Takao Heavy Cruiser 1:350 Etch set

[Shar2]

Takao Class Heavy Cruiser

1:350 Etch Set

Although White Ensign Models released this set a while ago, the Aoshima kits of the Takao, Chokai and Maya are still available and in need of extra detail. We haven’t had a chance to review the set before, but thanks to John at WEM we can change this situation.

This very comprehensive set comes on two frets, the first of which is 290 x 125mm with about 58 parts squeezed onto it. This fret contains the ships railings, the majority of which are sized to fit in their respective positions, with the bow railings shaped to fit easily onto the flared fo'c's'le. All the turrets get a lot of extra detail, with side ladders, aerial masts, turret top railings and a choice of open or closed sight windows. The ships aircraft, Dave, Alf, Pete and Jake, get new props and a full complement of struts. The ships radars get an overhaul with replacement etched parts for all types of radars and aerials, along with antenna spreaders. Both the 11m Ceremonial and motor boats get a new set of finely detailed fittings and there is a nice touch with the addition of extended boat booms, complete with Jacob ladders and ropes. The ships crane rigging is completely replaced with the superbly etched replacement on this sheet. The rest of the parts include inclined ladders, vent grilles, two type of vertical ladders, Sea boat boarding ladders and yardarm footropes. Finally there is a choice of using either Type 3 or Type 5 catapult mechanisms, for which research will be required to ascertain which type was used on which ship.

The second fret of 290x175mm contains the different assemblies for the Type 3 and Type 5 catapults for the mechanisms mentioned above. The flight deck is provided with new turntables, rails, trolleys and cradles for each of the different types of aircraft. The ships boats have more details on this sheet, including new thwarts and gunwhales, oars, rudders, props and skegs, plus replacement cradles and davits. For the ship itself there are replacement gun towers, new mast platforms and supports, bridge windows, new turret side and rear plating, turret sliding doors, parts for single and twin 12.7cm guns, win and triple 25mm guns and completely new twin 13mm, single 25mm and single 0.5” machine guns. The kits main crane jib is replaced with a folded etched item along with new boats cranes, and various boat/accommodation davits/ladder and torpedo loading crane. If building the ship at rest with awnings fitted there is a selection of small/medium and large awning stations provided. Finally there is new quarterdeck plating fitted with antenna towers and smoke generators.

Conclusion

Even though this set has been out for a while the quality is still what we have come to expect from White Ensign Models. The etching is superb with loads of minute detail. Although one ship can be completed to a really high standard, there are enough parts left over to add to a second ship to either an earlier/later build depending on what the first builds era. Recommended

Review sample courtesy of John at