Yamato launches with a simple finish that makes use of molded color!!
1/1000 Space Battleship Yamato 3199 (3rd remodeled type) is made!
By Kimura Manabu
Published at Hobby Japan Web on January 2, 2025. See the original article here.
The 3199 version of Space Battleship Yamato has finally been made into a plastic model kit to coincide with the release of the second chapter of the series! The kit is based on the 2202 version, but many of the exterior parts have been completely recreated using new molds. The wood-grain patterned deck, which has been given a new color scheme, is available in two options: a polystyrene sticker and a water-transfer decal. As this is a kit review, we will be keeping the kit’s original features and giving it a simple finish that makes the most of the molded colors.
The major differences in appearance between the 2199 and 2202 versions are: 1) the large hatches on both sides of the rear, 2) the position of the secondary guns in front of the bridge, 3) the openings for the bow and Wave-Motion Gun, and 3) the Wave-Motion Engine nozzle. The color scheme of the upper deck has also been changed to a woodgrain pattern. And the most obvious difference is the anchor mark on the bow and both sides.
You can also light up the Wave-Motion Gun, bridge, and engine with two separately sold LED lights (blue) and one light-emitting unit (white).
The woodgrain deck was partially painted, since it was a good opportunity. I used the polystyrene stickers included with the kit instead of masking.
The three lines on the turrets, a feature of the Medal Award Ceremony Commemorative Painting, are also reproduced with water transfer markings. I want to make sure to stick it firmly with marker softener or something similar so that it doesn’t peel off.
The first and second bridges are illuminated with LED lights (blue). The captain’s room doesn’t get any light, so I painted it with clear blue to make it look like it’s illuminated.
For washing, I mixed Mr. Weathering Color Ground Brown and Multi Black with Filter Liquid Shade Blue to create a dark brown with a slight bluish tint. After that, I pin washed the same Ground Brown and Multi Black to make the mold stand out.
The light-emitting unit (white) allows you to enjoy the illumination of the main and sub-engines.
The 3199 version of Yamato was released in November 2024 to coincide with the screening of Chapter 2. The kit is compatible with the 2205 version. Since this is a kit review, I tried to give the 3199 version a simple finish that makes use of the molded color. As you all know, the molded color of Bandai Spirits plastic models is amazing. If you spray a coating agent such as matte and wash it, it will be almost indistinguishable from a fully painted model. In addition, the woodgrain deck, which is one of the features of the 3199 version, is available in two options: a polystyrene sticker and water transfer decals, so you can use it according to your preference.
For this example, I finished the woodgrain deck with partial painting. However, the method is simple. Use the polystyrene sticker instead of a masking sheet. Even if the paint spills over, the gray part is the molded color, so you can just scrape it off with a special solvent or a design knife.
After applying the water transfer decal, coat the whole thing with Mr. Super Smooth Clear Matte, and once the hull is assembled to a certain extent, it’s time for washing and weathering. To prevent parts from cracking as much as possible, I use oil-based paint Mr. Weathering Color. I usually use a dark warm gray made by adding multi-gray to multi-black and ground brown, but this time I added Filter Liquid Shade Blue to match the color of the Yamato fleet. After applying a wash over the entire surface, wipe it off.
Since it’s a space battleship, gravity doesn’t really matter, but I’m prioritizing the appearance, so I wiped it from top to bottom with a cotton swab soaked in a special solvent. The red parts of the ship and the wood-grain deck are washed with dark brown made by adding multi-black and ground brown to Mr. Weathering Color Multi-gray. In areas where I want to make the mold stand out more, I pin washed with ground brown or multi-black. Finally, I added dirt with Tamiya Weathering Master D oil, and rubbed the light metal from Tamiya Weathering Master F on the nozzle to add a metallic feel, and it’s finished.
Yamato has few paint divisions, and since it’s mainly gray and dark red, the molding color doesn’t show through, so I think it’s a great item for a simple finish that makes the most of the molding color. Please give it a try.
