Aoshima has recently issued three versions of this ship, circa 1938, 1942, and 1944, and apparently has a full-hull kit planned as well, as evidenced by rudder, prop, shafts and shaft braces included in this kit. Aoshima also produces the sister ship Yamashiro circa 1944 and several sprues are shared with this kit as well. Clearly a modular approach to production of these models.
I ordered this kit "Pre-order" from HLJ, and also ordered Aoshima's dedicated add-on kit for the 1938 model which includes laser-cut wood deck and PE. Notably the PE includes tracks and catapult to replace the kit's plastic parts for mid-hull seaplane apparatus. This will be a focal point for the 1938 build of this ship, and the PE for these parts appear to be a significant upgrade over the plastic parts.
Hull and waterline bottom appear common to all four kits.
Dedicated spru for the 1938 deck includes the full hull propeller shaft pieces. The 1938 deck is one piece from bow to main turret 5. A seperate spru comprises the stern deck, which steps down a level and includes the mount for rear-most turret 6. The laser cut wood deck overlays the plastic deck and fittings snugly, with few apparent gaps on the initial fitting. No linoleum on the main decks in the 1938 build.
Here's a close-up of the rudders and one prop from the full hull kit:
Here's a close-up of a dedicated spru listed as "1938/Bridge" in the instructions. I suspect the only dedicated parts for the 1938 model is the turret at the center of the spru, which is specialized as the mount for the seaplane catapult, and seaplane storage/loading rails, lower right.
A few more comments on the turrets. Two additional sprues provide eight total turrets for this kit - but only enough barrels for the six turrets of one ship.
Next spru is shared among the three versions of this kit; it includes alternate bow and stern decks for the main hull. This spru also contains various cranes and antenna - only half the parts on this spru are used for the 1938 version of the Fuso.
Remaining two sprues are dedicated to the funnel and stern superstructure and iconic pagoda bridge of this vessel.
Detailing on these parts is impressive, imo.
The kit rounds out with two generic W2 weapons sprues that provide ships boats, searchlights, and the relatively light AA weaponry on the circa 1938 ship. The kit also includes WL weights, a small decal sheet for aircraft insignia and flags, and pollycaps for rotating turrets.
My initial impressions of the Aoshima PE kit were favorable, and you'll need it for the 1938 build owing to the specialized catapult and aircraft servicing rails mid-deck.
The PE fret also includes ship rails and some minor pagoda mast detailing.
But it is clear that a Flyhawk Model dedicated PE for this ship is far more comprehensive, and may provide PE replacements for searchlight towers around the stack, etc. of this 1938 build. Both will be needed to truly superdetail the kit, and replace plastic castings in areas where PE provides finer detail, such as on the rear of the pagoda bridge. Not clear to me if the Flyhawk set is fully accurate for the 1938 build - I suspect it was issued for the circa 1944 build, which was first released in 2007. You'll have to evaluate that before you drop $55.00 US at current exchange rates: http://www.hlj.com/product/FLM700008
Thanks to Timmy C for enlightening me to an easier method of picture posting. It should be much easier for me to include pictures with commentary going forward - no more excuses. Will update my Amagi postings next, and then provide some shots of the new Fujimi Kaga.
its a shame there are not alot of sources on Yamashiro i think.. one of the reasons i want Fuso is because i have th AOTS which is by far one of the most complete references on the ship 41 and prior the war.. nevetheless i'm still thinking about shiro. Anyone knows another source besides AOTS and Gakken 30?
