• Railings -- Stock # 53054, $32.95
• Details -- Stock # 53055, $49.95

Having made a variety of generic PE sets for 1/700 and 1/350 scale ship kits, Eduard is now providing us with dedicated complete sets for specific ships. These two sets will provide complete (or nearly complete) coverage of the Aoshima Chokai, and probably for the Fujimi Chokai as well. The set is labeled for the “1944” version of the ship, so check your references carefully if you hope to use it for an earlier version of the vessel. She underwent several refits during her lifetime that altered her structure or equipment significantly. The same goes for attempts to use it on other ships of the class (especially Takao or Atago). Both of these ships received refits that changed them markedly from Chokai. However, chances are that the majority of the parts in these sets will be useful on any version of these vessels.

The detail set comes on two sheets of Eduard’s now familiar stainless steel. The set covers everything from major assemblies like the catapults and the crane down to the smallest hatch covers and cable reels. In between, there are funnel grilles, vent screens, ladders (with and without handrails), aerial masts, aircraft parts, turret railings, boat cradles, and oars…you get the idea.

The railing set, also made in stainless steel, has complete main and second deck railings, as well as leadsman platforms, accommodation ladders and hoists, and some superstructure rails. I was very pleased to see that the main deck railings were formed to match the unique upward slope of the ship’s bow and the up and down undulations of the Chokai’s mid and aft deck. I test-fitted a few railings against my Fujimi Takao, and they seemed to match up just fine.

These sets represent an excellent addition to the growing line of 1/350 accessories now available to ship modelers. With all of the major classes of Japanese heavy cruisers now on the market, we can only hope that Eduard continues to produce dedicated photo etch for these kits. They’re well worth the investment.

Thanks to Eduard for providing these sets and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to do the review.