Fine Molds Standard SM-3 Missile Build in 1/72 Scale

The Standard missile was developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1960’s to replace several earlier missile types in use at the time. While it is generally thought of as a surface to air system, it also con be used against surface ships. The Standard missile family has seen continuous improvement since its time of introduction, and variants include air-lunched anti-radiation and long-range air-to-air versions. The Fine Molds kit released in 2017 represents a Standard SM-3 which is capable of engaging ballistic missiles.

Inside the end-opening box are two “B” sprues which contain enough parts to build two SM-3 missiles. Sprue “C” provide display stands, one representing an 8-cell Vertical Lunch System and the other a typical “in-flight” stand which all modelers are familiar with.

The missiles assemble quickly being comprised of only ten parts including the booster section, seven if you want to model your missile after the booster has separated.

The only improvement I made was to drill out the four rocket exhausts at the rear of the booster section.

I chose to display my missile in flight using the generic stand. There are three ejector pin marks on the stand which will need to be eliminated if you choose this option.

The kit comes with a small decal sheet which provides the data block and stripes for the missile body. These are printed as one long strip with lots of clear film which extends for most of the length of the missile. I cut away the clear film and just applied the stripes, although the clear film would likely be invisible against the white missile body anyway.

Fine Molds intends the “in flight” stand to be used without the booster section, the mounting pins are different sizes for the stand and the VLS. I wanted the booster still attached so a bit of surgery was required.

This is a quick little build, I’m not even sure it can be properly counted as a model. It is an interesting subject though, and would look great posed next to a 1/72 scale Burke class Destroyer!