The SteelNavy.Com Message Board: Re: I had fun with my Mogami kit

I am sorry, Ralph, I should have specified that is LPH. 3D-Wild posted 1/700 full hull option to order, but I was in Japan. After I was ready to order, they took that option off due to "no order". I begged them to consider. I guess that is a rescaled kit from their 1/350. I am also hoping there will be a kit of USS Bougainville LHA.

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Thank you very much for that news. I have no interest in Long Beach, but Iwo Jima...perhaps. What aircraft does it come with?

Ultimately, I am satisfied with my good old Wasp LHD. And eventually, Bougainville LHA will commission, then eventually someone will put it in kit form. And that should then have King Stallion, Viper and Venom helos along with F-35Bs (and Ospreys, of course.) I am thus content enough to bide my time and wait for this. However, if Iwo had those aircraft all available with it now, I would strongly consider it.

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Hi Ralph, JMSDF FFM is quite unique. Since I prefer full hull 1/700, I built Pitroad' s and the producer has the latest of this ship with VLS (FFM-8). BTW, I received message from 3D-Wild that they will make a full hull version of USS Iwo Jima and maybe USS Long Beach (modified version) for me. You might want to contact them if you would like to order them.

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The recent news of the US Navy on another frigate quest set me on one of my own. A search located a 1/700 Tamiya Mogami FFM for under $20, and nearby at Scale Hobbyist in New Hampshire. While another search then turned up the PitRoad 1/700 offering, I ultimately concluded I could be happy with the "basic representation" of the Tamiya. I was!

The plastic quality was great, and the fit was incredible. I honestly don't think I have had any other kit fit as well or better. After assembling the port and starboard hull halves to supporting bow and stern sections, the instructions have you make four assemblies, then "snap" them up into position from underneath. The stern-most pair of assemblies snapped in well enough. There is a "deck" over the hangar, then the hangar innards snap in snuggly underneath that, and the two help hold each other in place. However, the next two assemblies are upper, and have nothing else beneath them. I found they also snapped in a bit loosely. If they later did slip out and drop down, there was no way to get at them once the waterline base plate was installed. I decided that glue for these would prevent potential future grief. With glue, they are snug and secure, and I have peace of mind.

It was a delightful little build. Straightforward, with great fit. A subject I am very much a fan of. Altogether, one of those times this hobby was fully the enjoyment we're in it for. Would that they could all be like this! Very satisfying.