JMSDF Atago, DDG-177 in 1/350 scale

I then decided to go ahead and build the detailed Mk-41 VLS assembly that comes with the model. I built the 64 cell version, which included eight, eight-cell sub-assemblies. The kit includes several missiles that can be used in these common launchers and I elected to show the following as they would appear exiting the launch tubes:

1 x Tomahawk Cruise missile
1 x Standard Missile
1 x Anti-ballistic Standard missile
1 x Vertical Launch ASROC Anti-submarine rocket

The JMSDF does not employ the Tomahawk cruise missiles, but it does emply all of the others.

Once this was completed, I then placed it next to the vessel, and then on top of the forward, 64-cell launcher to show the space such a system takes up on such a vessel.

At this point I ended this session. lots and lots of parts and detail added during this session, and except for the helicopter, the basic structure and detail of the ship is complete.


In the next session I will add a Seahawk anti-submarine helicopter and then add all of the photo etch railing necessary to complete the vessel.

I started this session by building and painting, and then adding the decals/markings to the SH-60J ASW Seahawk that the Atago carries. This helicopter is based on the SH-60B ASW helicopter used by the US Navy, and it is license built in Japan by Mitsubishi under license from Sikorsky. I then began adding the photo etch railing around the vessel.

I continued adding the railing (there is quite a bit of it) and also the helicopter safety netting and cooling vents on the funnels and elsewhere on the ship.

Once this was all done, the model was basically completed. I did a little touch up paint work and then added the two coats of clear flat/dull coat to the model. This evens out the finish because the glue for the photo etch parts and other places that may be seen has a glossier finish than the paint...this leaves everything with the same finish and really helps make a difference in the overall appearance of the model.

Then it was time for the various pictures, from the various angles, of the completed model:

And finally, some close-ups showing some of the finished detail.


That completes my 1/350 scale JMSDF Atago, DDG-177, AEGIS destroyer from the trumpeter kit. A nice build right out of the box.

She''s a formidable vessel. The Japanese have two of these, but are going to build two more.