Sovereign Hobbies IJN Shimakaze detail set. 1:350

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IJN Shimakaze detail set
Infini Models 1:350

One of the latest releases from Fujimi in their 1:350 ship range is the IJN experimental destroyer Shimakaze, to go with it they have also released a couple of etched sets of their own design. Whilst they are quite nice, this new set from Infini Models is an order of magnitude better. This being my first look at an Infini Models product, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, even after the packet had arrived from Sovereign Hobbies. At first glance it looks like any other etched detail set, although in a thicker plastic wallet, upon opening, this all changes and you realise that not only do you get three quite large sheets of relief etched brass, but five small zip-lock bags with the multitude of turned brass parts, another bag with a very small sheet of adhesive backed wood and a reel of lycra thread. So, pretty much everything you need to build a top glass model. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow and look very similar to the style Pontos use, which means you will be best to make annotations to the kit instructions showing where the brass parts will need to be added and any superfluous kit detail removal.

When looking at the instructions you will see that it looks like a lot of the kit parts are replaced with etch. You’re pretty much using just the hull, deck, superstructure, funnels and main gun turrets, so be prepared for an exacting build. Before starting construction, the modeller should go through the instructions and remove all the detail parts from the kit, such as watertight doors, platform supports, funnel caps and the Type 13 radar array. You can then start to build up the etched sub-assemblies, beginning with the depth charge rails and racks. The depth charges are provided as a string of turned brass parts which need to be separated and fitted with the end caps before being glued into position in the etched rails and racks which have been folded to shape. The torpedo tubes and main turrets are then built up, and fitted with a multitude of fixtures and fittings, and, in the case of the turrets, replacement turned barrels. The single 23mm mountings look to be about the fiddliest of all the sub-assemblies, and there are fourteen to make. Each barrel needs to be cut from its moulding block, as these don’t appear turned, due to the superb spring detail on them. The breech section is then folded to shape and the barrel inserted. Each gun is then fitted with the ammunition cartridge, pedestal mount, shoulder bars, and finally the pedestal itself. The twin, (one mounting), and triple 23mm, (four mountings), mounts are built in a similar way, with the breech sections folded and the barrels fitted, followed by the mounting, splinter shields, sights, seats and turntable.

As with the depth charges, the cable reels are provided as a string of drums which need to be separate before each is fitted with end plates, then to their respective cradles. With the kits moulded funnel caps removed, the etched parts can be added, the front funnel with four parts, the rear with two. There are also large ventilator grilles to be fitted. The bridge section is then fitted with the wind deflectors, rear decking, watertight doors, cable reels, bridge screens, scuttles and railings. The foremast is provided with replacement yardarms, yardarm supports, vertical ladders, platforms, anemometer, and wind director.

The rest of the set, contains the various gun platforms, their supports, a full complement of ships railings, the fixing strips for the linoleum, Type 13 radar, and the davits for the ships boats. Talking of which the cutter is provided with adhesive wooden decking, brass thwarts, new cradles and a set of oars.r, whilst the motor boat is fitted with new railings, lifering, rudder and propeller. The highly detailed accommodation ladders can be posed in use or stored on the ships deck. The associated cranes are also provided, as are the fixed steps fitted to each side of the quaterdeck. A nice touch is a pair of torpedoes and their transport trolleys which can be glued in any appropriate position the modeller wishes.

Conclusion
As an introduction to Infini Models products this set is pretty darn amazing. Everything is so well etched, turned or moulded it can certainly be placed as high as more established brands, if not higher. The inclusion of almost everything a modeller will need to make a museum quality model, including the rigging is very welcome, only some chain needs to be sourced. Considering the set comes in a reasonably small packet, it’s amazing what Infini have managed to include. Very highly recommended

Review sample courtesy of: