Tamiya recently retooled their popular Yamato in 1/350. The result
was a much more accurate model of a favorite ship among modelers. However
as nice as it turned out, there is still room for improvement. Pontos Model
Company has released a new set tailor made for that new kit that will take
that kit to the next level. |
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| PHOTO ETCH |
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| FRET 1 |
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| This fret features a variety of railings in many different
styles. There are 2-bar, 3-bar, and drooped chain versions customized for
the platforms they locate on. Railings and details for the main gun turrets
really enhance the models appearance. The real crown jewel of this fret
is the intricately detailed aircraft crane. Photos of the assembled crane
and kit turrets with PE details from the Manufacturer are shown below as
well as the detailed turrets. |
click images
to enlarge
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| FRET 2 & 3 |
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| The catapults are the highlight of this fret, a mix of
the kits plastic parts with new framing and girderwork produce a very realistic
assembly. Footrails, and funnel grills and all new platforms really dress
up the funnel. These frets use relief etching to give them a more 3D appearance.
Machine gun parts, deck supports for the overhangs on the stern, and radar
parts are among the superdetail parts on these frets. |
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| FRET 4 & 5 |
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| A new stern deck with a diamond plate tread pattern provides
a realistic base when the aircraft dolly rails are added. The fifth fret
is primarily the degaussing cables for the hull. The turntables for the
aircraft handling deck and some additional rigging is also included. |
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| METAL BARRELS AND DETAILS |
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| New 18" (460 mm) main guns are drilled on the ends and feature that
distinctive flared ends. The 5" (127 mm) and 6" (155 mm) secondary guns
are also nicely done and also feature drilled out ends. |
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| Mast parts are also supplied to replace the clunky plastic parts included
in the kit. Here many manufactures rely on flat photo etch alone. Pontos
uses a combination of machined rods, photo etch and even resin to tie it
all together for the most realistic effect possible. The construction of
these parts mirrors how the real parts would have gone together. |
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| Not only are the large and medium guns barrels included, but also the
25 mm light anti-aircraft guns. These barrels are so small that you will
need good optics and tweezers to handle them. But they are light years
ahead of the kit's overscale plastic ones. |
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| As if 25 mm wasn't small enough, the 13 mm gun barrels are also included.
These are almost insane and very fine. It will take great patience to assemble
them, but your patience will be rewarded with true-to-scale replicas of
these machine guns. |
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| RESIN PARTS |
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| New parts cast in resin include Veteran's resin Type 89 127 mm
twin AA guns. These guns are the best available Japanese weapons on the
market and when coupled with machined gun barrels, and Pontos photo etch,
the result is a stunner. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are four large full color sheets showing
the areas of the ship that get the details and how they are applied. These
are pretty good and seem to show most of the assemblies, but I think for
a set this extensive, additional views would be helpful.
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| BUILDUP PHOTOS FROM THE MANUFACTURER |
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| The following photos from Pontos show the finished kit
and some subassemblies showing what your kit can look like.
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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This new set from Pontos, is a work of art. The photo etch and machined
brass parts are expertly designed and the end result is amazing. This is
kit #35003F1 1/350 IJN Yamato 1945 (new Tool) Detail Up Set with a retail
Price of $120 USD. Pricey, yes, but considering what it does to the
stock kit, well worth it in my opinion. If your going to use this set,
you might want to also consider replacing the deck on your kit with this
companion set.
Check their website
for more information or inquire
on the forum about the set. |
