When this range was announced I had hoped it would be of the quality and durability of the original die cast mazac models.

I received my copy of HMS Portland yesterday and I list below factual issues I have found with the model.

* The model is a white metal model not mazac.
* The casting has crevices and gaps where the laminations of material used to build the 'master' have not been filled.There are also 'pin holes' in a number of places.
* Hull form: The bows have little sheer and no flare. The fore deck lacks the obvious 'flattening out' of the real ship and the deck line continues at an upward angle. The casting quality at the bow is rough. The hanger has a sloped end - this should be vertical.
* In spite of a review which said the paint was a match for Tri-angs, it is not. It is a plain light grey, matt finish.
* The missile 'gazebo' (I don't know if this is the correct terminolgy)is not symetrical and is too long. This has consequences for the gun turret.
*Gun turret is fixed to the deck and does not revolve like Tri-ang models do. There is plenty of space to crimp a longer peg and would be simple to fit. My copy has excess glue around it and fine pin holes in the paint finish. The gun barrel is far too short.
* Decoration is with transparent plastic stickers. One pennant number on my model had rubbed off in transit and was stuck to the packaging. The sticker on the helo deck is off centre and not 'square'. At some angles the this sticker appears white.

The photos here show the main issues. I will do a post on the 1250 FB Group with more photos that show every issue I have found.

All of the above reports facts. My personal opinions are noted below.

I know CNC have portrayed this as a 'Series 4 Tri-ang' model. Perhaps the owner feels he has a moral right to use the name as I understand he is/was a shareholder in Charles Shave's enterprise. That is understandable, but there doesn't appear to have been any change in ownership of the intellectual property of Tri-ang Minic.

As fas as I am concerned these models are not legitimate Tri-angs: they are not made from mazac, not made as toys,do not bear the Tri-ang Trade Mark and have no makers name on them.

It's up to individuals to decide if they believe this model is a 'Tri-ang' and whether they like the model or not.I certainly do not regard these new models as 'real' Tri-angs and am bitterly disappointed with model I have received.I will not be buying any more.

Model's bows



Type 23 bows



Original Tri-ang bows