Hasegawa

1/350 Yahagi photo etch "Detail Up Parts Super" For the Hasegawa 1/350 Yahagi

Stock Number: 40075

Reviewed By  Bill Kluge, IPMS# 45849

MSRP: $111.95 Review item courtesy of Dragon USA: Website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com There are two separate trains of thought when you try to describe Hasegawa's approach to photo etch details for their ship models. On the one hand, the level of detail of the parts is superb. The brass is easy to work - somewhat thinner than Gold Medal brass, and thicker than Tom's. Its easy to manipulate, and keeps its shape well. The individual sets cover a wide multitude of parts and include everything that you could conceivably think of to render in brass. That brings us to the other hand. They eventually provide so much in the way of PE parts, that they can't possibly put it in one set (or even two). For the Yahagi, there are four sets available to add photo etch detail to the model. It's the division of parts in each set that has you wondering if the decision was made by modelers or businessmen. Its hard to tell what's in each of the other three individual sets, but I'd bet that you'd need at least two or three of them to cover what I'd consider to be the ship's essential details. What you do get in this "Detail Up Parts Super" set includes: The aircraft handling deck. Parts for this platform constitute over half the set, and consist of both a topside and underside piece. The steel plating is minutely detailed. There are dozens of parts that represent the network of girders that line the underside of the platform. The sidewalls present inside and outside detail. Interestingly, the small work shed that sits on this platform is included in one of the other Hasegawa sets. The catapult. Here you get the top and sides (outside and inside) along with the pulleys. You'll need to use the catapult bottom from the kit parts. You also get the aircraft dollies and catapult cradle. Various small boat and aircraft parts. These include rails, mast, rudder, prop, oars, etc., as well as the deck cradles for the boats. Aircraft parts include props, pontoon struts and rudders, as well as radar antenna for the Jakes, and even props for the torpedoes that come with the kit. Gun Barrels. Six open-ended brass barrels to replace the main battery 6" (150 mm) guns. Miscellaneous parts. The set also includes an accommodation platform and ladder. As you can see, this set is in no way "complete". You'll have to look to either the "Agano Class Detail Up Basic A", "Basic B" or "Yahagi Operation Ten-Ichi-Go 1945" set to find things like deck and platform railings, yardarm detail, ladders, radars, funnel guard, prop guards, AA gun shields and details, crane and searchlight tower. Since all of these details (and then some) are pictured on the box top photo for this set, it's a bit confusing. To be fair, the small print does warn that not all parts shown are included in this set. You'll need to invest in multiple sets to get complete PE coverage if you want to use the Hasegawa details. Unfortunately, you'll have to do a bit of investigation to determine just what details are in each set. Be that as it may, this set includes some very nice details for your Yahagi (or Agano, when she comes out). If you like adding PE details to your ship models, then this set is the start of everything you'll need. My thanks go to the former importer of Hasegawa products, Dragon Models, for providing this review sample.