1/700 IJN Maya (Aoshima)
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by Dan Kaplan |
1/700 IJN Maya (Aoshima)
This is a build of the Aoshima 1/700 IJN heavy cruiser Maya kit in her mid 1944 fit. The last few photos provide a nice comparison with sister Chokai 1942.
I know that many IJN aficionados prefer Maya’s final configuration as an AA cruiser over the standard CA configurations of her sisters, but I can’t say that I share that view. However, the kit was in my stash and, as mentioned at the outset of my build log, this particular effort began as a follow-on to my Chokai build back in 2007, so as to take advantage of the learning curve resulting from that project. However, my interest waned after a brief start, and I did not return to Maya for several years, until mid 2011. The time off allowed me to return with enthusiasm to the build. Well, at least initially.
Of the available 1/700 kits for Maya, the Aoshima new tool-clear bridge version remains the most accurate to date with regard to the shape and size of the hull, bridge, and substructures. As with the Aoshima Chokai kit, the Maya kit still requires some corrections, scratch-building and detailing, despite its fundamental accuracy and correctly scaled details. In fact, the extra effort is true of all the Aoshima new tool Takao kits in order to make them truly shine.
Earlier this year, Richard Price’s ultrafine rendition of the Aoshima 1/700 Takao was posted in the gallery, and Richard mentioned that it absorbed several hundred (900?) hours of work to achieve that level of finish and detail. I’d say that sounds about right. I don’t think that I put in quite as many hours as Richard (maybe 700+) but the project was a lot more effort than I had anticipated.
For those who are curious, the PitRoad and Aoshima versions are very similar in terms of parts breakdown, but are not interchangeable. The same can be said of the new Fujimi Takao kit. I had contemplated a kitbash from several different Maya kits but, in the end, I choose only to use the PitRoad 12.7cm HA mount bases as they were thinner and had more appealing detail.
One detail that I chose not to install was a degaussing cable. Common wisdom prevails that Maya carried such a cable throughout her career, and in the same manner as her sisters. Certainly, every plan and authoritative build of Maya that I’ve come across in her 1944 configuration has depicted one.
While I agree that the cable was installed at the war’s outset, a close examination of the photographic record of Maya’s battle damage as she entered drydock at Yokosuka in December 1943 (just prior to her AA conversion) indicates otherwise. In fact, it appears to me that Maya’s degaussing cable was removed prior to this point in time.
Two other details I chose to admit were a stern rolloff rack for depth charges and an emergency rudder lashed to her stern. I did not find enough substantive evidence for the first detail, and I do not think the rudder was added to her equipment until later that year.
I made extensive use of the new FineMolds NanoDread line of 1/700 accessories, particularly the 25mm mounts, both triples and singles, the 110cm searchlights &, folding davits. I also utilized the new PitRoad NE line of accessories , notably the 12.7cm HA mounts and some of the ship’s boats.
I’d like to extend my thanks to all the board members who encouraged and critiqued me during the build process. All of your comments were greatly appreciated.
Details and Photo Etch
Corrections
Pictorial References
