Aoshima 1/700 IJN Chitose

[Bill Clarke]

This kit arrived yesterday, and this is not a bad effort being streets ahead of the old version from 20 years ago.
Inside the box are:
13 grey sprues
1 clear sprue with search lights, bridge windows, and the observation "bubbles" on either side of the bridge.
Hull
Base
Base plate
2 sprues of Levithan up grade parts
Etch fret with the roof over the boat deck and the lattice work for the underside of the same.

Whilst it is good there are some inconsistancies, for example Aoshima have moulded anti skid plating on to many of the steel decks but not on to the tubs for the 12.7 mains. Nor is there any bracing on the inside the tubs.
The cranes attached to the pillars that support the roof over the boat deck are nice as are the pillars themselves

The bridge assembly has a clear part for the windows, which you could replace if you wish. On top of the bridge are a pair of binoculars, what looks like a range finder as well as 2 signaling lamps (clear) and a RFDF loop antenna.
The director is very plain and worth replacing, likewise the main and AA guns. I'd go with Fine Moulds replacements.

Aircraft all feature folding wings, but 2 of them have fuselages that are split down the middle. Funnel is rather plain but does have piping.
The roof over the boat deck is depicted as linoleum, though I'm not sure if that was the case (anyone able to advise me on this? ) he PE replacement is meant to be glued over the top of the plastic, with the underside latticework being folded at the edges and glued to the underside.

I thing I'll be buying the PE set for this kit, it really looks nice. I'll also be replacing the aircraft.

The decals include the big "put the bomb here" Hinomaru, though I'm unsure how it will react to a painted metal surface.

I took some pics with my Canon IXUS 115 HS but they exceed the 200KIB limit. Can someone tell me how to resize them so I can post them here - please?

[Dan K]

Thx for the review, Bill. I've been thinking about geting a new one myself.

If you have Adobe Photoshop, you can open the file image, then resize it using the image function by adjusting the resolution and, if necessary, the pixel size & document size. Pixel size cannot exceed 1199 pixels on either axis.

Ideally, you would adjust the image to maintain maximum size while remaining under the 150K and 1199 pixel limits. I hope that makes sense.

[Timmy C]

If you don't have PS, use MS Paint, which all Windows computers come with. You don't get to preview the filesize before saving, though, so it'll be a matter of doing the Image->Skew/Resize until the saved file gets under the limits.

[D-Boy]

Thanks for whetting my appetite for this kit - looks like a significant upgrade even without the full PE included.

Here's a link to the supplemental PE: http://www.hlj.com/product/AOS00451
Mizuho up for release in January!

[paulors]

Hi Bill,

Nice review! Seems that I will build a second Chitose.

Best regards,

Paulo Roberto

[Bill Clarke]

Hey buddy,

Thanks, I should have taken more pics.

How are you?

I'm going to get the new Mizuho as well.

[paulors]

Hi Bill,

I am fine, except for this sticky weather here - it is really hot! How about you?

Will look forward to the additional photos!

I made notice of the new Mizuho. I was planning to buy it but canceled everything when I heard about the new tooling. Will go for it too.

I am happy with the new tooling being released and specially the new accessory sets for old kits. Just made notice of a Flyhawk metal deck for the jurassic Tamiya 1/700 Yubari. Was amazed also to see a wood deck for the 1/600 Airfix Belfast, that is sitting here for decades.

Happy 2013!!!!

Best regards,

Paulo Roberto

[Bill Clarke]

I'm fine mate, very hot here too, but dry heat.
Next year I'm heading o/s for a deployment to the middle East, will be gone most of the year, so no modelling for me

I have gone nuts with the new Fujimi releases, can't stop buying them.
Got a Maya comming.

You have a happy and safe new year buddy.