The Ship Model Forum

Hi all,

Well, Fuso is finally finished. It’s taken many years to get here, and there were at least a couple of occasions when she came very close to ending up in the dustbin of modelling history!

Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to sort out a proper photo session yet, so for the time being here are just three quick shots of her under the display case.

I’d hoped that finally getting Fuso over the finish line would bring a bit more satisfaction. Sadly, a few things going on in my personal life at the moment mean I can’t quite enjoy it as much as I’d like to.

The next build is already on the slipway and, as promised, it’ll be HMS Exeter as she appeared during her final battle in the Java Sea. That said, Exeter isn’t the only thing currently taking shape on the bench...

In the meantime, I’m hoping Fuso will make it to Pabianice in Poland, so there should be a chance to see her in the flesh. Why only “hoping”? Well, I’m not normally a superstitious person, but this particular model seems to be remarkably unlucky, so I’m not taking anything for granted just yet!

Anyway, thanks to everyone who’s followed the build over the years.

All the best!

That is beautiful! Congratulations!!

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! and for persevering despite the difficulties (both in life and in model building) for all these years. Result is beyond excellent Something to be really proud of. Fingers crossed for Pabianice, you deserve it

Impressive work! Congrats on battling through and getting it across the finish line!

A job very well done. She's beautiful, which is saying a lot since I actually find Fuso far less aesthetically pleasing than Yamashiro.

I’d hoped that finally getting Fuso over the finish line would bring a bit more satisfaction. Sadly, a few things going on in my personal life at the moment mean I can’t quite enjoy it as much as I’d like to.

I completely understand that.

Congratulations! That's a spectacular model! And a spectacular feat to get her finished...

I hope life will take a turn for the better soon, and you'll be able to bring her out in the world.

... and I'm looking forward to some close-up photo's of the finished piece!

Many thanks, gents, for all the kind words — it really does mean a lot to me. And thank you for sticking with me through all these years! Hopefully I can repay your patience with a decent gallery, which I’m planning to get stuck into this weekend.

Dan K wrote: Sun Sep 20, 2026 4:53 pm A job very well done. She's beautiful, which is saying a lot since I actually find Fuso far less aesthetically pleasing than Yamashiro.

Dan K — I’ve already started gathering references for Yamashiro, although personally I think Ise and Hyuga in their pre-rebuild configuration looked even more majestic. We’ll see...

For now, HMS Exeter’s hull has entered the dry dock — along with something else. I’ll reveal that one soon enough!

personally I think Ise and Hyuga in their pre-rebuild configuration looked even more majestic.

I completely agree.

Looking forward to your Exeter project.

What a truly splendid looking model

it is edgy, has depth and sharpness

WELL _DONE !
a short 16 year gestation...

Dan K wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2026 1:11 pm Looking forward to your Exeter project.

I should hopefully have the build thread up early next week.

JIM BAUMANN wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2026 1:28 pm What a truly splendid looking model

it is edgy, has depth and sharpness

WELL _DONE !
a short 16 year gestation...

Thanks Jim. You could definitely say it’s been a bit of an ordeal! Every time I came back to this model, my life seemed to turn upside down — and this time has been no exception. I’m beginning to think the poor thing is cursed. Twice it came very close to ending up in the bin!

But I stuck with it, and here she is at last. Hopefully things will only get better from here.