Anybody who's interested in this ship and leans toward the smaller scales might note that there's a beautiful 1/700
Mikasa already on the market, from a small Japanese company called Sealsmodel. It's injection-molded, and the detail and fit are just about the best I've ever seen. It's available through Pacific Front Hobbies. Sealsmodel makes several other early-twentieth-century Japanese warships on the same scale.
For a nice, appropriate contrast, there's a fascinating range of 1/700 resin kits from a Russian firm called Combrig (also available through Pacific Front). This company has covered most classes of Russian and Soviet warships, from the beginning of the twentieth century to the fall of Communism. The firm has been around for a while, and there's a noticeable difference in quality between its first kits and the most recent ones. The latest Combrig kits can stand comparison with any othe company's. And a piece of especially good news is the price. Combrig kits, compared with most resin offerings, are downright cheap.
I think I see a modest boom in interest in pre-Dreadnought warships. Bravo. They're fascinating and important ships, and make beautiful models.
Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.