A proper 1/700 Yugumo class DD

[codythecatt]

Great detail, interesting and all, but what the hell is that long pipe for? Talk about ungainly!

steamed rice and dried fish ... need a long exhaust pipe for that stuff!

[Devin]

Yeah, I guess they weren't getting the good quality sushi meals back then. A shame.

[Dan K]

Probably not.

The basic Aoshima version is in the middle, the Fujimi Kagero version on the left, my re-work on the right. The Fujimi version is good, perhaps just a little too delicate, in fact, and a bit small on the vertical exhausts at the base. The additional exhaust upright in the middle is specific to late war Kageros and should be a stand alone piece; I see nothing similar for the Yugumos.

My version needs a little more work in trimming down the exhaust upright on the left. The Aoshima version has a slight bend in it when viewed from above, so as to accomodate the port side leg of the foremast tripod.

Bottom pic is just demonstrating approximate positioning on the model.

[sgtryan13]

Holy moley!

Another masterpiece in the works! As always, awesome work, leaving no detail un-researched. I go crazy enough looking at super bright and clear high-res photos of modern USN stuff, I can't even imagine having to discern what is what on old B&W photos. A labor of love for sure. Keep it up man!


PS- Is that a MODERN AMERICAN AIRPLANE in the background of one of your pictures on page 3???

[Dan K]

Thx. As a matter of fact, those are. Two Revell Snap-tite F-14s that Derek and I assembled at the Make n' Take at the NATS. He loves 'em.

[Dan K]

Next step was the 25mm AA platforms around funnel #2. Ulimately, Naganami will carry twin 25mm AA, and Kazegumo triple 25mm AA in this position. Kazegumo will also get another platform placed aft #1 funnel for another set of 25mm AA, but I intend to use the one straight from the PitRoad kit as that one did have metal siding/splinter shielding. Unless it's too small.

(Using the top photo as a reference) IMHO, the Aoshima kit (3 pieces on the left) provides the best version. It is correctly shaped, and has no siding, which means you can erect railings or (erroneously) metal siding. It's one drawback is that it is not covered with a treaded surface as it should. However, there are plenty of PE options out there for that surface.

The basic OOB Aoshima piece is in the center. The two to the left have straight two bar railings added, which I will cover with simulated canvas. The unit to the immediate right of center is the Fujimi Kagero version. I have no idea what they were thinking but, the shape is entirely wrong, even for a late war ship. Looks like it belongs on a Matsu class. Furthest to the right is the version from the PitRoad Yugumo kit. It's nicely shaped but, too small.

Incidentally, it took one hour to cut, form, wrap and glue a one piece railing around the base.

[redoctober27]

Hey dan k .. Ok I'm gona sound stupid but what is that big blue roll that you use to hold parts whille you paint them?

[codythecatt]

looks like the 'gooey' side of painter's tape to me.

[Dan K]

Correct. Medium tack.

[sirpaul]

This build is starting to come along. They fujimi funnel piping looked pretty fine. It's pretty amazing that the 350th versions have the same problem with the exception of the Hasegawa kit. I'll be watching this build and might use some of your add on's to switch up one of my 350th Kagero's so it's a bit different than the others.

[Dan K]

Believe me, I'm keeping it all in mind for a possible 1/350 build as well, not to mention some 1/700 Kageros. I have found the emergence of distinguishing details unexpected, and quite interesting.

[Dan K]

<Kazegumo will also get another platform placed aft #1 funnel for another set of 25mm AA, but I intend to use the one straight from the PitRoad kit as that one did have metal siding/splinter shielding. Unless it's too small.>

Well, it's certainly been a lot of work. For starters, there is no standard set of supports. I have identified at lease three versions, below. Given the timing of the installation, I would think the configuration is closest to that of Asashimo's in late 1943. (Note to builders: Both the Miyukikai plans and PitRoad kits are in error as they show supports as demontrated by Kiyoshimo, not Asashimo.) Further, as the Asashimo pic shows, platforms as errected in late '43 DO NOT have solid splinter shielding, only railings (and canvas). Most unexpected.

When I completed the platform, after widening the center, I decided that the supports were not substantial enough. Will post my rework late this weekend.

[PetrolGator]

Dan, I'm not sure if this'll help you, but I found some color footage of the Okinami's wreck.

Either way, the damage is chilling. How anyone survived this....

http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675 ... gn-painted

[Dan K]

Thx, PG. She got hammered, for sure.

[Dan K]

The revised version. I couldn't resist including a support strut. When painted, the white styrene strips to either side of the supports won't stand out, and it will look proportionally correct. Dryfitted at the bottom.

[PetrolGator]

Outstanding, Dan. Is the support beam a generic part from an old PE set or did you punch holes in a piece of brass?

[Devin]

I don't know... I think those bolts on the under-structure beams should be left-hand thread, not right-hand as you have them...

Seriously, great work. Amazing.

[Dan K]

I know, I know. I ran out of lefties. Can't tell you how many I stripped while reverse threading. My wrists are shot.

The beam is from Flyhawk, a perforated beam strip fret. It comes in varying widths. Smaller versions were used on the bridge, aft compass deck.

[DanCinSD]

Beautiful work and interesting learning and seeing the detail and research.

[Dan K]

Thx, Dan

Down to a few minor hull details and I can move on to painting the linoleum decking. FineMolds has just released its WA-16 set, which focuses on IJN minesweeping apparatus. The paravane winch has to be seen to be believed; it's on a par with their 25mm AA guns. The paravane davits are just as nice. Though you can't see all th way thru the lattice work supports, the detail is extraordinary. My photos don't do the winch justice.

Of course this means removing the molded on paravane winch. Removal wasn't too hard as it sits on a metal platform raised just above the surrounding linoleum. My test example shows just a couple of divots to be filled with putty.