Thank you my Friend..............

I think you are Mark. As you are probably aware of, Darter damaged Takao with 2-3 torpedoes.

Sadly he never told any stories to me and my friend really had not to relate. I heard he was pretty quiet about the past, but he loved to get together with fellow ex-submariners.

Thanks for the comments Gents. Mark I hope I finish this kit with justice for Daniel. The Stern Area is now finished including the deployed Boat Booms. This just leaves the Catapaults, Aircraft, Anchors and some weathering to go.  More to come soon.....Cheers Mark

Really nice work there.

I thought I'd share this little tidbit:

My oldest friend's father, Daniel Fong, passed away a week ago and was laid to rest Friday. Why do I bring this up? Well, he was a board the USS Dace, whom with the USS Darter, sank two of Kurita's heavy cruisers, Maya and Atago at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The two cruisers were the sisters of the Takao. Also, as I found out from the service, Mr. Fong was the first Chinese-American to serve aboard a USS submarine!

Lookin' real nice surfsup! I've enjoyed following your build and it makes me want to get back to my unfinished Maya! I agree that P/E and rigging can try one's patience some times but when you get a beautiful model like yours it's all worth it! Again, great job!

Mark

After a small break I am back into it. I decided the Rigging was enough of what I have done so left it as is. The Props have now been added. I have also installed the Fore Rails along with the Seaman's Platforms at the Bow and the Boarding Ladder. More to come soon.....Cheers Mark

Thanks for the comments my Friend. Much appreciated.......Cheers Mark

Looking real good,she is a beautiful ship,projects speed and power,and you have nailed it

Some People would think so my Friend so here she is with her Rigging about half done. More to come soon.....Cheers Mark

I would think that rigging would be the worst part of building.

Ok. Her 9Mtre Cutters have been mounted to their Davits abaft the Bridge. Now the fun part part of Rigging has started. More to come soon.....Cheers Mark

Ok. After a bit of a struggle, both Main and Foremasts are now stepped. More Pics to come shortly.....CHeers mark

So true my Friend. Will be starting on the foremast soon so will have some Pics up shortly.....Cheers mark

Looking good.Amazing that we find this to be fun.

I was also scared to try at first but when you dip a Toe in, the lot uaually follows. OK back into her. Catapaults are now onboard and the Mainmast is almost done. More to come shortly.....Cheers mark

I so wish I had the guts to try a 1/350 with PE. Sadly I don't. However, if a US Colorado or Tennessee class BB were to come out.......

Thanks for the comments Tojo. Have started on the Catapaults. Will have some Pics up shortly......Cheers Mark

outstanding PE work

Main Motor Launches are now finished and are now onboard. More to come soon.....Cheers mark

Except for some Canvas Covers, the Main Motor Launches are now done. The Pen gives you an idea of their size.....More to come soon.....Cheers mark

Ok. Have started work o her Motor Launches. I used the Hasegawa A/M Set for them. Lovely detail but tiny P/E. The Aust Dollar in the Pic gives you an idea of the size I am working in. More to come soon.....Cheers mark

Thanks for the comments my Friend. Anyone wanting to upgrade a Kit should have a look at the Veteran Models Website. They may be Finicky to put together but the details is astonishing..... Cheers Mark

Mark:

Those AA mounts and searchlights are just insane detail!

Cliff

Thanks Tiger. The A/A Mounts are now done and fitted Amidships. The Detail in the Veteran A/M Sets are unbelievable but very fiddly. Kit Parts look woeful next to them. More to come shortly.....Cheers mark

Keeps getting better.

Not happy with the A/A Mounts so will be using these little Beauties instead.....Cheers mark

This Kit has almost hit the Wall. The fit is terrible. The Midship Section sand Armement is done and fitted. More to come shortly.....Cheers mark

Thanks for the comments Mark and Felix. Have started on the Midship A/A and Searchlight Deck. Lots of P/E Here with more to come.....Cheers mark

WOW, that's an amazing job so far. I can't wait to see the finished product.