Hasegawa 1/350 Hikawa Maru Detail Up Etching Parts Basic First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2011 | Manufacturer | Hasegawa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Hikawa Maru Detail Up Etching Parts Basic | Scale | 1/350 |
| Kit Number | 72149 | Media | Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Petite details for the basic kit | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $64.99 |
First Look
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Hasegawa recently released the first 1/350 scale kit of the NYK Line's Hikawa Maru passenger/cargo vessel that entered service before World War II and remained in service for two decades after the war before becoming a floating museum in Yokohama ( look at the kit first look here).
With each of Hasegawa's more recent ship releases, they've also produce one or two sets of photo-etched details and some outstanding laminate wood decking and the Hikawa Maru is no exception. As with previous photo-etch offerings from Hasegawa, this Basic Detail Set provides the essential updates to the stock kit in the form of ship railings and common ladders.
The photo-etch details are nicely engineered with the fine rails and barriers replicated for each of the decks to replace those details provided in plastic in the stock kit as well as add details that are too fine to replicate in plastic. This set has no duplicate parts with the Super detail set reviewed here.
If you're looking to have an AMS modeler's dream with this Hikawa Maru build, this set is one you'll definitely want to have.
My sincere thanks to Hasegawa USA for this review sample!