Reviewed by Timothy Dike
| The Shikinami was an improved Fubuki class destroyer, with dual purpose 5" guns, better anti aircraft protection and a strengthened bridge design. She helped support the Midway attack and was used in the Solomon Isles. She also fought in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, and the Battle off Biak before becoming a victim of the US submarine Growler on September 12th 1944. | |
| This is one of the original Waterline kits put out by Tamiya, it not up to today's standards but with a little work it can be made into a nice model. | |
| The hull is pretty good shape wise however it doesn't have as much detail as some of the newer offerings such as the recent Skywave kits like the DD Mitchisio. There are also some big sink holes to fill on the bow. |
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| This is a pretty simple kit to build as there are not that
many parts to assemble. The weapons are pretty plain and I would recommend
replacing them with the Skywave IJN weapons set, and adding photo etch.
This kit is one of the earliest ones as it has a metal base that is attached with screws. Most waterline kits went to a plastic piece for this bottom insert. There is a decal set with a flag and the ships name, and of course the tube of glue might come in handy. |
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| The instructions are good, consisting of several exploded views showing the subassemblies and the modeler should have no problems following along. This kit is one of the original releases so there is no english translation. |  |
| Also typical of the water line kits this one has a painting guide on
the back of the box.
Conclusions: This is really not a bad kit, it just needs some upgrading. Perhaps some photo etch and an IJN weapons set to replace the older ones on this kit. I'm not sure if Tamiya has retooled this mold as this particular kit has been sitting around in my friend Ron's unbuilt kit stash for ages. I believe this kit has a current retail of about $11.50, but it is doubtful that you will have to pay that much. |
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