by Jorge A. Corona
1/700 Kirov (Trumpeter)
This is the 1/700 USSR Kirov from Trumpeter. Overall a nice kit, with descent fit and detail. Much easier assembly compared to Dragon offerings; due to appropriate industrial design of parts. Painted in Tamiya and Gunze acrylics, White Ensign enamels, a final wash of diluted smoke; as well as weathering with pastels.
Photetch parts came from Gold Metal Models, Lionroar and Flyhahwk, as well as several spares from the bin. Several pieces were entirely reworked from scratch, taking historical photographs as reference, and a certain dose of ingenuity. I tried to attain a minimalist fit, refraining from over-detailing many parts.
