25 1944 Kit First Look
by Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | November 2011 | Manufacturer | Trumpeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | German Zerstorer Z-25 1944 | Scale | 1/700 |
| Kit Number | 5787 | Primary Media | Styrene, photo-etch |
| Pros | Nicely detailed kit | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $27.95 |
First Look
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The Z-25 destroyer was one of enhanced 1936A designs (Narvik class) first laid down in early 1939 and commissioned at the end of November 1940. Among the improvements of the 1936A over the 1936 series was the replacement of the 127mm main guns with the new 150mm guns. These guns were intended to be mounted in pairs in the turrets but the twin turrets were not ready for the 150mm guns so the 1936A series was commissioned with single gun turrets. Z-25 was one of four 1936As that was refitted with the twin turrets as well as a major upgrade of anti-air defenses during the war. In all, the Z-25 was armed with five 150mm, ten 37mm, and twenty 20mm cannons as well as eight torpedos and four depth charge launchers. Z-25 would survive her wartime service and would serve in the French Navy as the Hoche before it was finally scrapped in 1958.
Trumpeter has released its latest installment in the 1/700 warship series with this German Z-25 destroyer kit. Designed the same as their previous kits in this series, the Z-25 is designed to be your choice of full-hull or waterline.
The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on five parts trees plus the upper hull, and two parts molded in hull red representing the lower hull or flat-bottom waterline. Two small frets of photo-etched parts are also included.
So let's get to the features:
- Choice of full-hull or waterline
- Photo-etched display base (first time I've seen this option)
- Photo-etched antennas
- Very straightforward assembly
The kit is recommended for experienced modelers even though the use of photo-etched parts is minimal since there are numerous tiny parts that make up the armament and fittings. Patience and experience will help make this a smooth build.
A small decal sheet (not shown) is included with the underway flags as well as the few distinguishing marks for the hull.
This is a very simple build and will be an excellent kit for the experienced modeler. With the recent push of destroyer kits in this scale among several model companies, this is a great time to be a DKM modeler!
My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review copy!