1:700 Super Battleship No.25 Yamato Wooden Deck w/Masking & PE Sheets for Aoshima 05123

Wooden deck, masks and etch for Yamato in 1:700 scale

The combined package from Artwox Model brings together the three things most often dealt with on the deck: an adhesive veneer with pre-printed plank laying, masking sheets and photo-etched parts. Everything is cut for the Aoshima 05123 kit. The set is not a model on its own; you need a base 1:700 ship kit to go with it.

Why veneer instead of engraved plastic

An injection-molded deck has the plank laying only suggested by an engraved line, which largely disappears once paint is sprayed on. Thin veneer carries the grain and the texture of wood in its own substance, so it stays legible even under varnish and changes in the light according to the viewing angle. In 1:700 scale this is one of the few steps that change the look of the whole model in one go.

Tips on laying and finishing

First clear the plastic deck of flash and degrease it, otherwise the veneer will start to lift at the edges after a few days. Take the protective film off in sections, not all at once. Lay the veneer dry first, check the outlines around the superstructure and the hatches, and only then glue it, working from the center out to the sides. Make any trimming cuts with a fresh blade and a light stroke; a blunt knife tears the wood. The shade can be fine-tuned with wood stain or thinned oil paint, and at the end reach for a matte varnish, which firms the veneer up and unifies the sheen with its surroundings.

Who the set is for

• Ship builders who want to improve the deck without touching the structure
• Modelers building exactly the kit the set is cut for
• Those who want the deck, the masks and the etch in one package instead of three purchases
• More experienced beginners willing to work slowly and with a sharp knife

An accessory for a model, not a kit. The base model, paints and glue are not included in the package. Check the match with your kit before you buy.