An in-box review of the 1/700 Kajika IJN Kongo 1914 by Randall Shoker has been posted.
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Kajika 1/700 IJN Kongo Battlecruiser: Initial Impressions
I received the Kajika 1/700 IJN Kongo battlecruiser kit this weekend. As I do not have proper references, this will not be a full-blown review, and I cannot evaluate the accuracy of the kit. Rather, these are my initial impressions.
Kajika apparently is a partner or subsidiary of Flyhawk, and the model reflects that heritage. It is crisply molded in dark grey plastic using slide molding technology. The hull is molded in one piece with a separate red waterline plate (there is no full-hull option). It is molded with protective sprues wrapped around the bow and stern, to protect both ends, which is a nice touch. The deck detail and clutter is outstanding, and the wooden planking is very fine and restrained. I like that they do not attempt to portray the butts of the deck planks, which is often done in symmetric alternating rows which I find unrealistic. The kit does not come with a photo-etch (PE) fret, though a dedicated set produced by Kajika is available separately.
Primary and secondary armaments are very finely molded, with the main guns having nicely in-scale bore openings. The ships boats are also beautifully rendered, as are the tripod masts, which are shipped in their own protective sprues and separate box. The stacks are nicely rendered as one-piece castings, with separate funnel caps, though the funnel cap grills are a bit overscale. Replacements are available with the aforementioned PE set that Kajika markets for this kit. Similarly, the midship searchlight platforms are molded as a single piece, though the PE set provides a a finely rendered PE searchlight platform with cross-bracing which is much more realistic.
Finally, there are two rising sun flag decals to complete the kit.
As mentioned above, PE for this kit (including railing) is available separately, as are deck masks and adhesive wooden decks, for those who prefer that option.
Overall, another wonderful offering from Flyhawk and its partners, though due to the profusion of small parts, some prior experience working on more complex 1/700 scale kits is highly desirable.
Highly recommended.
Mike E.
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