by Dan K » Tue May 15, 2012 1:13 pm
Thx to you all for your comments.
Christoph - When it came out, the PitRoad Maya kit was clearly an improvement over the initial Aoshima kit. However, a close examination of the bridge reveals some very puzzling mastering decisions on PitRoad's part. The PitRoad upper bridge has equipment, wings, and extensions that are more appropriate to the Takao class as originally built, and not as they were reconfigured after one and two rebuilds during the 1930s.
Looking at the PitRoad Maya instruction crop (from the internet) below, levels H4, H19 and to a lesser extent, H16 are incorrect. I also think the details for the air intakes at the rear of the bridge (H3) are a little weak. I would compare the bridge illustration with my bridge on p1 of this thread. I've done my best to match Maya's configuration, which was essentially the same for all the Takaos in the late 1930s prior to Takao and Atago's final rebuild, save for grills and some very small details. Fortunately, Aoshima gives you the correct shapes to begin with.
Several bulkheads also seem to be missing from the aft end of the the HAG deck level around the former hangar. I've also hear from some builders that the fit leaves something to be desired. On the other hand, I do like all work done on the funnels and the AA platforms between them.
The new Aoshima kits have more accurate details. Also, the clear bridge versions allow for easier addition of PE windows.
With all that said, it still takes a lot of work & hours to detail Maya properly. It may not be a bad idea to wait for the pending release of the Fujimi kit to evaluate it in comparison to the current kits.
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Thx to you all for your comments.
Christoph - When it came out, the PitRoad Maya kit was clearly an improvement over the initial Aoshima kit. However, a close examination of the bridge reveals some very puzzling mastering decisions on PitRoad's part. The PitRoad upper bridge has equipment, wings, and extensions that are more appropriate to the Takao class as originally built, and not as they were reconfigured after one and two rebuilds during the 1930s.
Looking at the PitRoad Maya instruction crop (from the internet) below, levels H4, H19 and to a lesser extent, H16 are incorrect. I also think the details for the air intakes at the rear of the bridge (H3) are a little weak. I would compare the bridge illustration with my bridge on p1 of this thread. I've done my best to match Maya's configuration, which was essentially the same for all the Takaos in the late 1930s prior to Takao and Atago's final rebuild, save for grills and some very small details. Fortunately, Aoshima gives you the correct shapes to begin with.
Several bulkheads also seem to be missing from the aft end of the the HAG deck level around the former hangar. I've also hear from some builders that the fit leaves something to be desired. On the other hand, I do like all work done on the funnels and the AA platforms between them.
The new Aoshima kits have more accurate details. Also, the clear bridge versions allow for easier addition of PE windows.
With all that said, it still takes a lot of work & hours to detail Maya properly. It may not be a bad idea to wait for the pending release of the Fujimi kit to evaluate it in comparison to the current kits.