Hammerstein Model CL-50 USS Helena 1/200

**eibwarrior** · #1 06-10-2009, 07:56 PM

:DHello everyone.

I saw this model on GPM's website, and I just had to have it. It's from a Russian publisher and available through GPM Poland. The great news is that this was my first purchase from GPM direct, and I was very surprised to get the model in 8 days from the date of order placement. That's very fast from Europe to North America.

Anyway, on to the model review.

The model comes unbound in individual sheets. The printing is not glossy (which I don't care much for) but rather a dull finish. The print clarity and detail is superb. The first sheets you'll see below is the cover sheet and the fabric flags (in the same photo as the cover sheet). The rest are diagrams and assembly instructions. As you can see there are many details that go into great detail. No need to read Russian or get it translated. :D The details appear to be generated from some CAD or other design software. Even the front cover sheet gives you the impression that it is CAD generated.

**Don Boose** · #2 06-10-2009, 08:00 PM

Thanks for this review and for the information about ordering from GPM.

I look forward to the build!

Don

**eibwarrior** · #3 06-10-2009, 08:01 PM

Here's the real bonus that comes with this model. All formers, deck underlays and various other parts that are usually thicker stock, come laser cut as a part of this package. No need to purchase additional laser cut frames as you would with some other kits. These come with the base kit.

The parts are crisp and well cut, and should remove very cleanly for assembly.

In the last of the laser cut photos you'll notice a set of brass barrels. These are produced by GPM specifically for this kit. The set includes all 20mm, 40mm, 5" and 6" barrels. The set costs about $22 USD and makes an nice additional enhancement to the model, if you roll barrels like I do. :D

**eatcrow2** · #4 06-10-2009, 08:11 PM

Great review!! Have not seen any info on this publisher before, so this was very welcomed. Looking forward to following a build thread...

**eibwarrior** · #5 06-10-2009, 08:12 PM

The color parts are quite nice. They come on a medium weight stock and are suitable (in some cases) to use without laminating. Some of the more structural parts and bulkheads, you'll want to add some additional weight to the parts through lamination.

The ship comes colored in what appears to be the Measure 21 camouflage scheme which is otherwise known as the Navy Blue System. All vertical surfaces are colored Navy Blue and all horizontal surfaces are colored deck blue. This was the scheme Helena wore throughout 1942 and 1943.

I plan to make this model my next build. It was such a nicely detailed assembly that it just struck my fancy.

I've got some other things to wrap up, but look for this model's progress coming soon the the Paper Modelers Ships' Forum.

**dansls1** · #6 06-10-2009, 08:35 PM

Very nice review. Looks like a nice publisher too. Thanks

**Royaloakmin** · #7 06-11-2009, 09:28 AM

The publisher name is Dom Bumagi. They have a website, homepaper.com, but it is in Russian.

**Keds_Girl_Lala** · #8 06-11-2009, 11:31 AM

I think this is going to take you some time to make! It look to be very nice so thank you!

**eibwarrior** · #9 06-11-2009, 12:00 PM

Thanks everyone.

One thing that I forgot to add was that the cost of the kit in USD was around $23 + shipping. I got the kit, barrels and shipping total for around $67 USD. The shipping was a bit pricey, but that's to be expected from Poland to North America.

@Royaloakmin... I'd love to convert that website to English and see what other jewels this publisher has in the works. This could be a significant new source for good quality kits.

@Keds Girl Lala... Yes, I'm setting aside July - November for this build. It will keep me out of plastic and resin kits for some time.

**Royaloakmin** · #10 06-11-2009, 12:24 PM

They have done the Russian light cruiser Bojarin, the Brit light cruiser HMS Columbo (WWII fit), Italian light cruiser Leone Pancaldo and the old Russian Gunboat Koretz (two versions). All look to be very nice indeed, and I like that they include the lasercut frames. I plan to order some soon. This will be a great build for you, Helena has a hull like a fine yacht. Enjoy.

BTW, the website is homepaper.info, not .com. Use the Google website translator...