When you get your hands on “Chibimaru Fleet Hiei Special Edition (with Effect Parts),” what you first feel is the surprise of “even though it holds a cute appearance, is it really this authentic?” The Chibimaru Fleet series holds a major charm in firmly incorporating the characteristics of the actual ships while translating famous vessels of the Imperial Japanese Navy into a friendly, super deformed design. Because the assembly is snap-fit, it can be completed without using adhesive, and thanks to the multi-colored molded parts and realistic stickers, it results in a good-looking finish even without painting. It is easy to challenge even for those making models for the first time, yet upon completion, a presence that makes you involuntarily want to display and gaze at it is born, making it a ship that can be enjoyed widely from beginners to veterans.

In this special edition, the figure of the Third Division “Hiei” that sorted out to the Third Battle of the Solomon Islands in 1942 is imaged, and the point that even minute differences are carefully replicated cannot be missed. Beyond replicating the shape of the main gun, which differs from its sister ship Kirishima, with dedicated parts, the layout of the anti-aircraft machine guns positioned at the lower part of the bridge, the searchlight tower, and more are faithfully expressed. While they seem like small differences at first glance, actually assembling and gazing at it firmly conveys the Hiei-ness. Not ending as a mere super deformed model, it is a finish through which you can feel even historical backgrounds and the individuality of each vessel, making it content with high satisfaction even for battleship fans.

When making models, not a few people hesitate, thinking “because painting seems difficult.” However, with this kit, there is almost no need for such worry. Realistic stickers that blend beautifully into the fine molds are adopted for the deck, allowing even complex wood grain patterns to be replicated with a natural atmosphere. Furthermore, because stickers are prepared down to details such as the naval ensign, bridge windows, searchlight lenses, and waterproof canvas covers, the level of completion rises all at once the moment you finish applying them. Coupled with the pre-colored parts, you can enjoy a precise finish rich in information even without special painting techniques, making it a model where you can taste both “the fun of making” and “the sense of accomplishment when completed.”

A major highlight unique to this special edition is the abundantly included effect parts. In addition to the blue display pedestal resembling the sea, if you combine the bow waves and stern waves expressed in clear blue, you can replicate an ocean scene so full of dynamism that it is unbelievable for a stationary model. Furthermore, if you attach the muzzle flash parts molded in clear orange, the impact of the split second the main guns are fired heightens all at once, completing a display that makes you feel a story just by exhibiting it. Models do not end with being completed, and how to show them is also one of the pleasures, but this kit is highly charming in that even that fun is prepared right from the start.

“Chibimaru Fleet Hiei Special Edition (with Effect Parts)” is a substantial model packed with various charms, from ease of assembly, actual ship historical research, good looks, to the impact when displayed. While feeling familiarity in the cute form, numerous features unique to Hiei are incorporated in the details, and gazing at the completed figure naturally awakens interest in history too. It is optimal as an entryway for those starting model making from now on, and even for those already enjoying ship models, it holds a special feeling that makes one want to add it to their collection. While being a sense of size that does not restrict the display space, the presence is sufficient, tightening the atmosphere of a desk or shelf significantly just by placing a single ship, making it an item equipped with charms that can be enjoyed for a long time.