"NAGATO" BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS" Translation by Larry Richardson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. General Considerations. This 1:200 scale model of the battleship "Nagato" is based on the original Japanese plans, material from the archives of the "A.J. Press", the author's personal files, as well as material from the collection of M.Skwiota, and represents the ship as it appeared in 1941. This is a difficult model recommended for only the more experienced modelers. The modeler must be particularly careful with the construction of the frame and hull as well as the complicated structure of the multideck command tower. All components are formed as shown in the assembly drawings or according to the construction symbols listed below. ?? cut or notch ? fold roll tightly roll into a tube * glue up to 1mm thickness ** glue up to 1.5mm thickness w cut out direction (for example, the bow) p., l. right side -- left side 2. Building Instructions. All of the parts of the model's hull (A-1, A-1, A-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, CL, CP, D1L, D1P, D2P, D2L, D2P) are glued up to a thickness of 1.5mm (with the exception of parts EP, EL, FP, FL, G1P, G1L, G2P, G2L -- which are glued up to a thickness of 1mm). This is to give the hull proper stiffness. Main deck parts 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 are also glued up to a thickness of 1.5mm. All parts of the bottom (no. 1 to 24) are drawn so that after they are glued to the frame, the slightly protrude past the edge of the water line parts B-1, B-2, B-3 (in order to prevent gaps), which later will be concealed when the ship sides positioned to the bottom parts. Before gluing in place the forward deck part 25, midship part 23 and flight deck part 30, it is necessary to glue to the main deck the supporting framework (parts "H", "I") as well as the eight casemate guns (parts 43a, b,c,d). In a similar manner, glue together the frame of the command tower (frame "J" as well as the six casement guns). Each separate stage of assembly of the command tower and of the remaining superstructure are shown in perspective drawings representing consecutive stages of assembly and the parts that are glued together. Practically every part is included in the drawings on the following pages which should make it easier to glue the right parts together. Some parts of the model are designed to move, such as the rotating 406 mm main artillery turrets and the 140mm gun turrets. Also the side boat cranes should remain movable. You can also make the remaining armament, range finder, and catapult movable. Many of the parts will have to be made on your own. Patterns for most of these are provided (masts, flagstaffs, cranes, antenas, beams, ventalators, gun barrels, and railings -- after making them, paint dark gray; the 406mm and 140mm shell casings -- light brown; anchor chains -- black; other parts as illustrated (rigging, flags, ensigns). Impressive rigging for the model (see the special illustration) can be make by several methods using practically anything from stockings or women's hose, fine fishing line, or thin plastic stretched over a candle flame -- the leftover spurs from plastic model injection moldings. The 406mm abd 140mm shell casings can also be made by several methods. A most impressing effect is by making cylinders of rolled toilet tissue, applying first the appropriate color. It is also up to the modeler to create a base for the model. It is best to do this before attaching the drive gear (shafts, propellers, rudders), which prevents damage during the course of completing the model. While building the model, one should touch up all the edges and folds, and any visible parts not printed in the appropriate colors. The model's hull can also be filled and painted appropriate colors. All other surfaces -- decks, superstructures, armament, and furnishings may be painted with colored semigloss varnish. Modelers who wish to detail the model with the deck furnishings depicted here (for example, life rings, masting, and tropical awning structure, etc.) I recommend the excellent monograph of the battleships "Mutsu" and "Nagato" by Miroslaw Skwiota put out by "A.J.Press" in Gdansk in the series "Monografie Morskie" No. 5. Model design: Grzegorz Nowak Cover : Grzegorz Nawrocki