IJN I-400 Submarine by Estufan Papercraft in 1:400

**Fishcarver** · #1 02-09-2011, 01:38 AM

So, Okay, I bit the bullet, spent the $USD 24.95 and downloaded this model. This is the first, ever, card model version of the I-400 that I have ever seen.

I could either have done this, or spent the $CDN 79.95 at my local hobby shop for the 1:350 Tamiya plastic kit.
Neither of which fits my idea of "constant scale" model display...you gotta have at least one human figure in the piece to show scale. 1:200 (basically, model RR N scale) works well for ships. N scale figures abound.

My plan for the I-400 is to enlarge it to 1:200 (2x) and see how it builds up.

The basic kit consists of 4 x A4 pages of parts of good/excellent graphic quality; plus 2 pages of instructions (in Japanese) and assembly diagrams.

Lots of (apparently) correct small details are incorporated..printed in 2D which will require a lot of laminating/kit bashing/ scratch building; which is OK by me, but not so good for some, I guess.

8 (eight) of the Aichi "Seiran" float-equipped attack-bomber aircraft are included; including a set in US markings which were to be used on the aborted Panama Canal raid.

Yes, Cousin Mike, $24.95 is a bit of a price to pay for a 1:400 model. But you gotta start someplace....And besides, I supported a designer!!!

Jim

**GreMir** · #2 02-09-2011, 05:17 AM

Good for you! (and the designer)

I'm not much into submarines, but I-400 is basically an aicraft carrier so I will be watching.
I'm reaally aching to get the BBs, but they are not in the budget

**Lex** · #3 02-09-2011, 07:13 AM

I'd sure like to see someone actually build Etsusan's models... There haven't been many until now, so good luck

**treadhead1952** · #4 02-09-2011, 11:54 AM

Hi Jim,

Another nice choice in interesting submarines. Blowing it up to 1/200 scale will make it a bit different. I agree about the cost of the styrene version, far too much just to get a model, especially one that size.

**Fishcarver** · #5 02-09-2011, 02:01 PM

Jay: It will be interesting, all right, considering that even at 1/160, my SURCOUF is 27" (69 cm) long and the I-400 class were nearly 1/3 as big again......It will be awhile, however, before the build thread on the I-400 starts... Gotta finish Surcouf and teach 3 x eager students to carve birdz..
Jim

**RAFleischman** · #6 02-09-2011, 03:37 PM

Who is the kit made by?

Thanks,
Russ

**Fishcarver** · #7 02-09-2011, 04:21 PM

Check this out: (go here)

I-400 Submarine Pay Paper model/Japanese pay and free ship models

Jim

**Papercut** · #8 02-09-2011, 06:10 PM

Another fav of mine, but I would rather have in 1/200. Looking very much forward to this one.

**Fishcarver** · #9 02-09-2011, 06:35 PM

PC: I intend to rescale, upsize, etc. this sucker to 1:200. Whether it works or it doesn't depends directly upon the design. I trust in my modeling skills enough to make it work, if, indeed, it can. I expect that the whole thing is going to become a complete upgrade, from keel to guns and am going in on that basis . Figured that I'd get in on the ground floor! Support the designer, etc. What I have paid him for is his IDEA.

Designers are not often hands-on modelers, and vice versa.

Estufan: if you are listening, your I-400 is now in good (but dangerous) hands.....

Halinski/Modelik: Keep an eye on this!!
Jim

**CMDRTED** · #10 02-09-2011, 08:18 PM

Sounds like a plan. I just bought the Yahagi which I guess is a new one for them. I bought the Ise when 1st released but haven't put it on the to do list yet. It looks good from a design standpoint. I can see a few areas that can be improved even at 1/400 scale. Good luck with your project!