Normaly i do not collect or build 1/350 models cause of their bulk. However as i was browsing i found a company called microdesign specialized in PE parts for Russian - Soviet (and not only) model planes, ships ,armor etc. They have over 5500 product codes, pretty impressive. Their prices were quite tempting, especially off Ebay were -30% . So i placed the order right from a Russian store, they even respond on Sunday and after two weeks i got them in hand.
Meanwhile i had ordered the ship kits from nearby Bulgaria, got them in just 2 days.
The kit is quite similar to the 1/700 series. It has a full hull/waterline option as well as some basic PE parts for the radar mast. The total length is almost 45 cms. There are 8 sprues for a total of 390+ pieces according to the box.
The instructions are in the form of a single color 12 page booklet with detailed pictures. Painting instructions are in black and white which i dont like much.
Finally there is one decal sheet with lots of number decals, so builder can choose which ship of the class will resemble.
As for the PE parts i wasn't sure what to expect as i had no other experience with this company.
There is on sheet with railing bars, and two others with various parts. Although packed with caution i noticed a few bends. Also the last sheet had some marks like light rust (on PE?). I sanded it and gone right away. Bends also were not an issue no part seemed damaged.
I did some cut testing. With used blade on hard and soft surface. Finely attached parts would cut easily while thicker joints could be cut only on hard surface without the risk of damaging the part. In short, while they are not as crispy and easy to handle as A quality PEs, there are better than various chinese makers i have used in the past. We will see in the future how they appear on the model.