GOING BALLISTIC

THE SOVIET Union’s Delfin/Delta IV ballistic missile submarines served much longer than expected, even outlasting the intended successor class (the Akula/Typhoon), but Zvezda’s 1/350 offering is just the fourth kit of the type.

This newly tooled release (9062) portrays the vessel Tula – after the city of the same name – (designated K-114 initially) and is as highly refined as the firm’s popular airliner range. The quality is evident in the engraved detail on the hull, minimal attachment points on the four styrene runners and refinement of the smaller and more delicate items, such as the antenna masts, individual propeller blades and missile hatches. The main hull is a five-piece construction, with four internal bulkheads to minimise the risk of warping, and Zvezda provides its standard ‘ocean floor-type’ three-part stand. It can be built in ‘open’ or ‘closed’ configuration – the former featuring a torpedo loading hatch and two missile compartments for SS-N23A Skiff/R-29RMU Sineva (Russian for ‘blueness’) missiles, plus options for raised communication and radar antennas on the conning tower.

At just £24.99 it’s great value for money, and one that is sure to find favour with Cold War submarine aficionados. Visit: www.hobbyco.net for further details.