You might think, ”Since it is a deformed plastic model, maybe the impact is understated?” However, this ”Chibimaru Fleet Zuikaku Special Edition” is an item that pleasantly betrays such expectations. Despite the cutely arranged hull design, when actually assembled, the powerfulness unique to an aircraft carrier is firmly expressed, radiating a presence that makes it hard to believe it is such a small size. With an easy-to-display size of about 11 cm in total length, a major attraction is that even those who worry about space to place models can easily add it to their collection. Because it achieves both cuteness and realism in an exquisite balance, a smile naturally comes to your face just by looking at it.

This model is designed with the image of the Zuikaku as she was in 1944, and the camouflage painting applied during the Battle of Leyte Gulf is also reproduced. Those who know the history will be able to enjoy the assembly while imagining the historical background, and even those who are touching ship models for the first time should find it leading to a new discovery, thinking, ”So this kind of painting was applied.” Because it firmly incorporates the features of the actual ship despite being a deformed model, you can feel a depth that does not just end with a cute appearance.

Speaking of plastic models, not a few people have a difficult impression that preparation of adhesive and painting is necessary. However, since this series adopts a snap-fit method, adhesive is unnecessary, and it turns into a good-looking finish just by combining the multi-colored molded parts and the included stickers. Since you can enjoy a highly complete model even without detailed painting techniques, it is reassuring even for those who are making models for the first time. The fact that you can challenge it with a casual feeling like, ”I have a little free time today, so let’s try making it,” is probably the reason why this series has been loved for a long time.

What you want to pay attention to as a charm unique to the special edition is the existence of abundant effect parts. By adding waves rising at the bow and stern, water columns that reproduce the state of hitting the water surface, and further gun flare parts that produce the impact of gunfire, the completed model wraps itself in an atmosphere as if it is about to start moving at any moment despite being stationary. Since the display pedestal is given an effect reminiscent of the sea, just displaying it alone completes a scene as if a single scene during navigation has been cut out. Thanks to these effects, the sense of satisfaction after completion will be further heightened.

Since this kit allows you to change the display method depending on whether you attach the parts of the lower part of the hull, it can also be enjoyed as a waterline model. In addition, it also possesses a playful spirit of being a size that can float on water, and it is also attractive that you can think of various ways to enjoy it instead of just displaying it. Not to mention gazing at it in a collection case, the fun of creating your own world view expands, such as lining it up with other ship models to reproduce a fleet. Precisely because it is a small model, the point that the degree of freedom in layout is high cannot be missed either.

”Chibimaru Fleet Zuikaku Special Edition” is a charming kit that beautifully achieves both the familiarity unique to deformation and the worth seeing as a ship model. The hurdle for assembly is low, and yet after completion, a high sense of satisfaction can be obtained from the camouflage painting where you can feel history and the realistic effects. Not to mention those who want to start model making from now on, even for those who want to enrich their ship collection, it will become an existence that can be enjoyed for a long time as a single ship combining handiness and completeness.