Flyhawk 1/350
IJN Takao Super Detail Set

Reviewed by Timothy Dike
This new set is designed specifically for the Aoshima 1/350 IJN Takao 1944. It addresses the lack of fine detail on an otherwise nice kit. This set includes an extensive set of photo etch replacement parts, machined brass gun barrels, and even includes some Veteran Models resin and photo etch details.  Click images
to enlarge
FRET A
This fret is relief etched  and includes many of the platforms, grates, and grills. There are gussets and other supporting parts. I like the way railings are attached to many of the platforms which will give you a head start on attaching them.
FRET B
New turret sides are included on this fret with some really nice etching. These sides are applied over the existing plastic parts and the difference is night and day. 
FRET C
New cranes, and rigging are provided here. Girderwork for the superstructure supports are relief etched for that 3D look. 
 
FRET D
This fret includes funnel footrails and other parts to make the soft plastic funnels look much better.
FRET E
A couple of really nice catapult assemblies are included with a etch diamond tread pattern on the deck. Aircraft dollies are also included. 
FRET F
A whole new deck for the float planes are provided on this fret. Diamond tread plate is etched on the surface with spaces provided for the separate rails and turntables. 
FRET G
New boat accessories are included with cradles to mount them on. Boat decks and complete cabins are included to give you a more realistic set of boats. 
FRET H
Door assemblies include attached frames, and front and back sides of the door. These fold up into a bulkier assembly. A variety of sizes are included.
FRET I
Boat davits, and a multitude of platforms and supports make up this fret. Again extensive use of relief etching is used to enhance the level of detail. 
FRET J
This fret contains the railings for the ship. There are several styles, some with drooping chain, and some solid bar types. The bow rails sweep upward to match the deck profile. They are also relief etched anchors that fold over to give them thickness. 
FRET K
Degaussing cables are provided in several sections. Vertical and inclined ladders of several types are also included. Cable and hose reels of several sizes and many other detail items make up the rest of the fret.
TYPE 89 12.7 CM 40 CAL AA GUNS
There are four Type 89 12.7cm AA guns included. These are made by Veteran Models  and include resin, photo etch and machined brass gun barrels. The resin is finely detailed and some of  the nicest castings I have ever seen. 

The resin gun mounts have openings that readily accept the brass barrels and the barrels themselves have realistic drilled out ends. The latter are almost surgical quality and I only wish my camera could take better pictures to show these off. 
TYPE 96 25MM TRIPLE AA GUNS
Six Veteran Models Type 96 Triple AA guns are included with resin and photo etch details. These have separate cradles and gun assemblies. The casting is wonderful with all kinds of rich detail on the gun. 

The brass photo etch includes sights, seats and firing pedals. 
TYPE 96 25 MM TWIN AA GUNS
Veteran Models Type 96 Twin AA guns are also included. These are similar to the triple mounts Six are included with their own photo etch frets to supply the sights, and seats. 
TYPE 96 25 MM SINGLE AA GUNS
Thirty of the Veteran Models Type 96 Single AA guns are included with some really nice photo etch base plates and sight details. The gun and pedestal are separate so the gun can be posed at different angles. These are highly detailed guns and it is amazing that they can be cast with such fine barrels. 
6CM, 8CM, 12CM BINOCULAR SETS WITH VOICE PIPES
The binoculars are provided by Veteran Models from their  IJN 6cm, 8cm, 12cm Binocular Set w/ Voice Pipes set. Three sizes along with some that also have signal lamps and infra-red message transmitter are included. Voice pipes for the various crew stations are included as well. 
SEARCH LIGHT SET
The best IJN searchlights on the market are included in this set. These Veteran Models parts are provided in four sizes. 60CM Searchlights x 4, 30CM Deck Lamps x 4, 30CM Signal Lamps x 4 and Type 92 110cm Searchlights x 4. The detail on these parts is amazing. 
20.3 (8") CM 50 CAL MAIN GUN BARRELS
Ten new 20.3cm 50Cal. Main Gun Brass Gun Barrels are provided with hollowed out ends. These are machined to fit into the blast bags provided in resin. I didn't even have to clean the parts up to get the barrels to fit into the cast in sockets. 
25MM AMMO BOXES 
Eight 25mm Ammunition Boxes in two styles are provided in resin. These have hinge and latch details and are scale sized. 
CATAPULT LAUNCHING DEVICE, SHIKI 1 & 2 ANNTENNA MOUNT, AND LOOKOUT BINOCULAR
The photo etch catapult looks great, but there are some parts that can't be done in photo etch. So a resin cylinder is provided to give that part a better look. Triangular Antenna mounts, 110cm Search Light Controller, and four  lookout binocular set provide the final details. 
INSTRUCTIONS
Eleven pages of instructions are included with step by step assembly notes. The back side of the packaging provides a graphic list of the brass frets. The instructions are pretty extensive and look like they include plenty of info to detail your ship. 
BUILDUP PHOTOS
These are photos from Flyhawk showing the details installed on an unpainted model. These give you a good idea of how extensive this set is.
Conclusions:
This set is very impressive. There are a lot of photo etch accessories and the addition of the Veteran resin and PE details makes this a very complete upgrade for your Aoshima kit. If your looking for a one stop upgrade, this is your set. It is #FH 350002 1/350 Takao Cruiser 1944 for Aoshima and can be found wherever fine aftermarket sets are sold. List price is around $200 US.