The Ship Model Forum

I want to try scratchbuilding a IJN Nagato/Mutsu or possibly a Kongo Class(battlecruiser) Where should I start?

Step 1: Scale? RC or Static?
Step 2: Review this board. Multiple builds showing methods for both the above.
Step 3: After review of board, you will have much data to consider. Lay out your own general approach and then you can ask bunches of questions and obtain useful answers.

The above has worked amazingly well for me. I have begun the plug (same method as Moffett Build) for a 1/96th scale Omaha Light Cruiser.
One of these days, I've promissed to post pictures. To date, although progressing, it's not to a standard that I am willing to show.

PS: To all that post pictures of their builds, I salute and respect all. Currently braver than I.

I agree with NucSub
Step 1-2-3

Other questions:
-Space : What space did you have for work & for your model in progress?
-Time - How many hours, weeks, months can you scratch?
-Material - What is your material?
-Money - You must certainly buy some material ; plywood, plastic, glue, paint...

hmmm...Japanese pagode mast need much details to scratch


Made the right choice.



Jef

1. Get a gun
2. Shoot self in foot

In all seriousness you may want to select something a little simpler than Nagato or Kongo-class ships. Their hull shapes are complex (especially the torpedo bulges) and the pagodas are.....well they are weird. Plans can be found from a company called Miyukikai in 1/200 for various time frames. It also may help to purchase a new-tool 1/700 kit of these vessels. I find it helps to visualize how things such as the pagoda go together. For Nagato, the new Volume 1 Nagato/Mutsu book from AJ Press is an excellent source with both drawings of the two vessels as well as some beautiful 3D CGI drawings of Nagato in 1944.

One of the most important things is definetelly ...available space !!! Specially if you intend to build in a larger scale (1/96 or bigger). Without that....no deal !!! You can get good tools, good references....but it all comes down to space...you�ll see !!!

.

Thanks, I love the look of the Pagoda Masts..

I think I will try something easier. Maybe IJN Oi or Kitakami.