I picked up this kit along with Akagi last year, but didn't have a camera then.
First up, great box art, 15 sprues, 3 clear make up the air wing and 1 clear covering search lights and cutter covers( can someone explain the concept of this (cutter covers) to me please)
Base plate and decal sheet. Instructions cover 15 steps and are well laid out and include a parts list and marking and painting guide.
Hull detail is supurb, with carefull weathering and dry brushing this will really stand out. One strange inclusion, there is a life raft moulded on to both sides of the hull forward. This is shown on the box art too, I would have thought Fujimi would have included it on one of the sprues.
The two hull sides have bracing which extend the full length of the hull and will make a rigid hull to work on. The forward anchor chain looks crisp as are the other details in that area. Deck detail is good though I cant vouch for it's historical accuracy, I'm happy with the planking detail even if Dan isin't
The main boat deck (S11) has no checker plate moulded on, but the stern deck (B17) does. Forward deck is also bare.
There are two practice loading machines mounted on a platform at the bow ! imagine drill there in rough weather. There are also 2 Dihatsu's as part of the boat compliment, again I cant vouch for the historical accuracy of this configuration. On the plus side, there 4 Dihatsu's for the spares box.
The bridge has no doors moulded on it at all and I could find only 3 other at the bow and these are very plain. Replace the bridge window's with PE but be carefull cutting these awayas there are two anchor points behind them for part S20. All of the various support trusse's look good, these are often critiszed as being "clunky" but remember the real thing's had many tons of weight to support, so they had to be robust.
I'd recommend replacing all the masts and radio antenna's with PE, as well as the stairs.
Part T14 is a platform with a sngle 25mm moiunt and a search light. At one end is a oval tub with 4 raised plastic stubs. I thing they may be meant to represent binoculars or fire control mounts. The floor beneath them is represent as linoleum. This will be a PITA to paint as will be removing said stubs to replace with PE or resin parts.
AA guns are as always, good but not great, with the exception of the enclosed 12.7's abaft the funnel they are very good. The funnel is rather plain.
All in all a great kits that with carefull painting, and maybe some PE will turn out fantastic.
EDIT: One thing I forgot to mention is the fact that all of the gun tubs are devoid of ammo lockers. How Fujimi made this oversight is beyond me.
