Thanks for the comments,

The more I think about the gray paint difference, the more I'm leaning towards repainting the hull to match the turrets (maybe some lighter gray post shading). I've spent way too much time on this model to leave it as is. It would be a sore reminder of a job half done everytime I looked at her if I left it as is.

Frank

Hi Frank!!

Sorry for the late reply!
Your update is wonderful! The PE application is flawless, and all that masking must have been a nightmare... but it sure payed off, since the painting job is very good!
I will have to try and make a pre-shading experience, but in a larger scale model. Don't think that it will prove very convincing in 1/700, at least in smaller vessels.

I have to agree with you on the color of turrets against the hull/superstructures... they are much lighter, even if, as you say, weathering may turn the grey lighter.

You are producing a real GEM!
I wish your working week passes quite fast, so that you can turn to this beauty!

Thank you for sharing


Rui

Frank, she's looking AMAZING! Truly a museum piece in the making!

Thanks again guys, it'll be nice to have this one completed. I should know better than to put a time line in place,.... but ideally, this should be completed by late spring. (that's when the Santa Cruz Heckler gets most of my free time)

Frank

Very pretty. Bravo!!!

Frank, Keep up the great work I,m following your lead. Thanks four taking the time to put all of this on the forum. Best Walter

You're all too kind,... thanks for the support.

Frank

Hey Frank, I'm getting visions of the opening scene to "Tora! Tora! Tora!"

--Karl

Looking good Frank! I picked up the kit today- on sale from my local hobby shop for $180Au (normally $250Au). Now I need to get all of the aftermarket sets- any idea where to get them from?

I will be watching the rest of this build with interest!



Cheers

Hi Anthony,

The PE sets I'm using are all from Hasegawa and are all still available from Pacific Front. Good luck, and please share your build with us.

http://www.pacificfront.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=38_175

You will need sets A,B and C(super set).

Frank

Hi Frank,

Lovely and stunning building log indeed.
Beside the "extra" hull problem involved it is fascinating to watch how you manage the many parts included in the kit.
Your hint on how to utilize CA glue for the PE parts is excellent.

Seems like since ever the industry started giving descend kits in 1/350 the communities interest increased.
Dade started such a brilliant build log on the Kongo and yours is a gem for the Nagato.

Superb insights and everything is well documented. Thank you!

Some beautiful work Frank and another I have read from start to finish with out a skip.You guys are giving me the bug .It's my lack of experience with the PE that I need to develop for in aircraft much is resin and a little PE.Time for an update.Kevin

Kevin both this one and the Kongo had major PE work done. You don't have to do it all. I might recommend one of the Trumpter BB's like th Alabama or Massachutsettes and get the Tom's or Gold medal set. Or the Mighty Mo (Missouri) by Tamiya and just a gold medal models basic set. It will get you "feet wet" and won't give you eyestrain. The Japanese stuff is a lot more delicate and easier to goof