IJN ZUIKAKAU Nichimoco 1:500> Modification & Super-Detailing

[AC Studio]

Again I do not want to use photo-etch product for the propeller blast fence, because they are not accurate to Zuikaku's exact detail. Therefore, I did some research and scrtach-built it.

STEP 1 - First build up the outer frame by plastic strip. At the same time cut up a photo-etch mesh, allow it to be smaller so that it can be fitted with the frame.

STEP 2 - Build up the internal structure within the frame, but make sure using plastic strip thinner than outer frame.

STEP 3 - The reasons why inner frame has to be thinner is because I wanted to make sure the the mesh has to be installed within the frame. It is logical that the mesh is within the frame, not behind it, just like glass in window frame. Otherwise it does not make sense to simply attached the mesh right behind the outer frame.

[AC Studio]

STEP 4 - Fit the mesh within the frame. The mesh will be flush with the outer frame, yet it is behind the internal vertical members

STEP 5 - Adding other details to the fence.

[Gordon Bjorklund]

It's been a while since your last post. It's great to see this wonderful build continue.

[AC Studio]

Again I decided to scratch-build the mast (behind the bridge). Bascially build up the bottom part first (the tripod). I used a 0.2mm dia plastic rod as the main pole, then used 0.1mm as the secondary structure, and 0.5mm thereafter for smaller steel sections. This would give the mast a correct visual look, and the scale woud look right.

STEP 1- Build the bottom tripod structure first.

STEP 2 - Insert viewing platform first before constructing the top part.

STEP 3 - Completed

NEED HELP:
There is no photo-etch product of the IJN Type 21 Rradar in 1/500 scale, is that correct? Can someone tell me how to scratch-build the Type 21 radar? I got some idea but wanted to get more ideas.

Thank you.

[AC Studio]

Now, the mast has been completed, then I started to look into building the bridge. This is where the fun starts for me:

STEP 1 - Starts from the bottom up, original parts to be modified first as shown.

STEP 2 - The platform is not in right shape & scale, and the balustrade wall is simply too low. So I decided to scratch-built the platform by using plastic card & plastic strip maufactured by Yellow Sub as balustrade wall.

STEP 3 - The upper bridge (or called compass bridge?), this time I decided to keep original mould, but cut away the balustrade, trim down the bridge to accomodate plastic strip as balustrade wall.

Continue below

[AC Studio]

STEP 4 - The original mould of the compass bridge, I decided to trim down the thick wall.

STEP 5 - After triming down the mould, build an extension in front of the bridge using plastic card as per reference.

STEP 6 - Finished compass bridge.

Continue below

[AC Studio]

STEP 7 - Put them together and see how them look when combined together. So far so good. Windows, some details are inserted to the bottom part of the bridge. The doors look good so I keep them.

STEP 8 - Now up to the top level. Original mould as shown.

STEP 9 - Again I decided to keep it but trim away the balustrade wall to make my own.

Continue below

[AC Studio]

STEP 10 - After completing the top level, then use photo-etch mesh as windows. The mesh is excellent product that I brought from EBay, made in Korea, it is strong and also good to make jack stay out of them.

STEP 11 - Combine all the parts and test how it looks. Very happy so far with it.

[JIM BAUMANN]

Well now--that is about 10,000 times sharper than the original!!!!





JIM BAUMANN

[AC Studio]

Making the radar station last night,

STEP 1 - Test the original mould on the bridge... wow, that is huge and in wrong circular shape!

STEP 2 - Usual process: cut away balustrade wall, trim the mould to right shape, then added the balustrade wall using thin plastic strip.

STEP 3 - Completed.

[Dan K]

A beautifully constructed and corrected island! Compass bridge is the correct IJN term for that deck level. And, major kudos on the shape of the radar platform. Just excellent!

[AC Studio]

I made the wind barrier (correct term?) on the top level observation post out of plastic strip. The shape is based on the gakken book. I have to make sure the middle part is higher than the top of the balustrade wall. Showing Extreme close-up photo below:

[AC Studio]

Added a few details including portholes window cover and pipes. But most importantly a continous rain cover head is added over the windows of the compass bridge. That will give the bridge a more realistic look.

Then added two lines of pipe/cabling below the compass bridge as per photos of Zuikaku.

[AC Studio]

Binoculars are made of two copper wires (attached with super-glue).

You can see a number of binoculars are installed onto the bridge.

Then added a few anntennas

[AC Studio]

Completed bridge:

[potchip]

Coming along nicely, looks great!

[J. Soca]

That is.. spectacular



Jose

[Dirk]

Wow!
Zuikaku is born again.

[AC Studio]

NEED HELP FROM FELLOW MODELLERS:

There is no photo-etch product of the IJN Type 13 Radar in 1/500 scale, is that correct?

I got some idea of how to scratch-built one but would like to see if there is any photo-etch available before doing that.

Thank you.
Alan

[AC Studio]

I decided to allow one elevator to be lowered to the hangar bay. So I need to scratch-build the hangar by plastic card. It doesn't need to be huge as there is a limit of gap allow seeing into the hangar through the void.

STEP 1 - Drilled holes to show structural members as per Gakken Book.

STEP 2 - Using the hangar door as a reference, measure & make a base.

STEP 3 - Make the side walls.

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