| The Mashu class combat support ships are an enlarged and
improved version of the Towada
Class ships. These new ships are very large at 13,500 tons with a length
of 725 feet. With a 24 Knot speed they can keep up with today's Carrier
Task Groups and transfer supplies in almost any condition. The large hanger
deck allowed for VERTREP operations via Helicopter, and the ship can load
simultaneously from both sides at high speeds. For self defense there are
two Phalanx 20 mm CIWS. There are currently two in service with a third
one planned. |
FleetNet is a relatively new comer to the Resin Ship business. They
are not without experience as they are responsible for the fine casting
on the AKI Sangamon CVE.
Owner Junpei Funayama has produced their own kit with this new kit of one
of Japans newest additions to their fleet.
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| HULL |
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| The hull is clean and sharp and very well cast. The ship
features some very nice winch and other deck details. There are cast holes
for locating the superstructure parts and the fit is extremely good. Chocks
are cast in place and also well cast on my sample. The hull sits flat with
no warp or distortion and is almost ready to paint right out of the box. |
click images
to enlarge
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The helo deck on the stern fits almost perfectly and the seam is almost
invisible when the part is set in place.
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE |
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| The main bridge structure also features some sharp detailing. Even
the square window openings are well cast. The aft superstructures includes
some really amazing thin deck wings that are thin and flat. The corrugated
hanger doors really stand out. The vent and door openings are more subtle
and will benefit from a light wash when finishing to bring out the details. |
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All structures are cast with locating pins on the bottom that help align
the parts. The parts are cast with small sprues that will need only minor
touch up when removed.
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| SMALL RESIN PARTS |
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| There are a variety of small resin parts such as cranes, davits, and
other parts that are well cast with only a small amount of light flash.
The mast is cast as one part with all the attached platforms extremely
well done. |
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| PLASTIC PARTS SPRUE |
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| A plastic parts sprue from the Pit-Road Towada is included to supply
some of the extra parts. I applaud this manufacturer for not simply casting
copies. These are well molded and and you will have several spare parts
to add to your collection. |
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| DECALS |
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| A decal sheet with hull numbers for all three ships of this class is
included. Helo deck markings are sharp and colorful. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are three pages with a parts list, and
several sub-assembly views. A plan and profile drawing is on page three
with noted parts placement. These are adequate to build this ship, but
I would like to have seen some better views of the UNREP fittings for superdetailing.
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| FINISHED KIT |
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I was very impressed by the fit of these parts. I just
had to see how this kit would look with some of the parts in place.
The above three photo's show a primed version of this kit from the manufacturer.
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| BUILDERS MODEL |
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| These photo's show the kit built out of the box without any added after
market details. As you can see it presents an impressive ship. It would
look great alongside your JMSDF ships or her allies. |
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Photo's of the Manufactures Model built up |
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Conclusions: This is a great first effort from Fleet Net. The casting
is very fine, and the fit is great. I look forward to more Fleet Net kits.
You can purchase this kit from Pacific
Front Hobbies, and White
Ensign Models or direct from FleetNet. The kit has a retail price of
$130.00 US a bit pricey for some, but typical of ships of this size and
quality. More photo's of this kit can be found on the FleetNet
website. |
