1:700 Grade Up Parts IJN Anti Aircraft Gun Set (IJN Shokaku)

Grade Up Parts — IJN anti-aircraft armament for the ship Shokaku, 1:700, Fujimi

A detailing set from the Grade Up Parts line of the Japanese manufacturer Fujimi. This is not a standalone ship model but an add-on that replaces or fills out the anti-aircraft armament on the model of the aircraft carrier Shokaku in 1:700 scale with more finely rendered parts. The set is intended above all for Fujimi kits, but builders of other Japanese vessels in the same scale will also find a use for it.

The real subject

Shokaku was one of the most modern aircraft carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She entered service in 1941, her aircraft took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor and in the battles in the Coral Sea and off the Santa Cruz Islands. She was sunk in June 1944 in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The anti-aircraft defense of ships of that era consisted of 12.7 cm dual-purpose guns and quick-firing 25 mm guns, whose number gradually rose during the war — and it is precisely these small weapons that are the most rewarding place for detailing in 1:700 scale.

Usage tips

Separate the small parts with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface and work with tweezers. Apply the glue in minimal amounts with a pin or a needle. It is more convenient to paint the weapons while still on the fret and only touch them up after fitting; a dark wash at the end brings out the relief of the barrels and mounts beautifully.

Who the set is for

• for modelers who want to take a 1:700 ship model to a higher level of detail
• for builders of Japanese aircraft carriers, above all the ship Shokaku
• for makers of competition and collection models
• for anyone who enjoys working with fine add-ons

This is an add-on set, not a complete ship model. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; glue and paints are not included in the package.