| While classified as a helicopter destroyer
the Izumo is actually a helicopter carrier. When completed in March
2015 she was a largest warship built by Japan since the Second World War.
The ship will displace 27,000 tons full load and carry up to 28 aircraft
of various types. Officially it will operate helicopters, however
the V22 Osprey and the F35 Lightning can be deployed in the future.
Armament consists of two SeaRAM and two Phalanx CIWS backed up by a
variety of radar and sonar systems. The ship is designed primarily
for the ASW role but can also be used as a search and rescue platform or
even an amphibious assault platform.
This new kit by Hasegawa will allow you to portray the ship in most
any of these roles.
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| SPRUE A |
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| The first sprue consist primarily of the flight deck, platforms
and ships boats. Molding is sharp and clean. |
Click to
enlarge image |
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| SPRUE B |
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| This sprue features the waterline base, the bow, stern platform, and
various hull inserts. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| The hull is molded in halves with the starboard side shown here.
Many of the levels for the island are included here. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| The port side is included on the sprue with many of the platforms,
again with nice molding. |
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| SPRUE E |
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| The island superstructure is included on the sprue. Slide molding
is used here to allow for a virtually seamless construction with detail
on three sides. The result is nicely detailed bridge windows. |
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| SPRUE F |
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| Radomes, antenna, and various mast parts are included on the sprue. |
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| SPRUE G |
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| These parts are the internal braces that help hold the hull shape. |
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| SPRUE J |
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| Two of these sprues are included featuring the V-22 Osprey and various
trucks and deck equipment. The V-22 is provided with engine pods
rotated for vertical takeoff or horizontal takeoff. Standard cargo
and 18 wheeled trucks are included. Forklifts, tow tractors, and
even a cherry picker are included. These are all nicely molded and
in most cases one piece. |
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| SPRUE K |
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| Two sprues are provided with the helicopters. Folded and deployed
rotor blades are provided. |
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| DECALS |
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| Markings for JMSDF DDH-183 include hull numbers, flight deck markings,
as well as flags and helicopter markings. Window decals are provided
for the various aircraft, all are sharp clear and well registered. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| Two large pages show the assembly process with step by
step subassemblies as well as painting and decal locations.An extra sheet
printed front and back is provided showing railing locations for the upgrade
set available separately. This will come in handy even if you choose
to use your own photo etch railing.
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| CONCLUSION |
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 This
new kit release is perfectly timed to coincide with Japan's newest ship
entering service. If you want your modern JMSDF fleet to be up to
date you'll need to add this the DDH to your collection.
This is kit # HSGS4931 1/700 JMSDF DDH183 Izumo Helicopter Destroyer
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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