1:700 Neo Equipment parts for IJN Ships (VIII)

A set of armament and equipment parts for Japanese ships 1:700, the eighth part of the range

The eighth set from the range of supplementary parts for ship models in 1:700 scale from the Japanese manufacturer Pit-Road. The package contains no ship kit, but small parts intended to replace the simplified moldings of the equipment and armament on a finished model. Their use assumes a basic kit bought separately.

What the set is for

The aim is to even out the level of detail across a whole model. When a finely rendered hull meets coarsely molded equipment in one kit, the eye notices it immediately and the overall impression drops. Replacement parts from a supplementary set have more faithful proportions, so once they are used the model reads as a whole. For collectors who build more than one ship there is also the advantage that a set bought once will usually last for several models. The make-up of this particular package is stated on the box.

Building and painting tips

Evening out the shade is essential. Supplementary parts tend to be molded in a different color of plastic from the kit, and even after being painted in the same shade they may read differently because of the different substrate. Spray a base color onto both the parts and the model, therefore, and only then apply the top shade. At the end go over the whole model with a light overspray of the same shade, which will even out the small differences. A matte varnish will then unify the surface in sheen as well and secure the fine edges. Work in a well-ventilated room and with your airways protected.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Japanese ships in 1:700 scale
• Modelers bothered by differing levels of detail on one model
• Collectors building several ships to a uniform standard
• More experienced modelers working with an airbrush and small parts

The set is an accessory for a kit, not a model in its own right. It is supplied unpainted; glue and paints are not included in the package.