The Ship Model Forum

I have to apologize for the delay, Harquebus, but I got the fret I made to correct some errors and found that there were noticeable discrepancies between step spacing on the side ladder, inclined ladders and vertical ladders. In addition, a test build of the side ladder with platforms and rails was far too fragile, so a second revision fret was planned. That also stalled work on the instructions.

Then the Covid-19 virus hit and I lost contact with my guy in Hong Kong who had been processing my brass at a reasonable price. I don't know if that was caused by the virus, or the political climate. Either way, I need to find a new etcher who won't charge me California prices. I don't know what I could charge for the frets in their current state.

This was one of those projects that started out with great enthusiasm and the best intentions, then life got in the way. Sorry.

Mike C, Dan K or anyone else in the know:

Any word on this Akizuki PE set? I need two sets even if I never get around to building these kits (I have three Nichimo IJN destroyers), because they would make an added 'sweeten-the-deal' kit bonus to a potential buyer...

THANKS!

Awesome, thanks Greg. I've just started back into warship modeling and haven't done a ton of IJN stuff so trying to get the lay of the land.

Jason, I believe your general assumption regarding painting is correct, although AFAIK the IJN battleships had wood main decks, not linoleum like the cruisers and destroyers (at least from WWI through WWII).

Thanks Dan, much appreciated.

As an outlier, can I safely assume the same thing holds true for most IJN ships, including light/heavy cruisers and battleships regarding the linoleum strips and steel deck color. I know it will require some research per individual ship, time frame etc. but generally speaking.

Yes. Weathering can affect it, though.



Yes. There may have been some variations (most notably with Suzutsuki after her numerous repairs), but the linoleum is there. This is true for all the IJN DDs.

I have a couple of questions on colors for Akizuki, or maybe IJN destroyers in general.

First, it seems from my viewing of pictures of other folks builds on here and other forums that the metal deck color for most IJN destroyers is the same color as the rest of the ship, is this correct? I mean, other than the linoleum strips on certain sections, the actual steel deck color seems to be consistent with the hull and superstructure from what I've seen. So, if for example it's Kure gray for the hull and superstructure, it's Kure gray for the deck as well?

Second, did the Akizuki's have linoleum strips on sections of their decks? I found a couple of builds that were just gray decks, no reddish brown linoleum color. The Aoshima kit I'm working on shows just gray in the color callouts, but then I have seen some builds that have the reddish brown linoleum deck strips.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Dan K,

Yes, in my opinion, Fujimi is improving progressively with each NEXT release. The moulding quality/sharpness and the general shape accuracy has gone up another level from their Kagero release a few years back. I am really impressed with the details they mananged to get on the gun turret and the bridge face. Replace with the metal barrel and the turret is ready to go more or less IMHO

Thx for posting those NEXT pics, caledonia. Much appreciated.

Detail-wise on the major pieces, the NEXT Akizuki seems to be as or even more sharp than those of the NEXT Kagero/Yugumo kits. The turrets, funnel and bridge look very good from here.

To Mike C, I am looking forward to the completed set. My 1/200 Hatsuzuki awaits!

photo continues. The first thing you will notice when you get the kit is the size of the box. It is the same length as the box for a battleship!!

Just received Fujimi's 1/700 NEXT Akizuki. looks very impressive with the details and the molding sharpness. Some quick pictures to compare with the Fujimi's "normal" offering of the same ship

It's embarrassing at how long I've taken to do this. It's getting close to being ready, though.
I had to change the sizes on a couple things, found other parts that needed to be added, had to repair damage to my test build and now have to find a new etcher.

All that's left is boat cradles and instructions and I may have a replacement etcher. Sorry for the delay. Life keeps throwing me curve balls. Needless to say, I don't have a firm release date and price is to be determined.

Is this from corsair armada, and is it still available to buy anywhere?

Niizuki has been found by the R/V Petrel team. Check out their Facebook page for a short video.

One of the older Monochrome 1944 boxings had the additional PE. I would hope that Wave issues a late war PE fret at some point.

Yes is very nice ,the main issue ,it covers only the 1942 version.

It ain't cheap, but Big Blue Boy makes a PE set for the 1/350 Akizuki kits.

Man I wish they did a 1/350 scale! I’m wondering if Rainbow will but I doubt it.. I may have to bite the bullet and get the new wave Fuyuzuki and price together random PE sets for it..

Here are the Fuyuzuki pics, though not really large enough. 1944 and 1945 versions