The 'base' (part A15) being the lower section of the bridge structure with the pagoda, range finders, funnel, mast, secondary turrets being attached to this (independent) section. Interestingly Tamiya have broken this kit down as though there is a kit within a kit with the bridge structure being built separately. As Bob Pearson mentioned in his quick look review there are over 400 parts, although quite a few do not get used but can be kept for the spares box. If she was big in real-life then even as a 1/700 kit she is bloody awesome. Everything is in there the sweep of the majestic bow, detailed stern 'flight deck' for the seaplanes and the distinctive 'Pagoda' like bridge structure rising high into the air. Construction The first thing that strikes the modeller on opening this kit is the high level of detail (with some very minor exceptions) of the kit parts. But it took much work to destroy this huge ship, some ten to nineteen torpedos and seventeen bombs at the Battle of Sinbuyan sea during the Leyte Gulf operation (this of course depends on which reference you choose to refer to as the three references I have seem to vary about Musashi/Yamato details!). Neither she nor her sister ship got a chance to really justify the huge logistics taken up with building these vessels as both were sunk by USN aircraft. Because of the severe blast effects from the 18.1 inch guns secondary and all anti-aircraft guns were enclosed in light shielding, which is why the ships boats and aircraft were also enclosed within the hull. To keep her existence a secret, the Japanese went to great lengths including a giant camouflage net and a large compliment of military police. She was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki and launched in November 1940. These were the ultimate battleships with the greatest displacement (69,990t full load) and guns (9 X 18.1 inch main guns). The third was converted to an aircraft carrier and the fourth cancelled. History Musashi was the second of two Japanese Yamato class battleships to be launched. Building the new Tamiya 1/700 Musashi By Simon Wolff

World of warships musashi buff