General Ship Kit FAQs

1/500 nichimo
Posted By: Dave Rowe <darsamr@supanet.com>
Date: Tuesday, 12 December 2000, at 5:05 p.m.
 
Hello everyone.I've only just discovered this site,so forgive me if I ask a couple of questions already covered at some point. I've got Nichimo's Nagato,Mutsu,Ise & Hyuga-
(not as good as their carriers, I know, pretty crude in places)and I need info on their torpedo bulges.They just do not look right!Can anybody help? Should they look like those added to the Yamashiro? I've seen some pics of her in dock after a refit and the bulges are massive.
Did Nichimo ever produce an 1/500 Akagi?
I've got Hasegawa's 1/450 Shinano and I want to give it some more detail,is it a good idea to start with Tamiya's new 1/700 version as a guide?
 
Re: 1/500 nichimo
 
Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <tennkats@hotmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, 12 December 2000, at 8:23 p.m.
 
In Response To: 1/500 nichimo (Dave Rowe)
 
I've never seen Hasegawa's Shinano so I can't comment on it. I bought and built Nichimo's 1/300 Shinano before it became a collecter's item, but it's a pretty good kit. However, Tamiya's NEW ( not their old close to 30 years old kit) Shinano by far is the best Shinano kit. In fact, it may well be the BEST aircraft carrier kit in 1/700. It's highly recommended.
 
Re: 1/500 nichimo
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Tuesday, 12 December 2000, at 7:17 p.m.
 
In Response To: 1/500 nichimo (Dave Rowe)
 
Nichimo has done Akagi, Hiryu, Sho & Zui in 1/500th scale. You have my sympathies regarding Hasegawa's Shinano...I had one many moons ago as a kid but it has nothing much to offer beyond size. Of course, you can scratch build it or get Nichimo's 1/300th version which isn't quite as bad...when you can find it.
About the wagons I can not say much, not having seen Nichimo's in years.
 
Re: 1/500 nichimo
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Tuesday, 12 December 2000, at 9:38 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: 1/500 nichimo (Randy)
 
I also ame new to this site, but i find the subjectmatter facsinating,
I have been building models for 20 years ,but only recently started building warships , mostly in 1/600 ,but! the only ijn available (full hull) kits are nichimos 1/720 box scale scale, ihave most all including 1/600YAMATO's .
I now, find them a little small ,for scrach , weathering ,ect so i want to rebuild my japanese fleet in 1/500.
I have recently bought nichimos 1/500 ZUIKAKU,i think its great !much better size to work with!
I have a question for all those on this thread line because it seems to be full of very knowledgable enthusiates
"what is out there" in IJN 1/500 scale?
 
Re: 1/500 nichimo
 
Posted By: Dave Rowe <darsamr@supanet.com>
Date: Wednesday, 13 December 2000, at 2:26 p.m.
 
In Response To: 1/500 nichimo (Dave Rowe)
 
Many thanks for responding guys.I did make a mistake in my original posting,I should have asked to the availability
of an 1/500 Kaga -not Akagi.My guess is that it is not,sadly
Hi Fernando,to answer your question there has been a good
range produced by Nichimo in 1/500.Apart from those already mentioned in the previous posts I also know of:
Yamato,Musashi,Atago,Tone and a number of other heavy cruisers(too many to list completely).The carriers are of the best quality,whilst the rest are a little more basic.But
they are my favorite range of kits produced.The biggest problem with them (that I find) is that they are SOOOOO difficult to obtain(here in the UK at least).
As an after thought,Hasegawa's 1/450 Shinano although very
basic,with a lot of work,is pretty close in scale to be displayed with the Nichimo range(my feelings).
 
Re: 1/500 nichimo
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Wednesday, 13 December 2000, at 6:41 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: 1/500 nichimo (Dave Rowe)
 
Sorry, no Kaga and no Soryu.
The Myoko class is good and the Takao class can be made to be good, but they're early Takao, as I recall.
 
Re: 1/500 nichimo
 
Posted By: Dave Rowe <darsamr@supanet.com>
Date: Wednesday, 13 December 2000, at 2:39 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: 1/500 nichimo (Dave Rowe)
 
Cocked it up again! It should of read Takao, not Tone.
 
IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Shahriar Khan <RoyalNavy118@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, 15 November 2000, at 5:27 p.m.
 
Does anyone know if anyone makes 1/400 scale IJN kits? Thanks you very much!
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <tennkats@hotmail.com>
Date: Sunday, 19 November 2000, at 10:25 p.m.
 
In Response To: IJN kits in 1/400 (Shahriar Khan)
 
I believe Nichimo did a battle ship Yamato in 1/400 scale.
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Harvey Low <harveyl@interlog.com>
Date: Sunday, 19 November 2000, at 1:08 p.m.
 
In Response To: IJN kits in 1/400 (Shahriar Khan)
 
Yes, there are a few old injection kits that were made in 1/400 scale back in the 60's and 70's. Three that I know of are:
1) Heavy Cruiser TONE (Paramount Models)
2) Battleship MUTSU (Otaki)
3) Battleship NAGATO (Otaki)
These kits were actually not bad and had the correct shape. With a lot of muscle, they could be made into nice museum quality models. Unfortunately there isn't any photo-etch in this scale for IJN ships, such as catapults or radar (not yet anyways).
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Al Peters <dsr017@attglobal.net>
Date: Wednesday, 22 November 2000, at 8:30 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Harvey Low)
 
I think it was last month a Paramount kit of the Mogami with flight deck aft went for over $100.00 on ebay ... until then I had never heard of Paramount Models. I recently won two auctions for Nichimo's Nagato and Hiryu for $30-35 ... which I thought was a good price.
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Friday, 15 December 2000, at 6:29 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Al Peters)
 
These models of Nagato and Hiryu, what brand and scale are they?
And are the good?
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Friday, 15 December 2000, at 8:08 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Fernando Torre)
 
These kits are in 1/500th by Nichimo.
Nagato is rather elementary but Hiryu is a little beauty, IMHO.
Hiryu can be made into a rather striking little model.
I got mine for $20.00 at a model show and my buddy scored Zui some hours later for only $10.00 at the same table, the sucker. But I just had to have Hiryu.
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 7:12 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Randy)
 
If they are all as good as my ZUIKAKU ,i think that i will try to find them all.
By the way, to you know if any body ever made a full hull model of KAGA or even RYUJO??
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 8:39 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Fernando Torre)
 
Kaga is not a very popular or recognized vessel in Japan. I have never seen Ryujo in anything but Fujimi's 1/700th kit.
The Nichimo 1/500th BBs are not too good although you won't see them by other manufacturers. But the carriers and the Myoko class cruisers are nice. The Chokai class is basic but not crude and can be made into something nice.
I believe I saw a 1/400th Tone or Chikuma but I don't know who did it, what the quality is or whether it is worth looking for. But I did pass it up at a show although I think the price put me off -- whatever it was. I doubt the quality was all that great in any event.
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 3:54 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Randy)
 
Today i went to the post office, to pick up the nichimo kit ATAGO, that i bought on e-bay this week, and tuns out that you are absolutley right,!!(That is ,if indeed the ATAGO is CHOKAI class)?
"basic but not crude" thats it in a nutshell.
In your last message you said that the KAGA was not very popular in JAPAN. that seems strange to me ,after all japanese model companies are usually verry concise, why would they not produce a mold? do you think it may be leagel or technical issue?
I ame under the impression that the KAGA performed well.
It took part in the Pearl Harbor atack ,and it sucessfully repelled several atack at Mideway befor that lucky dauntless hit. Didn't it?
Oh well ,just waxing history!
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 6:01 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Fernando Torre)
 
I have never seen Atago. Is she as modified or as built? I have Maya.
Everything about Kaga you post I agree with but it seems Kaga is simply not considered well in Japan -- neither is Soryu apparently. Go to the Combined Fleet site for more info on Kaga and the wreck information, assuming you haven't seen it yet.
At first I did not appreciate the Takao class but I have come to really enjoy many of their features. Someone used these Nichimo kits as the basis for a 1944 Maya, it looked very nice. I thnk the pic is somewhere close by -- I'll look.
BTW, these Nichimo Takao class kits are all available for anywhere from US$18.00 to US$29.00; I hope you did as well.
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 7:53 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Randy)
 
Sorry for the delay! I had to do some digging!
I will try to answer you as best I can, but I'm afraid that my knowledge about JIN cruisers is not, as yet "up to snuff" and in fact I don't have very much picture references.
Reaserch on my part uncovered a good photo in a French weapons encylopedia I have of the cruiser CHOKAI, of the island of Sovo during the first battle of Cap Esperance ,on the night of August 9, 1942 "the slot"
It looks exactly like this kit! which leads me to believe that it's after it was modifided"
Hope that helps
But maybe you can enlighten me on the diffences between Takao, Myoko and Mogamy classes? I would appreciate it!
As far as the price goes 20.00$ , well let's just say that it doubled when it crossed the border!! but I wanted it!
The kit is ''as you said'' basic even down to the "cartoony" Petes ,wich by the way are EXACTLY the same as in my 1/550 Nichimo kit of MUSACHI.A little sausauge like!!
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 9:11 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Fernando Torre)
 
Too bad about the price...try HobbyLinkJapan.
It seems, as I guessed, that the kits are of the Takao's BEFORE they were modified, not after. All the same very pretty vessels.
I don't know what references you have or have at your disposal for the IJN but there are many out there which will help you. Do not despair.
Chokai was never really modified beyond her 'as built' state and Maya was similar except that she was modified by removing her third 8-inch turret and replacing it with two 5-inch/40 caliber mounts and several triple 25mm mounts as an AA cruiser. Chokai was to be similarly modified but never received the mod. Atago and Takao received extensive mods before the war which placed their mainmast immediately forward of the number four 8-inch turret and extended the catapult deck across the upper deck. Shortly thereafter they received twin 5-inch/40 mounts in all four positions and other little mods...see the PitRoad site for their new 1/700th Takao...a real beaut!
I am giving you just the basics regarding this class...we can get into details if you like. Where are you at?
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 10:34 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Randy)
 
Well things are starting to clear up now.
The picture of Chokai at Savo must be missportrayde because it clearly shows the main mast aft of the quar-ter-deck, between the catapult and no 4 turret.And so does this model
And i can see now, that the picture on the side of the box , depicting kit#6 Maya shows the main mast directly aft of the lesser funnel. And so does kit#6 Chokai, but not kit #4 Takao!
"ELEMENTARY MY DEAR WATSON"
Thanks for the help .I appreciate it
Can you tell me something about the Mokoyo class, as compared Takao??
By the way i am in the Montreal area at torrec@attcanada.ca
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Saturday, 16 December 2000, at 11:33 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Fernando Torre)
 
We'll have to see the whole class as depicted by Nichimo but I suspect it is as the Takao before modifications.
Your post is confusing to me but I believe that the pic you have of Chokai at Savo must be a bogus pic. Tell me more of this pic. Where is it found? what book? and so forth? Chokai NEVER had her mast moved to just forward of turret four. Chokai was always as built except for few modifications...radar, some 25mm AA, etc.
I really like the Myoko class as modeled by Nichimo. Similar problems but less so. Get one and I promise you'll like it. Better quality than Takao but the fact is that the Takao (in 1/500th) are not modeled by anyone else.
You'll do OK by these though the problems are there for you.
Again, what books do you have for the IJN?
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Fernando Torre <torrec@attcanada.ca>
Date: Sunday, 17 December 2000, at 12:38 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Randy)
 
I also believe that the pic of CHOKAI is incorrect ! it shows the cruiser steaming ,full speed from left to right
The only distinguishing marks are the three white bands near the top of main mast(in front of #4 turret) and a white cutter boat on the starboerd side of the deck right in front of the life boat.The caption translates in to
"The Chokai wore the mark of admiral Mikawa driving the Japanese assault against the allied forces stationed around Savo island ,their superb crews excelled in night combat tactics,and obtained a great victory from the allied squadron"
The book it comes from is titled L'ENCYCLOPEDIE DES ARMES.1984 It is a french publication from EDITIONS ATLAS , it is 2400 pgs in 10 volumes.I t is full of many maps, color drawings, and photos. it spans everything from hand grenades to I.C.B.M.S
Chapter 41 is tilteled"cruisers of ww2"pgs801 to820 it covers very little on theIJN MOGAMIclass,MYOKO class and 4 pgs on the battle of SAVO ISLAND. THE PHOTO IS ON PAGE 817.
I am afraid i dont have any thing specifically on IJN.
maybe you can suggest agood ref . book!all around ,to start
With?
I also belive that Nichimo produces CHOKAI and Maya 1/500 before mod (of course) ,and ATAGO and TAKAO after mods.
 
Re: IJN kits in 1/400
 
Posted By: Randy
Date: Sunday, 17 December 2000, at 5:01 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN kits in 1/400 (Fernando Torre)
 
Try first with the US Naval Institute Press' "Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1869-1945."
It is US$60.00 new from the USNI (1-800-233-8764) or
Customer Service
Operations Center
2062 Generals Highway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401-6780
This book is a start and there are more. I am not familiar with the encyclopaedia you mention. The book above is a good start on the warships. The box art for Takao does show her as modified. I don't know what the kit would be for sure though. I forgot which one you just got and these heavies are going for US$15.00 on HobbyLinkJapan. You'll likely find more IJN references on this site as well.
 
Waterline Series
 
Posted By: Randy <r.stone.eal@juno.com>
Date: Tuesday, 29 August 2000, at 3:18 p.m.
 
Almost all major classes of the Waterline Series are modeled; however, there are several exceptions to this.
My questions are these:
1.) Why was Heavy Cruiser Mikuma not modeled? and
2.) Why was Aircraft Carrier Yorktown (CV-5) not modeled?
 
Re: Waterline Series
 
Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2000, at 10:21 a.m.
 
In Response To: Waterline Series (Randy)
 
Tamiya has always differed from the other waveline producers in her approach to the model market. Hasegawa, Aoshima and Fujimi usually released most if not all ships of a class, often with only minor differences, in order to get higher sales.
Tamiya on the other hand did not follow this approach and avoided the release of mere duplicates. Instead she apparently decided to produce only sisterships if they had reasonable differences. That is the reason why only Junyō exists and not Hiyō, etc. The same is true for the Mogami class cruisers in which the 6.1in, 8in and the carrier versions are released. Mikuma would have been identical to Suzuya or Kumano and was therefore the unnecessary duplicate not produced. The same can be said about Yorktown, the choice for Hornet is clear, given her airgroup difference with Enterprise. Yorktown simply appears to be the loser in the company's choice for two carriers. Of course, there are exceptions, but they seem only to confirm the rule.
 
Re: Waterline Series
 
Posted By: Graham Boak <graham@boak98.freeserve.co.uk>
Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2000, at 8:28 a.m.
 
In Response To: Waterline Series (Randy)
 
I cannot say anything about Mikuma other than express surprise that it was missed! However, only a few non-Japanese subjects were modelled - basically two(?) toolings, each used twice, per manufacturer. Yorktown was not the only major ship omitted, not even the only US CV. Wasp? Ranger?
Then they blew it with the post-war Ark Royal and Eagle.....
 
Re: Waterline Series
 
Posted By: Mark E. Horan <mhoran@snet.net>
Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2000, at 5:09 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Waterline Series (Graham Boak)
 
I second Graham's comment:
No USS Yorktown (CV-5) hich had different light AA from CV-6
No USS Lexington (CV-2) sans 8" and with 1.1s (that I am aware of
No USS Wasp (CV-7)
No USS Ranger (CV-4)
No HMS Hermes, HMS Eagle, HMS Glorious, HMS Courageous, or HMS Furious
And this is just carriers!
 
Re: Waterline Series
 
Posted By: Randy <r.stone.eal@juno.com>
Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2000, at 7:35 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Waterline Series (Mark E. Horan)
 
I have heard rumors Tamiya will redo the Mogami class; the first pair are substantially different from the second pair. I have found Yorktown and Lexington to be readily bashed from Hornet and Lexington kits, respectively. As an aside, Mark, I have really wanted to do Lexington after her last yard period -- boy was it fun to emplace all of those Chicago Pianos! Saratoga was a joke...that flight deck went straight into the trash. I found Eagle and Ark Royal to be a pleasant pair of kits...but they did blow it, I agree. Ranger and Langley are here in resin and Wasp is rumored to be in the future. I really wish they would do Hermes, Argus and Eagle. But ships have never really sold well so I guess we are forever going to have a problem.
 
Re: Resin Langley?
 
Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Thursday, 31 August 2000, at 10:41 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Waterline Series (Randy)
 
With reference to your previous message mentioning "Ranger and Langley are here in resin and...", you surely cannot be referring to the resin Classic Warships Langley of old are you?
 
Re: Resin Langley?
 
Posted By: Randy <r.stone.eal@juno.com>
Date: Thursday, 31 August 2000, at 10:47 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Resin Langley? (Mike Quan)
 
Is it CW that did that?
 
Re: Resin Langley?
 
Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Friday, 1 September 2000, at 10:59 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Resin Langley? (Randy)
 
Yes it was - I had a kit and it was of just a hull, a stack, three rowboats and a 3 x 9 sheet of bass plywood! That's it! Practically a scratchbuild, and far away from today's resin state-of-the-art. A current hi-tech kit of the CV or AV Langley is definitely needed!
 
Re: Resin Langley?
 
Posted By: Randy <r.stone.eal@juno.com>
Date: Friday, 1 September 2000, at 1:30 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Resin Langley? (Mike Quan)
 
Then mine must be a different one because I have a lot more than that, but I can't tell you what it was (at this time).
But your comments are generally correct as I am constantly altering things anyway, but then that's OK because I kit bash most of the time or scratchbuild. So many of the kits aren't like the real thing anyhow...I am in the process of doing the 24 Essex class and believe me EVERY ONE IS DIFFERENT.
 
nichimo kits
 
Posted By: Pwesty <pwesty@ida.net>
Date: Saturday, 22 April 2000, at 4:09 p.m.
 
I am some what new here and I was wondering if any one can give me an info on kits made by Nichimo are they any good?
 
Re: nichimo kits
 
Posted By: Mike Connelley <mikeconnelley@yahoo.com>
Date: Sunday, 23 April 2000, at 3:02 p.m.
 
In Response To: nichimo kits (Pwesty)
 
I have seen three of the Nichimo Kits. The 1/200 scale kits seem to be quite good. The Yamato is HUGE. The hull is very accurately shaped, and the rest of it is as inaccurate as the Tamiya kit. Some parts are quite detailed, while others are surprisingly lacking detail. I have seen one of Duane Fowler's 1/200 destroyers, and it looks to be superior to the Yamato in quality, and with some work and be a very nice model. I have the Nichimo 1/500 Nagato, which is really REALLY bad. I was meant to be a toy, never a scale model. If you're looking for a scale model, then it's a total waste of good plastic. Avoid it like the plague! Seriously, it'd take less time and effort to scratchbuild a kit than fix one of these. I hope this helps.
 
Re: nichimo kits
 
Posted By: Ching-Chung Cheng
Date: Sunday, 23 April 2000, at 6:52 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: nichimo kits (Mike Connelley)
 
I will say the nichimo 1/500 carriers and Myoko class CA are
the acceptable kits considering the prices are below $40.
Their quality is better than the 1/450 series of Hasegawa.
GMM and TMW provide good upgrade PE set which can modify them
to terrific works.
As for the Takao CA, there is almost nothing looks like the
Takao should be. Only the painting art on the box is acceptable.
I don't know if anybody try the 1/500 Yamato? How is it?
 
Re: nichimo kits
 
Posted By: Pwesty <pwesty@ida.net>
Date: Sunday, 23 April 2000, at 10:02 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: nichimo kits (Ching-Chung Cheng)
 
Does any body know how the deatail level is on their type IXB and type IXC u-boats (and yes I went to see U-571)
 
Re: nichimo kits
 
Posted By: Duane Fowler <dlfowler@uscg.net>
Date: Monday, 24 April 2000, at 10:59 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: nichimo kits (Pwesty)
 
The IXB and IXC kits are basically the same kits with the exception of some of the conning tower pieces. The hull is two pieces split horizontally with the bottom half cast in red. The casting is good but I have not done any research into their accuracy. They are generally better than the 1/500 kits, and better than the 1/200 Yamato but not as good as the 1/200 WWII destroyers.
 
Re: nichimo kits
 
Posted By: gary rowe
Date: Wednesday, 31 May 2000, at 1:11 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: nichimo kits (Duane Fowler)
 
has anybody built the nichimo 1/500 ise/hyuga hope there better than the nagato, if you have are there any points to look out for other than adding p/e.
 
W.W.S Japanese 1/700 Resin kits - Where to obtain them ?
 
Posted By: DANIS <Amar.derni@cfwb.be>
Date: Friday, 17 March 2000, at 5:41 a.m.
 
In an old issue of Model Art magazine, I've seen an ad about a Japanese firm Named W.W.S. who produces resin kits and conversion sets of ships that never left the drawing board.
To name a few : Super Yamato, USS Montana, German Class H Battleship...
Does anyone know if these kits are of good quality and where could I obtain them ?
 
Re: W.W.S Japanese 1/700 Resin kits - Where to obtain them ?
 
Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Friday, 17 March 2000, at 9:44 p.m.
 
In Response To: W.W.S Japanese 1/700 Resin kits - Where to obtain them ? (DANIS)
 
I don't know about the quality of the kits, but the person responsible for creating these resin kits frequently appear on message boards of Japanese sites and seems pretty knowledgeable. He has his own site, so you may want to check it out.
www2u.biglobe.ne.jp/~kenz173/wws_.html
 
Photo etched parts
 
Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Monday, 8 November 1999, at 7:28 p.m.
 
After ten years of hiatus, I have finally got the itch to build a 1/700 scale ship again. I'm thinking of doing a light cruiser, probably a Kuma class. My question is regards to photo etched parts, which I've never used before on ships. In your opinion, which is better, Tom's model works' or Gold Medals'? Are they almost the same, or is one definitely better than the other? Or does it depend on the ship type? Have any of you tried ordering directly from them through the net (they have their own site)? What about other companies, such as Eduard or True Details? ANY input is welcome. I've also checked out other sites such as the Warship home, but they don't seem to compare P.E. parts from different companies. Thanx in advance.
 
Re: Photo etched parts
 
Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Tuesday, 9 November 1999, at 11:03 a.m.
 
In Response To: Photo etched parts (Tennessee Katsuta)
 
Good question. Preferences are subjective, depending on the skill and patience of the modeler. GMM PE parts are actually stainless steel, Tom's, Eduard's, & Classic Warships are brass. Personally, because they are a little stiffer, I find the GMM parts easier to work with. The newest 1/700 GMM sets, like the ones for the Yamato/Musashi and for the Auxiliarys, are almost works of art in their detail. The railings on these sets are superfine, matching and exceeding Tom's railings for scale. In my opinion, a comparison between the GMM and the Tom's set for IJN Auxiliarys shows the GMM set to be vastly superior. Earlier GMM and Tom's sets are more comparable, but I'd still give the GMM set the edge. Incidentally, there are significant variations between the two manufacturer's offerings for any given ship type. Some of the offerings by Tom's, quality aside, is actually a little broader. GMM is in the process of upgrading its entire line to match its newest editions. Eduard sets tend to be very heavy brass and are more useful for the items not included by GMM or Tom's.
You can order GMM directly thru their website (accessible thru the Navismagazine
homepage) or Tom's thru the Warships homepage. One drawback is that, at least for GMM, you can't order via credit card. You need to go to an outfit like Pacific Front Hobbies in the U.S (also on the Warships homepage) to use a credit card.
 
Re: Photo etched parts
 
Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Tuesday, 9 November 1999, at 5:50 p.m.
 
In Response To: Photo etched parts (Tennessee Katsuta)
 
I must agree in general with Dan Kaplan's comments in his reply about the relative merits between the two competing PE firm's products. While "straightness" of rails along the gunwales of a vessel is a goal to strive for, I would suggest that you try both brass and stainless steel mediums to find your particular "comfort zone" with respect to using this product on ship models. Some modelers have difficulty in bending (and re-bending!) SS as it is a harder material and takes a set as it work-hardens. It does in general, provide straighter rails. The brass, because it is (relatively) soft, is easier to bend and is more forgiving. However, I will add that as you have surmised, the choice between competing brands DOES depend on the particular ship you want to detail. For a 700th Kuma light cruiser, your choices are between TMW #727 (IJN Lt cruisers) & GMM 700-13 (IJN Cruiser/Destroyer). Price-wise, the TMW is a better value, providing enough railing to complete a Kuma, while also providing more delicate radar, catapults and crane. There are more applicable detail parts since it does not include DD items. The GMM set, due to it's older age (hence, technology), has 'bulkier' looking lattice-works. My choice would be to go with TMW in this case. Contact me off-line for comparative scans of both PE frets if you are interested. I have also discovered that the "Hold & Fold" Photoetched Parts Workstation sold by The Small Shop, is a great tool to get precise, square folds in PE! I highly recommend it. See their ad in FSM, Feb '99, page 76. Good luck with your project.
 
Information from Katsuta
 
Posted By: C.C. Cheng <cheng.150@osu.edu>
Date: Monday, 10 May 1999, at 8:52 p.m.
 
I just received this infomation from Katsuta san. It's really a big news to me. Since Yukikaze once served in Taiwan navy as flagship unitl 70s, I think a lot of my friends will be excited about this news. Thanks, Katsuta.
>Hi C.C.
>
>I tried posting this message on J-aircraft site but for some reason it
>did not register, so I decided to E-mail you directly.
>
>I found something interesting on May 1999 issue of Model Art(page 124)
>regarding the kits in
>question. Both Yukikaze and Yugumo are 1/300 in scale, and they were
>first released by Tamiya
>in 1968, but were available only for a few years.
>
>Aparrently they are going to be re-released for a limited time. The
>tentative date is late June, at
>approx. 3000yen each.
>
>I hope you find this interesting.
 
Latest news and rumours from Japan
 
Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <Kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Tuesday, 4 May 1999, at 9:01 p.m.
 
I just received Model Art No.537"Drawings of IJN Vessels No.3", which covers carriers, seaplane 
carriers, and subs. It's a welcome sequel to there Nos. 1 and 2. The drawings are more than adequate for 1/700 ship modellers.
The ads in the book stated that Aoshima is redoing there battleships Nagato and Mutsu(epected in June), and Hasegawa is doing carriers Zuiho(in July) and Shoho (in October), all in 1/700. There's also rumour that some of the carriers will also be re-tooled(it didn't specify which).
Some thing to look forward to!!
 
Re: Latest news and rumours from Japan
 
Posted By: Joshua Cammer <weadink@aol.com>
Date: Thursday, 2 September 1999, at 8:29 p.m.
 
In Response To: Latest news and rumours from Japan (Tennessee Katsuta)
 
I would like to buy a copy of Model Art No.537. Do you know where I could buy a copy in the U.S.? If not how about in Japan?. I have a friend who lives in there. Thanks
 
Re: Latest news and rumours from Japan
 
Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Friday, 3 September 1999, at 8:56 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Latest news and rumours from Japan (Joshua Cammer)
 
Try Hobby Link Japan (www.hlj.com/) or Rainbow Ten (www.wbs.ne.jp/bt/models/rainbow10/index.html)

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