White Ensign Models 1/72
Photoetch Detail set for
Revell-Germany S-100 Schnellboote

Set no. WEM PE7201
WEM's Price: 29.95 pounds sterling
In US Dollars: around $41.00

By Ray Mehlberger

Back in the July, 2002 issue of Internet Modeler, I did an in-box review of the Revell Germany's S-100 kit in 1/72nd scale. Later in the year, in the December issue, Richard Eaton did a build review of it. Both of these past issue articles can still be found on line.

Shortly after I received my S-100 kit, I read on SMML (Ship Modelling Mailing List) that White Ensign Models had released a brass PE set to dolly up this kit. I just received a review set of this PE set, generously sent to me from John Snyder of White Ensign Models (hereafter refered to as WEM in this article). What a great set it is!!

The set came, very studily packed, in between two heavy pieces of cardboard..inside a manila envelope - which was further packed into a bubble-wrap lined padded envelope.So nothing got hurt on the trip from the UK. The frets are also each in their own zip-locked cello bags.

There are two frets, double etched to give DEPTH to the details. The larger fret contains 76 parts. It is about 11" x 4." in size. The second, smaller fret, holds 65 more parts and is 3" x 2.5". This set is designed by Peter Hall.

One of the weak points of the Revell kit is the torpedo propellers. WEM has come to the rescue with PE replacement ones for us. They also give us two choices of handrails: one set with the canvas covers and one set without. Your choice. Neat!

This is a parts list of what's there on the frets:

Railings, with and without the canvas covers
Lifting/locking handle for the aft hatch.
Smoke pot handwheels & replacement lifting handles.
Liferaft hand ropes.
Compass & sight to replace binnacle tops if required.
Binnacle top window cover & handle.
Replacement rail around top of binnacle.
Windscreen frame.
Replacement bow depression rail.
Aerial insulators (4 each)
Cleat for ensign staff.
Tie bars between bridge & antennae supports.
Replacement helmet rack for back of bridge.
Lifting eyes for armored bridge.
Magazine racks for bow 20mm mounting (12 each)
Magazines for above.
Section of bow 20mm mounting that extends above breech.
Wheel & engine telegraphs for detailing inside of wheelhouse.
Hinges & handles etc. for front of 37mm shield.
37mm details.
Ammunition clip to fit in the clip guide.
Foul weather covers for skylights on top of lockers.
Sight for twin 20mm.
Valve handwheels (20 each)
Restraining strap/chain for signal platform.
Slatted covers for ventilators.
Extra detail for bridge binocular sight.
Torpedo props, fore and aft.
Torpedo cradles & hold down straps.
Torpedo loading tackle.
Bridge compass face (to replace the decal in the Revell kit)
Clear vision screen for forward bridge window (to be stuck on clear plastic)

The instructions are very clear as to how to use this set. They are five pages long, 8.5" x 11" format, and probably the best instructions that I have ever seen come with any PE set.

Conclusion

29.95 pounds sterling makes the set more expensive than the Revell kit. But, hey, it's truly worth it!! It will turn the kit into a real head turner and contest winner.

I also received their catalog pages and they are 25 pages long. Filled with paints, ship kits, PE sets, books etc. If they don't have it, it ain't worth having. WEM's catalog is vast (to say the LEAST). They have ship models, PE and fittings to satisfy the most demanding ship modelers and cover all of the popular scales.

Very highly recommended to modelers that have experience with PE sets.

I want to thank John Snyder, of White Ensign Models, again for this sample set.

pragolog-sm.jpg (5410 bytes)