Hi guys!
I'm pretty new to this forum (been lurking in the shadows for a bit), but I've been a long time fan of modeling, and specifically a long time fan of WWII warships. I did some kits as a kid (obviously done at whatever I was capable of as a kid), and had a huge hiatus. I only just got back into modeling this past summer - I decided that I really do love this hobby and really want to improve my skills, and so with my current build, I'm practicing and learning all of the 'advanced' techniques I could only dream of doing as a kid.
I'm currently working on the Fujimi 1/700 Atago kit with photo etch parts. I've been using other modeller's build photos and guides on the internet as my references, but I think I really do need to make a purchase on books, and on this thread I found out about the AOTS Takao book by Janusz Skulski. Problem is, on Amazon I could find
this, and
or this, and I'm not really sure which one would really get me the most bang for my buck? I know they're both quite cheap, maybe I'll just buy both, but surely they're not redundant?
Also, I'm toying with the idea of making the main/aft mast with brass (as I do want to learn to do rigging, and I hear brass is better for this than the flimsy plastic one provided in the kit), but I have no idea what size/gauge brass rods are used for a 1/700 scale... Again, I realize that this requires scratch building and soldering (both of which i've never done), it's just an idea at the moment..
Thank you guys for your help!