Reviewed May 2015
by Timothy Dike
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DDG-177 Atago is currently in service with the JMSDF. She is an able ship, equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, sophisticated detection and ranging equipment, and crewed by expert sailors. The ship is loaded with a bevy of various missiles-anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air missiles are all carried as well as a host of torpedoes, point-defense 20mm Gatling cannons, a standard five-inch gun and even an onboard helicopter. Though it has never participated in a conflict, there can be no doubt that Atago would acquit itself well under any circumstances. This new kit from Hasegawa features sharp detailing and full decals. Let's see what's in the box. |
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| SPRUE A | |||||||||||||||||
| The hull is molded in two halves in a full hull configuration. The hull is very detailed and includes sockets to brace the inside for strength. If you are wanting to display your ship in waterline style, you will have to figure out your own cutting line from the painting diagram in the instructions. Bilge keels and stabilizing fins are separately applied. | Click to
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| SPRUE B | |||||||||||||||||
| Decks and superstructure all have nice surface detail. VLS hatches are nicely done as are bow anchor handling gear. |  |
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| SPRUE C, D, E, & F | |||||||||||||||||
| These sprues contain the Harpoon launchers, CWIS, Radar illuminators, RHIB's and many other fittings and fixtures. All very nicely detailed. |  |
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| SPRUE G & H | |||||||||||||||||
| Finely molded propellers as well as shafts and struts are featured here. Radomes and the main gun are also well molded. The main gun turret has a separate gun that can be posed at any realistic angle. |  |
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| SPRUE K | |||||||||||||||||
| The SH60 Seahawk is nicely detailed with separate rotors and stabilizers. |  |
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| DECALS | |||||||||||||||||
| My kit had two sheets of decals with similar markings for JMSDF Guided Missile Destroyer ATAGO Hull number 177. Flight deck markings, flags and aircraft markings are included. |  |
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| INSTRUCTIONS | |||||||||||||||||
Sixteen pages show the assembly process with step by step
subassemblies as well as painting and decal locations.
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| BUILDUP | |||||||||||||||||
| These are photos supplied by Hasegawa of their Atago built up and painted out of the box. As you can see it builds into a fine ship with plenty of detailing. |  |
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| CONCLUSION | |||||||||||||||||
A nicely detailed kit of a modern Japanese DDG to add to your 1/450 kit collection. This is kit # HSGS4152 1/450 DDG Atago from the Famous Ship Series with a list price of $54.99 US. Thanks to Hobbico (Great Planes) Model Distributors for the review sample. They are your US distributors for Hasegawa. |
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