1:350 Russian cruiser Admiral Lazarev Ex-Frunze

The heavy missile cruiser Admiral Lazarev in 1:350 scale

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Russian heavy missile cruiser of project 1144 in 1:350 scale from Trumpeter. The suffix Ex-Frunze in the name refers to the earlier name of the same ship – it is therefore one vessel that changed its name during its service, not two different subjects.

The real subject

The ships of project 1144 are among the largest surface combatants built since the Second World War, and apart from aircraft carriers no warship has surpassed them. The powerplant is combined: a nuclear reactor is complemented by a steam boiler, which gives the ship a great range as well as a high speed. The second unit of the series was launched at the beginning of the 1980s under the name Frunze and in 1992, after the end of the Soviet Union, she was renamed Admiral Lazarev. She served with the Pacific Fleet. The second unit differed from the lead ship of the series in the layout of the gun armament and in part of the sensor fit. At the end of the 1990s the ship was placed in reserve and she was broken up only after long years of inactivity.

Building and painting tips

The ship has a tall and very complex superstructure with a mass of antennas and radar fittings, so build it deck by deck and leave the fine parts until the end. Sand the hull carefully, as every irregularity on the long side shows at first glance. Break the gray finish down into shades and keep the lower part of the sides darker. Set the deck surfaces apart from the rest of the ship with a flatter finish.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Soviet and Russian warships
• For those interested in late Cold War equipment
• For modelers who want a large and eye-catching model for the display case
• For more advanced builders with experience of complex superstructures

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.