Now you can build one of the most famous ships in history. The Luxury Liner R.M.S. Lusitania was torpedoed 14 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale, Southern Ireland, by the German U-boat, U-20. One torpedo was fired and it hit the ship in the forward cargo hold. A huge secondary explosion occurred and the LUSITANIA sank in a mere 18 minutes. 1,201 men, women and children perished in the disaster.

This kit, although a bit more expensive than the Minicraft 1/350 scale Titanic model, is an extroardinarily fine model. The Lusitania model was released by Entex shortly after the Titanic model in the mid 1970s. Entex seemingly noticed the flaws that occured with their production of the Titanic model and made several fit and detail improvements on their Lusitania model. At about $100 retail (less expensive at internet and discount hobby stores), the consumer will find an excellent vehicle to build the ship in her maiden voyage configuration. The ship has a few deck fitting problems, but none that are very difficult to overcome. With a model that was designed in the 1970's you are likely to encounter slight fit problems, however, this model does not have the molding problems that are prevailant on the Minicraft Titanic model. The parts are crisply molded and are highly detailed. No pitholes or flash to fill or remove. Entex appearantly learned from earlier mistakes and the improvements are obvious to the builder. In addition, Gunze Sanyo has taken very good care of the original molds to prevent the mismolding of details. With the addition of GMM and TMW photoetch details along with Bruce Beveridge's window decals, this ship is among the finest 350 scale ships available.

The Gunze Sanyo comes with very fine looking woodlike base/stand as well as an excellent set of directions which makes assembly of the ship less difficult. The ship is indeed aimed at the more advanced modeler, but like the Minicraft and Academy Titanic models, is within the skill level of the slightly above average modeler if they take their time in it's construction and follow the directions. The decks need to be dry fitted first for adjustment, but all of the details and parts fit together well. Finding a copy of Loren Perry's article from 'Fine Scale Modeler' on the building of the Lusitania will also be of great help in the process. He explains in great detail how to avoid and overcome the minor fit problems that occur with this and other plastic models. He also does a great job in explaing how to install photoetch details that will even further enhance this model. Photoetch details DO NOT come with the model, but are reccommended to give a more realistic and/or museum-like quality to this kit.

The sleek classic look of this Cunard giant will make a great showpiece on the shelf of any serious modeler. It is a bit more difficult to find than most 350 liner models, but is well worth the effort to find and build. The Gunze Sanyo 350 Scale R.M.S. Lusitania is a classic and has the quality level of the finest ship models in that scale.

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