Tamiya 1/700 Z Class Destroyer WIP

I'm still patiently awaiting the arrival of the PE railings, AA Guns and Radars.  I decided to do both ships, Z37 and Z39 with the PE add ons and I think I'm ready to attempt such an undertaking.

In the mean time, here are some photos to illustrate the inaccuracies of the main single  mounts.  Note on the photo of the real thing how flat and agled the front plate is.  There is a bulge perpendicular to the barrel the top of the turret near the front.  When you look at the kit parts see how off the turrets are?  The kit parts have the barrel lay in a groove on the top, when the guns should be sticking out of the face.  Also the bulge is at the rear of the turret top parallel with the guns.  Not even close to the real thing.

Ok, I just can't live with the bent mainmast. I began fabricating one from scratch using brass rod. Have I mentioned lately how much I love the dremel my wife got me a few years ago? 

My in-box review is finally up for those who are interested (best viewed with Internet Explorer)

http://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=4683

Originally I was planning on building the first straight out of the box, with the 2nd one getting the PE treatment.  I recently got some PE sets for my Prinz Eugen along with a generic set of AA guns, which was only $5.  So I now I'm thinking about using at least the PE AA guns on this one.  If I do that, I'll need to do something about the completely innacurate main turrets.... LOL

i have this same kit, and it's built about to where you are with yours.  i'm interested to see the pe additions. 

 

cheers!

Here's a shot with a penny so you can see how small this thing is. 

The superstructure assemblies are complete minus the AA guns.  I just need to do the turret assemblies and add a few other details before the painting can begin.  The life rafts and other details will be added last after painting.

There are very fine mold seams on some of the parts that required some careful scraping and delicate sanding, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Thanks!  I'm surprised there aren't more modelers interested in ships.  I should have an update tonight or tomorrow, finishishing up the superstructure sub-assemblies. 

Thanks for a WIP in the ships forum, WIPs are few and far between in this forum!