Model Kit Build-up Review
Hasegawa 1:700
IJN HYUGA
(Item 1081900)
by Garry Beebe
Construction: Starting off with the hull, which is all one piece
. Before doing any painting I decided to assemble the superstructure
first, which is done by gluing and stacking the parts in the correct
sequent according to the instructions. The parts fit well and were
easily lined up by corresponding pegs and holes. There is three main
body's to the superstructure, the main forward structure witch contain
the bridge . the stack witch supports the structures for search lights
and AA guns. And the aft structure for fire control and the main mast.
All these fit well with no problems.
Painting: Next I wanted to paint the deck before I added the
smaller hardware and turrets. I used Model masters flat tan# 2021 for
this. For 1/700 scale I like to brush paint the model, having good
results. I first painted all of the molded in deck hardware the hull
color. This makes it easier then waiting till after the deck is
painted. then I started brushing the paint on beginning at the bow and
working my way back carefully painting around all of the deck hardware
and structures.
When I finished and the paint had dried, I noticed that the shade
of tan was way to light! This must have been caused from a different
lot of paint. I use this same tan a lot and this is the first time this
has happened. After talking with Dan and kicking some ideas around, I
decided to give the deck a darker tan wash. I used Model masters flat
dark tan # 1742 mixed lightly with thinner to kind of a transparent
tan. With a large flat I dry brushed on the mixture , brushing a little
heavier in the well used area's of the deck. This turned out to be just
right, and added detail to the deck for realism . I decided before
anymore painting , to attach the 5.5 inch guns to the hull so they
would bond plastic to plastic. Also attaching the search lights, fire
control units and antennas.
More Painting: Now it was time to paint the hull and
superstructure. I was to use Model masters Gunship gray # 1723, which
by itself was a little to dark for IJN ships in general. So I added
flat white # 1768 , and mixed to just lighten it up a bit. I painted
the hull, then the superstructure . Using a fine pointed brush, I
carefully painted along the edges of the painted deck. Then finished
painting the rest of the larger area's .
Back to construction: I next assembled the main gun turrets,
attaching barrels and range finders. I glued the barrels on in an angle
that was slight above zero level, except for the two mid turrets, witch
I raised a little higher to clear structures. I then painted the
turrets the hull color. But the barrels I painted with straight gunship
gray as they are darker in the photo's I have seen. At the base of the
barrels I painted a band with steel paint, as they are bare metal from
action of recoil. This does not show up very well in the photo's.
I attached the turrets to the ship by using a hot nail ground off
flat to melt and flare the turret pins from the underside of the hull.
Next I painted all of the ships boats, AA guns, catapult, and float
plane.
Note: Don't use these items that are on the main sprue. As they are
crude at best. But use the replacement parts that come with the kit in
the upgrade set! These are nicely detailed.
For the AA guns, I painted them with Model masters Titanium
metalizer, the 5.5 inch gun barrels also. This gives them a realistic
metallic finish. After these are all painted and detailed, they were
attached to there places according to the instructions. For this a good
pair of tweezers are a must! And it is best to have non-slip jaws on
them to keep from launching parts into orbit!
Following this, I attached the flag pole and aircraft lift crane to
the rear deck. The mast is painted after the three piece structure is
assembled . It is painted in three colors. One third the way up from
the base it is painted the hull color, then a small white band is
painted around the mast. The remaining mast is painted flat black. This
was done because the smoke from the stack would stain the upper mast
and by painting it black , the stains did not show. Now I attached the
mast, lining it up so it was strait and in line from all angles . At
this time I also added the ships boats crane just behind the forward
superstructure. I also painted the anchor chains and anchor titanium,
and attached them to there mortises in the bow.
Detailing: For this scale I wanted to do mild detailing and
weathering. This can be overdone easily ! I dry brushed flat black on
the supports on the search light towers to make the bracing stand out.
using model master rust # 1785 to add weathering rust stains on and
below the anchor, below the port holes, and lightly along the length of
the hull, dry brushing vertical stripes of rust onto the surface. The
last part of the construction is adding the water line bottom. The edge
of this I painted with testers flat red # 1150. After painting the
steel ballast weight can be attached to the inside of the water line
bottom in its mortise. I used putty to hold this in place. Then the
water line bottom was glued in place to the hull and weights set on the
top of the deck hold it down , and left set over night. For a final
touch to the model, I used gold paint to put the sun insignia on the
tip of the bow.
Conclusion: This kit was a good fun build! It is not a highly
detailed model, it lacks surface detail on turret tops and on the metal
decks. But with the upgrade parts that are included with the kit, one
can turn this kit into a fine model of the BB Hyuga! I did not find any
fit problems, no gaps, and no putty or filling was needed. I have not
mastered the art of PE railing and ladders for this scale yet, but it
would really make this kit stand out. I would recommend this kit to
anyone , beginner or artist, that likes IJN warships!
This kit was courtesy of Dan von Gartzen.
References used:
Janes Battleships of the 20th century
By Bernard Ireland
Project Photos
Click on Image to Enlarge
Review by Garry Beebe
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