1:700 JMSDF Hyuga Photo-Etched Parts

Photo-etched parts for the JMSDF Hyuga in 1:700 scale (Aoshima)

A set of photo-etched parts from the Japanese manufacturer Aoshima intended for detailing a model of the modern helicopter destroyer Hyuga of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in 1:700 scale. This is not a kit in its own right; the set refines a base model, which has to be obtained separately.

Use

• The etched parts replace simplified plastic parts with fine metal detail that injection-molded plastic cannot faithfully reproduce in this scale.
• The typical gain lies in fine gratings, railings and other small structures; the exact range of the set is stated by the instructions in the package.
• The parts are separated with a sharp knife on a hard surface and glued with super glue (cyanoacrylate).
• Tweezers with smooth jaws or a specialized bending tool for etched parts are good for bending.

The real subject

The Hyuga is a helicopter destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force taken into service in 2009, a ship with a continuous flight deck for operating helicopters, which carries the name of the historical battleship. Detailing with etched parts comes out exactly on the broad deck and on the superstructure full of fine antennas and sensors.

Who the set is for

For more experienced modelers who want to take a model of a modern Japanese ship through to competition or collection level. Working with etched parts in 1:700 calls for patience and suitable tools, but the resulting difference is visible at first glance.

The set is an accessory to a model: the kit of the ship itself, the glue and the paints are not included in the package.