#1
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IJN Fuyuzuki [Modelik 1:200]
This is a build of the Japanese WWII Akizuki-class destroyer Fuyuzuki. This is my first cut on a real kit, previous times I simply scanned the original and reprinted in fear I might screw up everything badly enough. Thanks to ukpapermodels for the kit, I might add that the service is excellent.
I decided to build this in preparation for my own designs, turned out to be more painful than I expected. The print quality was excellent apart from occasional splotches of white. At a first glance it seemed like the model was computer-designed, so the fit should be excellent. - Not so... Will describe more as I move along. The Akizuki class is quite a large design for a destroyer, size rivalling that of the light cruiser Yubari. (they often were actually mistaken as cruisers and bombed as a result). This class is designed to be an anti-aircraft destroyer, and is armed with heavy AA armament. However Japan was so fond of their T'93 oxygen torpedoes that they insisted on having one set of launcher on board. In combat they proved to be powerful adversaries against US aircraft, but their size and costly construction meant only a handful were produced. A number of this class who entered the war late managed to survive. Fuyuzuki herself was launched in mid 1944, when Japan was fighting a losing battle at sea. Her moment of highlight was providing AA cover for Yamato on her suicidal assault. Among the rain of shells and torpedoes that day luck was on Fuyuzuki's side, and she was one of the few ships to come back from this mission (the other AA escort Suzutsuki was crippled and only crawled back two days later). Fuyuzuki hit a mine while under air attacks during the closing days of war and was disabled. Subsequently the ship was broken up, and the hull remained as breakwater to this day. --One of the first things is I found one set of triple AA to be missing, enough reason to do a photocopy before making the first cut.
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"The world is big" On hold: Fuyuzuki, Zao, Zara, Akizuki, Past works: XP55 Ascender, CA Ibuki, Seafang F32, IS-3, Spitfire V, J-20 |
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#2
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The hull. Hull skinning had always been a headache for me. Hulls built as-suggested often ends up looking like bamboo, so normally some sanding, filling or painting is required. I am allergic to foam fillers and spray paints, but is not going to settle without a fight. So I decided on this rather painstaking process in the photo to give the hull some chance to look passable, and it worked out quite well. - that is not mentioning the fit problems I encountered in the process. The fit is better than those hand-drawn kits, but the errors in some places still made me scratch my head. It seemed this design was concentrating down to the last detail on some places, but elsewhere simply skimmed past the surface. [I apologise for the quality of the photos...]
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"The world is big" On hold: Fuyuzuki, Zao, Zara, Akizuki, Past works: XP55 Ascender, CA Ibuki, Seafang F32, IS-3, Spitfire V, J-20 |
#3
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I failed miserably at the waterline hull. I had hoped the paper was stiff enough to not make the internal bulkheads show through, I was wrong. On hindsight I should have used the same method which I used on the underwater hull. There were also fit issues. I had to make strip papers for the bow and the stern. But this time the errors might have only been my own making and not with the design itself.
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"The world is big" On hold: Fuyuzuki, Zao, Zara, Akizuki, Past works: XP55 Ascender, CA Ibuki, Seafang F32, IS-3, Spitfire V, J-20 |
#4
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Well, whatever you say... and with the niggles you have, Lex !!! she looks mighty fine to me. I have never made a full hull ship yet, and when i do.... i hope it turns out as good as yours. We are all self critical of what we build - but you are doing a damn good job
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#5
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Amazing build,beautiful finish to the hull,the extra effort really paid off.
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Gee, I wish we had one of them doomsday machines |
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#6
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Looks good, Lex, a nice, smooth hull.
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Fred Bultman |
#7
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This is a great start!! That triple A is really impressive!
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Jim |
#8
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Lex, you’ve done a great job
When I encountered finished paper model at a certain site for the first time what captured my interest was how to shape the paper that can be curved in one direction into 3D curvature. Since then I have been pursuing a technique how to achieve it because lumpy bamboo-like hull and airframe blows up a model even though detailed parts are nicely built. Your beautiful hull will bring you success of entire ship |
#9
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This is beautiful work, Lex!
It's good to see another Akizuki under construction. You sure have some great paper mdoeling (and wire bending) skills! Don |
#10
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Terrific job on the hull, Lex! I don't know how many ships you've built before, but from the results you've achieved, it looks like you've been a shipwright for your entire life. Nicely done.
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Regards, Don I don't always build models, but when I do... I prefer paper. Keep your scissors sharp, my friends. |
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