IJN Nagato Detail sets
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 08 December 2009 12:34 James Hatch
Hasegawa 1/350 IJN Battleship NAGATO Detail Sets
- Wooden Deck (Battle of Leyte Gulf configuration)
- 'Detail Up' Etch Parts Basic Set B
In the recent review of the Nagato kit, I mentioned the detail sets which are available for it, and a little of my disappointment that these weren't included within what is already a very expensive, though superb, kit.
Firstly, the wooden deck. The kit already comes with its deck finely moulded, and no doubt this can be painted in a combination of both oils and acrylics in order to replicate the timber effect. Now Hasegawa have produced this innovative timber deck, finely cut and engraved with laser technology.
The deck set consists of several large parts and a few small pieces of very thin timber, precisely cut and detailed in order to fit directly over the top of the existing plastic deck. There are several parts of the plastic detail which need to be removed before the deck replacement can be affixed to the plastic part. All the timber pieces have a self adhesive backing which makes the fitting job even easier. All parts have their respective cut outs for the deck housings and other fittings, and a piece of etch brass is also included which forms the anchor chains running paths.
Ideally, these decks must be fitted after paint is applied to the other kit components, as to minimise the risk of damaging the timber. I would also suggest a coat of matt varnish to seal the timber too. This will ensure that any glues have les likelihood of staining the fine timber surface. This isn't a cheap upgrade, and these steps will help protect your investment.
Secondly, the etch brass set: This comes in the form of one LARGE sheet of etch metal, which is sub-divided up into 4 other sections, for ease of locating the many parts included therein. A very detailed instruction sheet leaves you in no doubt that this is a very complicated upgrade with an immense ammount of detail. Looking at the photos of the brass overlayed onto a finished model, the difference that the inclusion of this set makes is immediately obvious. No area of the Nagato is left untouched with this upgrade set, and the detail is tremendous.
Some parts which are already moulded in plastic, such as ladders, and crew doors will need to be shaved away and sanded smooth before its brass counterpart is attached, but just look at these photos to see what they are being replaced with! Why oh why didn't Hasegawa include this set from the start?
Firstly, the wooden deck. The kit already comes with its deck finely moulded, and no doubt this can be painted in a combination of both oils and acrylics in order to replicate the timber effect. Now Hasegawa have produced this innovative timber deck, finely cut and engraved with laser technology.
The deck set consists of several large parts and a few small pieces of very thin timber, precisely cut and detailed in order to fit directly over the top of the existing plastic deck. There are several parts of the plastic detail which need to be removed before the deck replacement can be affixed to the plastic part. All the timber pieces have a self adhesive backing which makes the fitting job even easier. All parts have their respective cut outs for the deck housings and other fittings, and a piece of etch brass is also included which forms the anchor chains running paths.
Ideally, these decks must be fitted after paint is applied to the other kit components, as to minimise the risk of damaging the timber. I would also suggest a coat of matt varnish to seal the timber too. This will ensure that any glues have les likelihood of staining the fine timber surface. This isn't a cheap upgrade, and these steps will help protect your investment.
Secondly, the etch brass set: This comes in the form of one LARGE sheet of etch metal, which is sub-divided up into 4 other sections, for ease of locating the many parts included therein. A very detailed instruction sheet leaves you in no doubt that this is a very complicated upgrade with an immense ammount of detail. Looking at the photos of the brass overlayed onto a finished model, the difference that the inclusion of this set makes is immediately obvious. No area of the Nagato is left untouched with this upgrade set, and the detail is tremendous.
Some parts which are already moulded in plastic, such as ladders, and crew doors will need to be shaved away and sanded smooth before its brass counterpart is attached, but just look at these photos to see what they are being replaced with! Why oh why didn't Hasegawa include this set from the start?
So what do we think?
Wooden Deck: If you are spending so much on the actual Nagato kit, it really is folly not to get this set for it. Firstly, it looks better, and secondly, what can be more natural and authentic than timber such as the real decks were laid from? This set is quite expensive in itself, but Hasegawa prices do seem to be creeping endlessly upwards these days. I do feel the price for the decks is way too high, despite it being a wonderful upgrade set. I will base my score on the quality alone on that count.
Etch Metal Set B: The parts are very finely replicated on this sheet, and a degree of self determination and mechanisation of your methods will be needed to get the most out of it.
Overall 8/10 Wooden Deck
Overall 8/10 Etch Brass Set B
Many thanks to Luckymodel for the review samples.
These items are available from Luckymodel for $62.99USD (£43.35 at time of writing) for the Wooden Deck set #HSG40074, and $44.99USD (£30.96 at time of writing) for the Etch Brass Set B #HSG72116
