1/700 Aoshima vs. Fujimi IJN Oyodo kits

[Geno the Viking]

I need to build just one more light cruiser, the Oyodo, and I'll have that portion of my 1/700 IJN fleet complete.
I have an old Fujimi kit that I've had for 30+ years, I think, and it really lacks the level of detail that I want.
I see that Aoshima has released a new kit (or two?) and I like to know if anyone can compare the kits.
How is the Aoshima kit? Is is worth the $$$ and is it readily available?

Thanks so much.

[Atma]

100% the Aoshima kits worth the money, they make nice OOB build and I dont think that they are so much expensive.
2 versions from Aoshima, a 1943 IJN Oyodo with the large catapult, and a 1944 version. Both accurate and well detailed, light years ahead from the old and weary Fujimi kit.
You can check the kits from Aoshima and whats inside the box here:
1943 version:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088518
1944 version:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10083052

[Dan K]

I agree with Atma.

[D-Boy]

100% the Aoshima kits worth the money, they make nice OOB build and I dont think that they are so much expensive.
2 versions from Aoshima, a 1943 IJN Oyodo with the large catapult, and a 1944 version. Both accurate and well detailed, light years ahead from the old and weary Fujimi kit.
You can check the kits from Aoshima and whats inside the box here:
1943 version:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088518
1944 version:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10083052

The kits above sell for about $23.00 US at Hobby Link Japan. They were released in mid-2009.

Aoshima retails dedicated PE for both these kits as well:

1943: http://www.hlj.com/product/AOS04658
1944: http://www.hlj.com/product/AOS04659

Both these PE upgrades sell for about $15.00 US. The 1943 upgrade PE is worth getting for the catapult alone - such a distinctive feature of the ship in 1943.

Fujimi sells their older mold with PE upgrades now included - this was released in August 2011, but based on the old mold (below) and will require some surgery to apply all the components of the new PE accessories: http://www.hlj.com/product/AOS04659. $28.00 US.

It appears there were some other re-packages of the kit in the mid-2000s as well - several different box-art depictions at Hobby Search JP.

Their prior (but perhaps not original) circa 1994 mold with no PE sells for a mere $7.60 US, which gives you a sense of just how poor, in comparison, the kit is versus the newer releases: http://www.hlj.com/product/FUJ41086. (Edit: turns out this 1994 date is the start of HLJ's business - and not the release date of this oldedr version of the kit....which is likely pre-1994.)

I think I have all three recent releases and PE above and will get them out this weekend and offer some further comparisons, if interested.

[Pagodaphile]

2 versions from Aoshima, Both accurate and well detailed, light years ahead from the old and weary Fujimi kit.

Fujimi sells their older mold with PE upgrades now included - this was released in August 2011, but based on the old mold (below) and will require some surgery to apply all the components of the new PE accessories: http://www.hlj.com/product/AOS04659. $28.00 US.

I think I have all three new releases and PE above and will get them out this weekend and offer some further comparisons, if interested.

Hmmm..I would be interested in that D-Boy... I have one of those "old and weary" August release Fujimi's with the PE parts . .....As this was sold as the '45 version with the short cat. , are there any changes to the superstructure that would complicate back-dating to the longer catapult ?

edit: It appears that '43 PE set is out of production

[D-Boy]

Wrote D-Boy: "I think I have all three new releases and PE above and will get them out this weekend and offer some further comparisons, if interested."

And inquired Pagodaphile: "Hmmm..I would be interested in that D-Boy... I have one of those "old and weary" August release Fujimi's with the PE parts . .....As this was sold as the '45 version with the short cat. , are there any changes to the superstructure that would complicate back-dating to the longer catapult ?

edit: It appears that '43 PE set is out of stock at HLJ now, hopeully not out of production."

Re HLJ "out-of-stock" messages - I've gotten very quick service on OOS orders from HLJ... only one took the full 4-6 week timeframe, and only on other was eventually listed as sold out. Worth ordering under the OOS circumstances.

What I can tell you at the moment, having just looked at the two Aoshima kits, is that other than the rear deck, there are negligible differences in kit parts and instructions between them - a searchlight platform and a few other minor parts (perhaps attributable just to re-labeling of the sprues) as well as enhanced AA for the 1944 build (which instructions do NOT show placement for, btw).

Will take a look for the Fujimi enhanced PE kit and report back...

[D-Boy]

Some additional notes on the most recent Aoshima (2009) and Fujimi re-release (2011) with PE of the IJN Oyodo. I retrieved all three kits from the cellar stash and am looking at them side-by-side

The Aoshima kits are lovely kits of this distinctive cruiser, hands-down winners over the Fujimi mold. The only reason to purchase the 2011 Fujimi kit, it would seem, is to secure the comprehensive PE set. Even with the PE, there are significant liabilities to the Fujimi kit - at the very least, ALL heavy and light armament will need to be replaced.

The Fujimi hull sits higher above waterline than the Aoshima hulls and is about 1 cm shorter than the Aoshima molds. Aoshima's kits depict a more prominent bow flare and more detail along hull sides. The Fujimi hull looks relatively plain in comparison. Degaussing cables are not represented on any of these hulls.

The Fujimi deck is cast in two pieces, with a seperate bow deck to add to the one-piece hull.

The Aoshima decks are cast in three pieces, with the mid-section common to both the '43 and '44 builds. All sorts of details mid-deck on the Aoshima kits, including aircraft handling rails. It appears that hangers can be posed open for both Aoshima kits (although interior walls will need clean-up and nominal detailing). Both bow deck sections appear alike; it is the stern decks of the '43 and '44 builds which differ radically. These kits share all main superstructure parts.

The '43 Aoshima kit includes sprue "D," which contains the distinctive catapult and unique Kawanishi Shiun seaplane that denote this version of the ship. Components for 3 Shiun floatplanes are included.

The '44 Aoshima kit substitutes sprue "E," which contains a stern deck with different catapult mount, alternate aircraft handling rail configurations, and numerous single barrel AA weapons, as well as an additional AA platform at the rear of the shortened catapult.

These Aoshima kits share sprue "C," which contains cranes, davits, tripod and other masts and antennae, main armament and heavy AA weapons. All of the armament parts are significant upgrades over the equivalents in the Fujimi kit.

Both Aoshima kits include polycaps that would allow one rotate guns and catapults freely.

As noted in an earlier post, Aoshima sells a dedicated PE set for both the '43 and '44 versions of this ship. The PE for the '43 version of the Oyodo includes the unique catapult, unique aircraft handling dollies for the Shiun, replacement tripod masts, bridge windows, boat davits, and aircraft cranes as well as some additional deck details. The PE set for the '44 build includes a replacement catapult and single AA weapons, as well as aircraft dollies, masts, bridge windows, davits and cranes, and additional deck details. Notably, NO deck rails are included in these PE kits. These are nicely detailed and finely cast, but as noted below, the Fujimi PE takes these details a step further.

In comparison, the PE kit for the latest re-release of the old Fujimi mold is comprehensive. While the Fujimi mold in plastic represents a '44 build of the kit, the PE supplied in the kit appears to be intended to back-date the Fujimi model to 1943, as it includes the longer catapult intended for the Shiun seaplane (worth noting that the Shiun seaplane is NOT included in the Fujimi kit).

In general, the Fujimi PE appears more finally cast and thus more detailed than the Aoshima PE. This is clearly evident in the catapult, but also reflected in the antenna, yardarms, and bridge windows, for example. And the Fujimi PE includes all railings, stairways, davits and cranes, a funnel cap, funnel grabholds, ventilator hoods for the hanger structure, and numerous deck components intended to replace parts on the older Fujimi mold. A significant amount of plastic on the Fujimi molds will need to be removed or altered to accept this PE.

I do not believe this PE set is available seperately from the model at this time.

I suppose the one remaining question is how adaptable is the Fujimi PE to the Aoshima kits, given how much more detail is represented in the Fujimi PE. I'll try to puzzle that out a bit more tomorrow.

And Pagodaphile, I've realized I have not answered your bridge structure comparison - will take a look at that, too.

- D-Boy

[Pagodaphile]

Thanks D-Boy for your forensic grade comparison. I have to admit, it sent me down to the stash dungeon as well....Now that I have whipped out my Fujimi, I have a few questions:

1. As for the Fujimi kit in question, we are talking about the #41085...right ?

2. You mention that the Fujimi PE is a '43 backdate set with the longer catapult. This has me scratching my head. The catapult in the PE set and as shown in the instruction sheet appear to be of normal length. It was my impression that the early long cat extended from the stern almost all the way to the hangar. Am I missing something here ?

[Atma]

Things got complicated, forget the Fujimi version, if you want a 1944 + version. The Fujimi PE set offers detail in the stern only for a 1943 version of IJN Oyodo but the stern of Fujimi's IJN Oyodo is a 1944 + version cause Fujimi (3000 years ago) released IJN Oyodo only in 1944 version, that means you are requiered to do a lot of extra work to fit the 1943 PE set for the stern.
Avoid Fujimi and stick with the Aoshima offering. The only problem Aoshima's IJN Oyodo 1944 version has is that:
viewtopic.php?f=48&t=24937&p=457297#p455537

Fujimi's IJN Oyodo bridge even with the PE set is crap, cause the PE set offers only PE ladders and railings, and there is two version of Fujimi's IJN Oyodo with PE set:
The deluxe version that includes an extra PE set for bridge:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10155423
And the second is just PE set for the stern:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10066200
And dont forget, noone of those PE set version are aiming for 1944+ mode, only for a 1943 mode based on a 1944+ mold released 30 years ago...
Oh and the 41085 code is out of production and it was the only 1944+ PE set version, and still the molds are 30 years old:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10043823

I suppose the one remaining question is how adaptable is the Fujimi PE to the Aoshima kits, given how much more detail is represented in the Fujimi PE. I'll try to puzzle that out a bit more tomorrow.


- D-Boy

The PE set from the third link that I posted(that is out of production), the 41085 code version, can be use almost 90% on a Aoshima'ss 1944 IJN Oyodo.
The two other versions that are still in production and they include only PE sets for a 1943 version there is a chance that half of the PE set is useable.

[D-Boy]

Thanks D-Boy for your forensic grade comparison. I have to admit, it sent me down to the stash dungeon as well....Now that I have whipped out my Fujimi, I have a few questions:

1. As for the Fujimi kit in question, we are talking about the #41085...right ?

2. You mention that the Fujimi PE is a '43 backdate set with the longer catapult. This has me scratching my head. The catapult in the PE set and as shown in the instruction sheet appear to be of normal length. It was my impression that the early long cat extended from the stern almost all the way to the hangar. Am I missing something here ?

1) Yes, I am looking at the August 2011 release of 410845, also labeled SP23 ("Special" ?) Hobby Search JP has this labeled as the Fujimi DX line ("Deluxe" ?). This was a reboxing of the old/original mold with a full PE set and new cover art. The boxing style and graphics are in line with the new-mold Fujimi's being released.

2) I did not notice last night, but this release does state "Oyodo 1943" on the box top. It includes 2 PE frets. The "B-Parts" fret contains a replacement stern deck and the larger catapult, as well as other detail parts.

From taking a look at the Hobby Search website, and the kit parts/instruction photos they provide there, it seems Fujimi has released 3 versions of the original mold with additional PE parts. Each of the three Fujimi PE sets are unique to their respective boxing:

Here's what I'm seeing, in order of release:

Oyodo kit #41085, released May 2005. This is what I suspect you have:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10043823

This kit includes a single piece PE fret that includes the smaller catapult, as well as railings and masts:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10043823n/40/1

Oyodo, Kit #430874, aka SP14, released January 2008:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10066200

This includes a single piece PE fret that includes a new stern deck and a larger catapult (but the catapult etching appears different than the catapult included in the set below).
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10066200n/40/1

And finally, Oyodo 1943 kit #41085, released August 2011, also known as SP23:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10155423

This kit includes the most comprehensive PE upgrade set of all three kits and includes the larger catapult.
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10155423n/40/1

Photograph instructions for this PE are reproduced here:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10155423z2/70/2

and here:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10155423z3/70/3

It is this last version of the kit that I reference in my remarks in the previous post.

Seems that the consensus is go with the Aoshima kits, but be mindful of potential PE upgrades available from the Fujimi upgraded boxings. I'm heartened by Atma's indication that 90% of the Fujimi SP kit PE can transfer.

Well done group-think review, gentlemen!

[Dan K]

Thx for the good, concise synopsis of the various kits.

Joe World makes various PE sets for both Aoshima Oyodo, '43 & '44 version kits.

Oyodo does not carry an external degaussing cable, ever.

[Geno the Viking]

Thanks again for all the posts gang. This forum is great.

30-40 years ago no one even knew what color the IJN linoleum decks were. I used to spend dozens of hours researching the tiniest things that are so easy to find today. One hour of modeling time was always proceeded by 3 hours of research.

Its time to go out and find my Aoshima Oyodo and a PE set.

[Pagodaphile]

Things got complicated, forget the Fujimi version
.

I looks like Atma sums it up well here.

What a nightmare...two kits with the same 41085 code.
It looks like I have the crappiest of the crappy....not even decent PE !..


"Joe World makes various PE sets for both Aoshima Oyodo, '43 & '44 version kits" (Dan K)

BTW Dan K... I think Joe Works / Joe World started out in the model railroad market about twenty or so years ago, but those items have now vanished as well.

[djohannsen]

Thanks to everyone for this very informative thread (with special thanks to "D-Boy"). I now know that I have "Oyodo kit #41085, released May 2005" - I had been trying to figure this out for some time (I was really confused by the various Fujimi boxings). It seems that I have the "worst of the worst," but on the bright side this info is liberating - no real reason to try to do much but build it out of the box (though this is even a bit problematic, as there are almost no instructions for locating some of the PE parts). Again, thank you.


Dave

[Martin H UK]

Fujimi can be frustrating, can't they? Excellent new moulds that raise the bar on the Waterline consortium - but at the same time continuing their long-standing policy of re-boxing and reissuing the original 1970s moulds, with new box-art and numbers, sometimes PE and/or weapons upgrades, but still basically the poor kits from the early days - when Fujimi vied with Aoshima to be the worst of the 4 in the consortium. I find it useful to go to HobbySearch to check these out as they often have contents and instructions pictures and with careful viewing one can spot where there's a new mould and when it's a re-cycle job. I was caught out by this reissue thing as a young modeller - suckered into buying Revell's Essex, Intrepid and Franklin - always hoping it was a new kit but always finding it was the same one: a kit I rate as the worst ever issued. I wound up with five of them! I'm more careful now!

Joe-World PE by the way are pretty good, though the instructions can be rather counter-intuitive. Although the Chinese companies now cover a lot of the ground, there's still some unique stuff in their range: I particularly like JP-51 which is miscellanous IJN items like frames for seaplane wings and floats, bridge wing lights, and so on. Hard to get outside Japan - best place I found that would export was Rainbowten, which sadly is disappearing even as I write. I got the Oyodo 1943 fret of theirs to go with my Aoshima Oyodo and it's very nice.

[Dan K]

I agree; I have two of the JPE-51 sets.

I wonder if HobbyEasy sells Joe World...will have to check.