Hobby Boss 1/350 SSBN Yuri Dolgoruky

The Yuriy Dolgorukiy was the first Russian strategic missile submarine to be launched in seventeen years since the end of the Soviet era. Currently, there are two more Borei class submarines under construction, named Aleksandr Nevskiy (Александр Невский) andVladimir Monomakh (Владимир Мономах). The next submarine in the series, Svyatitel Nikolay (Святитель Николай) was planned to be laid down on 22 December 2009, the anniversary of the establishment of the Sevmash Shipyard. The planned contingent of eight strategic submarines is expected to be commissioned within the next decade (five Project 955 are planned for purchase through 2015).

Although the Yuriy Dolgorukiy was officially rolled out of its construction hall on 15 April 2007 the submarine was not put into the water until February 2008. By July 2009 it had yet to be armed with Bulava missiles and is therefore not fully operational, although ready for sea trials on 24 October 2008. On November 21, 2008 the reactor on the Yuriy Dolgorukiy was activated and on 19 June 2009 began its sea trials in the White Sea. The submarine will undergo up to six trials before being commissioned and the problem with the Bulava missile could delay it even more.

On 28 September 2010 the Yury Dolgoruky completed company sea trials. By late October the Russian Pacific Fleet was fully prepared to host Russia's new Borey class strategic nuclear-powered submarines. It is expected that four subs will be deployed in the Northern fleet and four subs in the Pacific fleet. On 9 November 2010 Yury Dolgoruky passed all sea trials directed to new equipment and systems.

Initially, the plan was to conduct the first torpedo launches during the ongoing state trials in December 2010 and then in same month conduct the first launch of the main weapon system, R-30 (RSM-56) Bulava missile. The plan was then postoned to mid-summer 2011 due to ice conditions in the White Sea

On 2 December 2010 the second Borei class submarine, theAlexander Nevsky, was moved to a floating dock in Sevmash shipyard. There the final preparations took place before the submarine was launched. This submarine was launched on 6 December 2010 and begin sea trials on 24 October 2011.

On 28 June 2011 a Bulava missile was launched for the first time from the Borei class submarine Yury Dolgoruky. The test was announced as a success.

Hobby Boss has been moving forward on a program to do modern submarines in both 1/350 and 1/700 scale. Many of us like these sorts of kits as modern subs are relatively quick builds and a great way to relax after a complex short run kit. This one is like most boomers, a very big submarine. This particular kit measures well over 18 inches in length. Typical of subs, it is horizontally divided into upper and lower hull halves with a separate sail structure.

The sail can be built in one of two ways. Either with all the periscopes and antennas deployed or with them retracted, as they would be when under water. This latter option will seriously cut into the parts count needed to finish the model. The kit comes with a photo etch sheet that includes a replacement propeller, two small vanes for a deployed antenna and a boat's name plate for the stand. The stand is nicely done and cradles the sub in place. Other bits are the various stabilizers  with separate control surfaces and a shroud for the prop.

Instructions are well drawn and show any options available. A full color painting and markings guide is included. The decal sheet includes all of the various stripes and warning markings you will need. The sub is basically black with a rust red radome.

In all, a very nicely molded kit that should be a breeze to build. Since it is so long, you will need to have considerable shelf space set aside for this one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borei_class_submarine

November 2011 

Thanks to Squadron Products for the preview kit. Get yours today at your favorite retailer or have them order it for you.

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