by Martin J. Quinn
1/700 IJN Maya (PitRoad)
The model was built with the addition of the Fine Molds photo-etch set for this class - the bridge windows, foremast, crane and radars all come from this set. The railings are from Tom's Modelworks, the inclined ladders are from Gold Medal Models, while the figures are from a pre-painted Eduard set (a first for me). The single 25mm guns are the tremendous Fine Mold "nano" weapons. These have to be seen to be believed - they are incredibly delicate.
The model was painted with White Ensign colourcoats - Yokosuka gray for the hull, Linoleum for the deck. The model was weathered with a Payne's Grey oil wash, the rigging is Caenis thread.
The water is acrylic matt medium gel, painted with acrylic artist colors.
I've heard a lot of good things about PitRoad kits, but I was not really impressed by this one - the fit isn't that good, plus there was lots of flash and knock out pin marks. I've heard the Aoshima kit of Maya is superior to this version - wish I heard that before I started building!
