Loved it

Very detailed and easy to build kit. Note: This version is modeled after the original version the submersible. (There is another kit which models the submersible after it had the propulsion unit modification in 2012.)

This was my first Hasegawa model after 56 years of modeling experience-I guess I was overdue to try one of their products. I was not disappointed-I was attracted to this model because I had never seen a submersible model before. The model was smaller than I expected, but this was OK because I tend to like smaller scale models in general, mostly because of limitations of display space, and my opinion that smaller scale models are as challenging, if not more so, than larger scale models-and I've built scales from 1:8 to 1:43. This model was fun to build, and took only one day to build. The directions were clear, although the Japanese characters were a little disconcerting at times (there are English instructions also). The overall quality of the model was excellent-parts fit well, detail was good for the scale, and assembly was straightforward. I was very pleased with the final outcome of the model-I display it proudly. It is NOT a toy, which is why I gave it a score of 1 for durability. I think Amazon.com should have a separate category for plastic model/display kits-they do not belong in the "toys" category, and it is silly to ask for a "durability" score for a display only model kit. When I ordered this model, I thought it was a bit pricey, the main reason I had not built a Hasegawa model before, but I have changed my mind after this experience-I have ordered the Voyager kit by Hasegawa also, but that is a story for another time...

it is very rare to find a deep sea reserch submarine model. product is well built, nice details, nice size. good workmanship. the packing box is bit delicate for international shipping but that ok.