by Marty Shay
1/700 IJN Musashi (Fujimi)
This is the Fujimi 1/700 scale IJN Musashi. Released in January it is a new casting available in four versions for about $25. The Tamiya versions retail for about $34. This version is the “as-built” early war configuration with the two large flank turrets and a relatively light AA fit. The casting and level of engraved detail is gorgeous, it is easily the equal of the Tamiya kit in detail. The Tamiya kit was easier to build, this kit has a lot of sub-microscopic parts which add to the level of detail but are very fiddly to assemble.
My impression is that the hull and turrets are slightly distorted, somewhat flatter and longer than other model kits of the Yamato/Musashi I've built over the years but it gives her a very sleek racy look. The turret “wings” are too large as cast, I trimmed them down a bit. IMHO the Tamiya kit is more accurate in terms of dimensions and proportions but I don't have my build of the Tamiya kit available for a side by side comparison.
There is no historical basis for the paint scheme, I wanted to see what a Yamato would look like in camo so that's the way I built her. The rigging is stretched sprue.
Here are some good links to the history, specs and actual photos of the ship:
http://www.combinedfleet.com/yamato_c.htm
http://www.combinedfleet.com/yamplan1.jpg
http://www.combinedfleet.com/musashi.htm
http://www.warship.get.net.pl/Japonia/Battleships/1941_Yamato_class/_Musashi_photos.html
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/japan/japsh-m/musashi.htm
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/japan/japsh-xz/yamato.htm
