Part 3: The Gold Plus Detail Set and Summary

The Gold Plus TAKAO Details set is etched into .008 and includes: Funnel platforms and ladders. Turret sight covers. Complex accommodation ladders with lots of detail. MG firecontrol towers. Boat gunwhales and bench seats. Boat propellers and rudders. Complete boat booms with strong back, stay, Jacobs ladder and boat fairlead. Torpedo loading derricks and brackets. Awning stanchions with small eyebolts etched in. Jack staff and flag staff. Binnacle. Leadsman platforms (a welcome addition) including locating information. Propeller guards. Degaussing cables (1944). Replacement davits double relief etched. Life rings and racks. Finely detailed vent screens. Semaphore light shutters. Torpedo tube control wheels. DF Antennas. Capstan and brake wheels for forecastle. Linoleum metal strips (you've got to be kidding!).

Closing Thoughts The detail in both sets is breathtaking on both sheets. Between the two sets, I can't think of a detail that is missing. I would have like some of the Gold plus details to be in the basic set, but I would be just be quibbling about the details. The level and coverage of detail is superb and answers some of the details have been asking for such as the leadsman platforms. The double relief etched details are up to his high standards and catapult details have to be his best catapult detail to date. There are of course the details that only a madman would add like the linoleum strips. I like the fact that these sets provide the modeler all of the details a modeler would need regardless of the time period modeled. These sets are a good value even if you pick up both sets for a combined $74. If you are adding this level of detail to your model, you will not be in a hurry to rush the work so the details will provide many hours of enjoyment and challenge. Strongly recommended!

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