FIRST TIME? 
Description
This is an injection-plastic ship model kit.
The Japanese used a number of suicide weapons late in World War II. Besides the famous kamikaze aircraft attacks on ships, there was also the Tsurugi, a disposable aircraft designed to ram B-29s in mid-air; the Ohka, also known as the "baka bomb," a rocket-powered flying bomb dropped from Betty bombers against ships; and the Kaiten, a manned torpedo. Developed in mid-1944, it used propulsion parts from existing steam-powered torpedoes but had a 1,500kg warhead--twice the usual size. Between November of 1945 and the end of the war, 45 Kaitens were launched in attacks against shipping, with one U.S. oiler and one destroyer confirmed sunk by their attacks. Many submarines that carried Kaitens out to sea never came home, however, so additional sinkings that may have been due to their efforts cannot be confirmed.
The kit itself is a dandy! Although not visible in these photos, the rough hand-welds that covered the surface of the Kaiten are completely recreated, and there are numerous extremely small hooks and other parts to replicate all the detail of the original item, which was extensively researched by the folks at Fine Molds before they started work. The transport dolly is also included to serve as a display stand. The kit measures 20cm long when completed.
This release includes two full Kaiten kits with dollies. Does not include mothership submarine or piggyback equipment.
Details
Assembly Guide
Skill Level 3:
Basic Skills Required
Kits rated as skill level 3 are traditional model kits that require all basic modeling skills to complete. This includes cutting parts from runners and trimming or sanding them prior to use, assembling them with cement, and the use of paint to complete them.
To properly complete a level 3 kit, you should have at least a basic set of modeling supplies, including plastic nippers, a hobby knife, files and/or sandpaper, plastic cement, instant (cyanoacrylate) cement (for resin, soft-vinyl or metal parts), painting supplies including brushes, paint, thinner and masking tape, tweezers and possibly decal softener for applying decals to difficult areas.
Kits in this class are not suitable for small children unless there is complete parental supervision. Adults who have never before completed a plastic model kit may want to read one of the many excellent modeling guides available at most hobby shops before trying to build one of these kits.
Skill level 3 kits include a very large portion of our catalog. Most traditional plastic model kits fall into this category.
Cement Required
This item requries the use of cement (glue) to complete. For injection-plastic kits, use the weld-type clear cement specifically designed for use on styrene plastic. For some smaller parts, you may wish to use instant type (cyanoacrylate) glue. For resin, white metal, soft vinyl and photo-etched materials, the use of instant type cement is strongly recommended.
A SAFETY NOTE ABOUT INSTANT CEMENT
Parents and all modelers should note that instant cement (cyanoacrylate) bonds skin instantly. While this in itself is not harmful, forcibly attempting to pull the skin apart can tear the skin and cause injury. If you or your child happens to inadvertenly glue themselves with instant cement, don't pull, but use remover for instant cement, or nail polish remover to dissolve the bond instead.
Painting Required
This model kit or accessory must be painted in order to achieve a realistic appearance.
While there are slight differences depending on the country you live in, there are generally three types of paint available for modeling: Acrylic, Enamel and Lacquer. Their characteristics are described below.