Micro-Mir Mikro Mir 350-042-1/350-SSBN-608 Ethan Allen.Scale Plastic Model kit

While the overall model is fairly accurate, the molding quality is poor making assembly problematic. The main hull halves are split horizontally at the waterline, which is good; however, the large number of sprue attachments, the extremely thin mating surfaces, and the lack of sufficient positioning pins make gluing and accurate assembly extremely difficult. The fit of the missile deck turtleback is not very good making fairing it into the hull also difficult. Mikro Mir offers a number of U. S. cold war submarine models in 1/350 scale, but if this model is indicative of their quality, they may not be of much value.UPDATE: After completing the model, I raised my rating to three stars. Although the kit has difficulties with its assembly as noted in my original review, it produced a very decent model. The nature of the kit's design did not result in a totally seamless joint between the upper and lower hull halves, but this is mostly covered up by the line between the black of the upper hull half and the antifouling red of the lower. The decals were very comprehensive but required care in their application because of their thinness. They did adhere well with no silvering. If Mikro Mir could improve the fitting of the hull sections, I would give the kit fout stars.