1/450 IJN Akagi
Detail Set
Photo etch set by Gold Medal
Models |
| The Hasegawa 1/450 Akagi is a pretty nice kit out of the
box. For years modelers have been improving it with parts from various
photo etch sets. That task has become a whole lot easier with the release
of Gold Medal Models new 1/45o Akagi detail set. It is not just a generic
set that you have to modify to fit. |
| According to Loren Perry: "All the parts have been designed
to fit the plastic kit's parts precisely. Although this particular kit
has a few minor inaccuracies regarding shapes, placement of support girders
and such, we've decided to make the new parts fit the kit as-is to ease
construction for most modelers. Experts having access to detailed drawings
and wishing to make corrections will still be able to do so using the GMM
parts." |
| Virtually everything the modeler could want is in this
set, so there is no need to go digging through your spare parts box. |
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click images to enlarge |
| The fret is relief etched for a 3D appearance and includes
a multitude of parts. There is everything from railings, ladders, and stairs,
to radar's, and flight deck bracing and girders. |
| Extra detail views
click images to enlarge |
| There are over 100 relief etched crew figures in different
poses including replicas of Admiral Yamamoto and Vice Admiral Nagumo. |
| Aircraft details are included to detail the air wing with Zeke, Val,
and Kate specific details. The landing gear include relief etched tires
that fold back over the gear to give a thicker appearance, a nice touch.
The instructions are well written and illustrated showing the fine points
of the assembly process. Extra notes are included for each subassembly
and there are notes that explain how some details would be used with the
existing kit parts. |
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Included in the set:
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Bow flight deck girders.
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Stern flight deck supports (solid and lattice style).
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Boat monorail extensions.
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Mainmast and brace.
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Flight deck antennas masts.
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Direction finder antennas.
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Island detail items such as yardarms and miscellaneous braces.
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Conning station window frames.
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Flight deck searchlight doors.
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Ladders and Inclined stairs.
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Water tight doors and hatches.
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Flight deck windbreaks.
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Railings (with drooping chain) and safety nets custom designed for this
kit.
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Figures (102)
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Aircraft details including props and landing gear.
Conclusions:
This set really takes advantage of the weaknesses of the Hasegawa kit.
If you have that kit you should also have this set. It is #450-8 and is
available now for $36.00 plus postage, direct from Gold Medal Models or
wherever fine ship model accessories are sold. |
