Here is a side project of my IJN Chikuma by Tamiya. I picked up this kit half off at my local hobby shop. This in turn helped me get hasegawa's general etch set for Japanese ships also half off. I also have eduards Chikuma set.this one is a side project in between the independence.

Norman,

Great start. I have that in the stash, looking forward to cracking it open one day.

How is the hasegawa general PE kit?

Dave

The hasegawa pe kit is really fine. Alot thinner than eduards, they have replacement boat chocks, the degausing cables, the brass strips for the linoleum deck (although I don't think there is enough for this cruiser.), Jackstays, doors, general ladders, and a couple radars. Overall it's a nice photo etch set. I'm sure there is reviews online as I feel I'm missing some items on the fret. Eduards is thicker PE than what I normally like but I'm going to go with it. Eduards is basic PE replacements such as cable reels and gun shields and ladders. Overall it's a decent set but I feel they could've done a little bit more as it didn't include boat chocks or the aircraft rails on the aft deck but it did have a replacement ramp. Decent set but you'll have to source other sets for more in-depth detail.

nice one Norman!

following with interest!

I just love the Japanese heavies,they have some great lines.

It's like they built their ships with elegant curves, like a beautiful lady gliding through the water. The IJN had some nice looking boats, but nice looking doesn't win wars.

Norman, I agree completely! Witness the Kriegsmarine Admiral Hipper class, the Italian Zara class, the Soviet Krivaks... beautiful ships all, but it ultimately comes down to weight of numbers.

Hi Norman,

Great subject, have built one of these, great kit, usual excellent Tamiya engineering.

will be along for the ride.

Cheers

Si

Very nice start, Norman!

I'm in and looking forward to your build!

Cheers,
Jan

Norman,

Thanks for the run down on the PE kits. Will have to keep them in mind when I finally pull this kit out of the stash.

Will be hanging out and cheering you on!!

Dave

Here's an update, had some vehicle work keeping me from the bench. Replaced a transmission for a guy, finally got to get something done. Decks painted and screwed down. Also built up the torpedo deck. Needs a wash then I'll put the middle deck on. On to the pictures.
all comments and criticism welcome.

Nice work on the Torpedo deck Norman.

following with interest.

Cheers

Si

Small update, gun barbettes built. Also working on the funnel. Forgot to install internal baffles inside funnel halves so minor surgery required.

Nice work on the Barbettes Norman,

Good luck with the funnel, I did the same thing, fortunately I hadn't overdone the glue and managed to prize the top fare enough apart to get the grills in.

Cheers

Si

Thanks Si, I had to cut apart with a scalpel, then reglued and used a styrene rod as a filler, let it set overnight and now going to reshape with my small stick Sanders. These things are awesome for detail work or for tight spaces.

Norm,

All is looking good. I like the barbettes, nice touch with the brass.

Also the torpedo deck looks good. I didn't know the IJN torpedoes were green. interesting.

looking good and cant wait to see some more progress.

Dave

I exactly wasn't sure what color jap torpedos were. I looked and looked. I just went with something that would stand out underneath the deck since most details won't be seen.

Norman,

Ahh, I completely understand. I didn't know if you had found a reference for that color. I run into the same issue and have always defaulted to silver with a black warhead.

thanks

Dave

Small update, working on the bridge section. I have to say I like the way Tamiya has engineered this part. Limited seams and the parts fit together like a glove.

Looking very nice Norman!

Isn't the Tamiya engineering just great?

Yes Russell, Tamiya spoils me. When I work on other kits and have to sand or spend some time trying to get parts to fit I find myself asking "why cant this be a Tamiya kit". They just fall together.

Another update here. More work on the bridge superstructure. The photo etch was a pain to bend properly. Eduards instructions are a bit vague here. They don't show clearly where the parts are supposed to go. I think I have it right but I could be wrong. Other than the etch the bridge is coming together. Next part is the bridge deck itself. on to the pictures.





I'm sorry for the quality of pics. I don't have a photo booth and all I have is my trusty phone. Any criticism and comments are welcome. Tips and tricks for easier building is appreciated too.

Hi Norman,

The bridge structure is coming on very well indeed. When I built this lady, I was impressed by the engineering of such a complex shape,

Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Si

don't worry about the pics, Norman: Only the model matters

looking good by the way

Thank you gentlemen. Si, yes the shape of the bridge and the way Tamiya engineered it is amazing. Perfect fit with minimal sanding.