Taking a sabbatical from wings and rotors, I found Hasegawa’s twenty plus year old flattop beached on the back shelf of the local shop.  

Originally issued with a motor, this kit is definitely showing its age. Mould seams and extra flesh are present throughout. Some experts have also pointed to the inaccurately shaped torpedo bulge. These shortcomings are easily remedy through sanding and replacement with styrene and brass.

After initial airbrushing, Eduard PE railings were added. From a personal perspective, I feel Eduard’s products are aesthetically excellent. However, they’re far too fragile for an average modeler such as myself. Luckily, there are enough railings on the fret allowing some latitude to rework mistakes. 

Photoshop provided a glimpse of how the model would appear had she been made as a waterline.

This is my first nautical subject in five years. The reason: ships are dust magnets. Hence, I resolved to build an oak case as an integral part of this project. Now, I’ve found woodworking equally as addictive as modeling. Maybe it’s time to trade-in the Dremel for a Black & Decker.

Moses