Marijn wrote:
I have found that also classic warships make a resin 1/700 kit.
Cadman, thanks for the offer! I am tempted by it, but maybe first the following question (to anybody):
Which of these kits is the best quality? The medium or ease of construction is not too important to me, only the finesse of the detail really matters. Being in scale is also a plus since it will be right next to the Lex in a diorama, but I don't care if it's just a little off.
The IHP kit is metal, and I find that very difficult to work with. I can't do any significant corrections, nor can I do ship-specific modifications. I also found scale and accuracy problems. (Close, but still enough inaccuracies to annoy me.)
The Naval Works kit has detail and accuracy problems. A few years ago, I did one of these and another resin Sims (I think Kobo Hiryu), and had to do major surgery to get them close to the Sims, and to each other. The back of the upper bridge levels is chopped off, and the funnel isn't even close.
I am currently converting the Pit-Road Benson kit, and am molding resin replacement parts. (masters not yet done) However, the masters are predicated on raising the quarterdeck by .020 inches, something I am also doing on my Benson/Gleaves kits. It's a lot of work, but I think this method will produce a satisfactory Sims. I have also mastered a "rag-top" 5" mount - the open-topped Midships mount doesn't look right without the canvas cover.