JMSDF Mk.45 Mod4 5"/62 Naval Gun

The 5"/62 caliber Mk.45 Mod 4 is the latest version of the Mk.45 gun platform that can engage targets on land, sea or in the air.  It is used by the United States and at least 10 other countries including Japan.  The gun system uses an automatic 20 round loader capable of firing 20 rounds per minute and is operated by a six man crew (four of which are loaders needed to feed the gun's voracious appetite).  All gun crew are located below deck.  The Mod 4 has a range of 14.9 miles with standard munitions and 20 miles with enhanced munitions.

For more detailed information check out the following links:

https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2167864/mk-45-5-inch-5462-caliber-guns/   

This link a great video of the gun in action (it takes a couple of minutes to load) : https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/mk-45-mod-4-naval-gun-system#

What's in the Box:  

The kit arrived in a standard TAKOM heavy duty box with all sprues sealed in individual plastic bags.  Although the box top claims there is "1 Type of Marking",  there are no decals included in the kit or shown in the instructions.  A mere 38 or 39 parts are required to build this kit, depending if you use the two piece plastic barrel or the metal one.  Once assembled the barrel will elevate and lower as desired.

There is no flash or warp on any parts and no knockouts will be visible after the kit is assembled.  The overall level of detail is excellent.  The kit can be assembled with the large service doors on the turret open revealing an intricate and detailed view of the turret interior.  The turret ring has detailed hexagonal bolt heads with precise angles where each bolt face meets.

The Sprues:  

Sprue map

Sprues A and B (Turret sides)

Sprue C

Sprue D (Turret ring and interior parts)

A detail shot of the interior pieces

Sprue F (Gun base mounted to deck)

Sprue G and metal gun barrel

Sprue H

The 8 construction steps are in a 5.5x8 inch booklet form.  Fortunately no construction step is crowded with a multitude of parts, so it is easy to read in the small format booklet. Overall construction looks to be quick and simple. 

The painting guide shows only an overall gray color with a white blast bag on the barrel. There are no paint color callouts on the guide and no suggestions for painting the interior of the turret.  Images on the internet show some color variations around the doors and possibly the gun opening as well as a painted black or dark gray ring around the barrel end.  There are also color images of the interior of the turret. 

Conclusion: 

With a low parts count, large pieces and a fairly simple paint job this is a perfect build for beginners to get their feet wet in the modeling world.  For more advanced modelers, this would make a great weekend kit and a fun getaway from tracks, tracks and tracks.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders, pending Full Build.

Thanks goes out to TAKOM for this review kit.

Reviewed by Brian Campitella

If you liked this review, consider joining AMPS. Your annual membership
includes six copies of AMPS's magazine, Boresight,
and helps to support our ongoing reviews.

Click here for more information about joining AMPS