The newest addition to my 1/600 scale fleet of ACW warships is the timber clad USS Tyler. A workhorse of the Missippi River Squadron from 1861 through the end of the war, Tyler was a unique response to the problem of quickly creating armored gunboats from existing hulls. As the name implies, Tyler was armored with heavy timbers along the gun deck. Though not as effective as a layer of iron, the timbers were sufficient against small arms and extremely light guns. Peter Pigs Tyler is a welcome addition to the growing range of 1/600 vessels.

Now to the casting. Tyler is cast in resin with the two stacks cast seperately in metal. Detail is slightly above average, an improvement from earlier castings, but below the quality standard set by Thoroughbred Miniatures. For example, the deck guns and crews are rtunately, a 25-cent piece of wire will supply you with enough to add masts and spars with a little additional effort. As with many of Peter Pig's castings, Tyler is a bit undersized, but less noticably than previous ships such as the Essex. With minimal work, the casting will also double for the timberclad Lexington.

Overall, I rate the Tyler as a worthy addition to your 1/600 American Civil War fleet. Wargamers will find Tyler a serviceable casting of a previously unavailable ship. If you are tired of using a boring mix of Ellet rams and City class ironclads, the Tyler brings a fresh look to your Union river squadron.

Reviews

Peter Pig USS Tyler 1/600 scale ACW Resin Ship review
Austria Stands Alone The 1809 Campaign review