This is Fujimi's third photo-etch set for the IJN BB Kongo. This set is described as the deluxe set, and should cover all the leftovers from the previous two photo-etch sets. Unfortunately this is not the case. What we get is a nice brass photo-etch set which is incomplete and duplicates what was released in the previous two sets.
Set Details...
The deluxe set includes three photo-etch frets and a peel and stick brass coated name plate in Japanese.
Fret A includes inclined ladders with railings and vertical ladders, all with folding tabs. Railings with a good sag but without the folding tabs we saw in Fujimi's 2nd grade up set. Funnel and superstructure framing, turret railings, accommodation ladder and AA gun emplacement shields .
Fret B includes a large linoleum floatplane photo-etch deck with attached railings and with separate deck rails and turn tables for the also supplied trolleys. A much improved catapult over the 1st grade up Fujumi set version is provided with separate framing and internal details. Motor boat/cutter cradles are supplied.
Very convincing radial davits are provided which include griping spars. Jacob's ladders are provided for the swinging booms, this includes lizards and life lines. Funnel support frames for canvas covers are provided. A 21 GO Dentan Kai 2 search radar matress is provided with internal detail, again superior over the initial Fujimi P.E. release in Grade up set #1. Main mast crane and foremast details complete the fret, and finally some of the finest photo-etch doors ever released in photo-etch.
Fret B-2 includes superstructure framing, additional foremast details, skid plated turn tables for trolleys and search light platform details.
In Conclusion...
This deluxe set addresses some of the missing items from the two previous Kongo photo-etch grade up sets. This set is far from complete, among the missing details are motor boat/cutter details, aircraft details, oars, life buoy frames and swinging boom supports.
SUMMARY
Highs: A good brass photo-etch set which gives you plenty of upgrades for your Kongo. Lows: Utter robbery if you happen to own the previous two Grade Up sets from Fujimi (111513 and 111520), about 90% of the original stainless steel photo-etch parts have been replaced with this brass set.Verdict: If you have not purchased the original two grade up sets, this set will satisfy most of your needs. If you have, and have deep pockets, and don't mind throwing away hard earned money, by all means, buy this set.
About Frank Portela (Clanky44) FROM: ONTARIO, CANADA
I'm an avid modeller, with about 20 odd years of experience. I belong to a very small group of modellers here in Guelph, Ontario that formed GPMG (Guelph Plastic Modelling Group) over 12 years ago. We have our annual show (WELCOME - Wellington County Modellers Exposition) in the spring. We pride ou...
Sounds like this is the set to buy. Is anything essential fom the first 2 sets missing? Like cranes or not eough rail pieces? Everything else sounds like a winner to me
Hi Steve,
Defenitely, if you do not have the first two upgrade sets, this is the one. The big ommision in this set is the lack of P.E. for the motor boats/cutters.
Frank
Wonderful, this set is cheaper than buying both the other 2 and it has more of what I want. Glad I wasn't in a rush. Do you know where and when this is going to be, or maybe you just don't really need that sample they gave you?????
Hi Steve,
Just to clarify, I have never received any product here at MSW. All the reviews I've done have come from my purchases. With that said, the deluxe set was bought from HLJ, and should be available from any LHS or on line supplier as we speak.
Frank
The Hasegawa sets (all three) are very well done and did not duplicate items, aside from the missing inclined ladders they had (almost) everything. The Fujimi sets have not been thought out very well. The first grade up set has less than the bare essentials, it does have bridge window replacements and aircraft props which the deluxe set does not have. The second grade up set had railings, a comprehensive set with folding tags and all pre-measured. The new deluxe set has the railings and aside from the window replacements and props, everything that was given in the two original grade up sets, plus a bit more. So Fujimi really have not thought this out at all. If you haven't purchased any sets yet, buy the third set (deluxe), or wait to see what other aftermarket releases will bring.
Frank
edit; if you're asking if the Fujimi set can fit the Nagato?... I'd say no,... the ralings are all pre-measured, the crane is a different size, the catapult could be used.
Frank, you're a life saver, or at the very least a wallet-saver. I have the deluxe set on order from HLJ and had just placed an order for the first two sets with my source. After reading this, I made a quick phone call and canceled the first two.
Your awesome review couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks man!
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