Since my time is running short before the Nats, assuming they are going to be held this year, I moved the Akagi back to the front of the line. I received the last of the portholes (still not sure it was worth it), installed them and worked on the small boats, sampans and motor boats for the last several days along with trying to come up with a method to replicate the rolled hammock/futon splinter shields the IJN used at the beginning of the war.
There were some pics I saw of these shields on the AA gun emplacements as well as the directors so I added them, know one knows for sure anymore so I figured the extra detail can't hurt. Maybe I'll get a consideration for effort. I used Milliput to make them up and think the came out OK. Once painted white, they should look decent. I still have the starboard side to do but it doesn't take but and evening or two. In the meantime I can finish spraying the stern area and touch up the cable reels, add the anchor chain and then the small boats. I have an idea to "secure" the boats to the deck like they were with straps and add some oars. It's most unfortunate that once the deck is on, most of my work will be hidden but if you look close you will see the little jewels, the same with most of this build.
That's all for now, but I wager that things will start moving faster from here. Assuming I get some bench time.
