Tamiya Models USS Missouri BB-63 Circa 1991 Model Kit, Model:TM78029

This Tamiya model kit of the USS Missouri really stands out in quality. Things that set this kit apart from others is the fact that there are photo etched metal parts included to add realism. This includes the main radar antenna, doors, front and hear disc cone antenna assemblies as well as fences for the helicopter landing pad. Other fences and railings are not included but can probably be purchased separately. I have found the plastic molding always to be of superb quality in Tamiya kits and this one is no different. Sure there are some small pieces but nothing seems flimsy or like it will break if you simply touch it. The entire hull is one piece, which is very nice because you will not have to deal with that gap along the entire length of the ship if it were made out two pieces. Most parts fit nicely together but on some bigger pieces you might have to bend them slightly before applying adhesive. This applies to the main deck parts, which are longer and the plastic might not fit the contours of the hull perfectly. But since these are longer pieces you can apply some pressure to bend them slightly so that it all lines up. The kit comes with two helicopters and, as in all Tamiya models, with a very detailed set of instructions. Bear in mind that this is quite a challenging kit because of the number of parts and the amount of detail you have to pay attention to when painting. To get good clean lines you are going to have to do a lot of taping. Use high quality modeling masking tape and take your time with it. The results will be well worth the effort. I picked up this kit at $80 which is a phenomenal price. The local hobby store sells the same kit for close to $180.

I'M A MASTER MODEL BUILDER - ESPECIALLY OF MODEL SHIPS. TO DATE, I'VE CONSTRUCTED 25 U.S. NAVY SHIPS AND EVERY MODEL BEGAN AS A KIT - SOME ARE LARGE AND SOME ARE MEDIUM IN SIZE. I WAS IN THE U.S. NAVY & I LOVE NAVY SHIPS. THIS PARTICULAR MODEL KIT IS THE FINEST I'VE ASSEMBLED AND ONE OF MY BEST FINISHED MODELS. THE OVERALL DESIGN IS SUPERB AND THE DIRECTIONS ARE CLEAR. ALTHOUGH I ALWAYS PUT MY PERSONAL TOUCH ON MY SHIPS (PAINT & MOUNTING) IF I DON'T HAVE THE BASIC ELEMENTS TO ASSEMBLE, I HAVE TO MODIFY SOME. HOWEVER, THIS KIT IS SO SUPERIOR, NONE OF THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE NECESSARY. I RECOMMEND THIS KIT TO ANY SERIOUS NAVY SHIP MODEL BUILDER (ALLOW 6 WEEKS TO COMPLETE).

Very large (about 3 feet) and very detailed. Quality model but not for a child or beginner modeler. Waiting on masking tape and paint before starting in on this model. Not a 2-3 week project; more like 2-3 months to do it right. But then, it's winter here! Update August 2017: finally finished this model! Took about 2 months but I wanted to do it right. Imagine my surprise when it was done and I had a whole mess of leftover parts! Apparently some parts are interchangeable with the USS New Jersey kit, so Tamiya just throws in extra part racks. There are quite a few duplicate parts / better than missing parts. Beware of the 5" guns - lots of patience required with those. A magnifying glass and tweezers recommended for assembly. Paint all parts first - much easier to paint them while still attached to part rack. Suggest flat red spray paint and masking tape for hull bottom. Again: DEFINITELY NOT a kit for a beginner. Take your time.

Tamiya makes some of the best models. The fit is generally good, and there is little flash or misshapened parts. I have just started this big model and so far I like what I see. This will be my first time in building with photo etch parts. I hope I can do it justice as this is a beautiful ship as it is a bit beyond my skill level, but I am determined to do my best as this is a great ship model! I would have to say that the only real negative about this model that I have found so far is that the main gun barrels can only be in one position as each barrel glues in place on the front of the main turret. I have built four 1/350 scale model ships so far and this one is the biggest and probably the most difficult in terms of size, small parts and skill level due to photo etch parts, but I am determined to do the best job I can and take my time on it. It should turn out to be a nice piece to add to my growing collection.

I have been building models since the 1960's. Tamiya has the best quality, detail, and instructions of ANY of the model companies, bar none.

Great fitment and quality parts. Went together easily. I would like to have a 1945 period Missouri but they are not available. You can’t beat Tamiya or Academy models. They are more expensive but worth it.

Good base model to start with. I add lots upgrade to it

Haven't assembled the model yet.But from opening the package, it was packed very well, nothing was missing. So far