Choosing between ship model kits comes down to the kind of naval scene you want to build. The NOS Imperial Hobby Productions German 1945 DD Projekt is a metal destroyer kit with a focused historical subject, while the Tamiya Yorktown is a plastic aircraft carrier kit with a large aircraft complement and extensive deck details. Subject, material, build scope, and price point in different directions here.
Quick verdict
Choose the NOS Imperial Hobby Productions German 1945 DD Projekt for a specialized German late-war destroyer subject, metal construction, and an older builder focus. Choose the Tamiya 31712 US Aircraft Carrier Yorktown for a US Navy carrier display centered on aircraft and flight-deck detail. The listed-price spread is $20.16, with the lower figure attached to Tamiya.
At a glance
| Kit | Listed price | Material | Scale | Main subject |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOS Imperial Hobby Productions German 1945 DD Projekt | USD 49.99 | Metal | 1:1200 | German 1945 DD Projekt Destroyer |
| Tamiya Yorktown | USD 29.83 | Plastic | 1:700 | US Navy CV-5 aircraft carrier |
Where each kit wins
NOS Imperial Hobby Productions German 1945 DD Projekt
This kit wins for a tightly defined naval-history subject. It represents a proposed German 1945 DD Projekt Destroyer, a late-war design that was never completed, giving the finished build a clear what-if angle. Its metal construction also makes it the direct choice for shoppers who specifically want a metal ship model rather than a plastic carrier. The listed 17 Years & Up age level reinforces its intended fit for an older builder.
Tamiya Yorktown
The Yorktown wins for carrier aviation and component variety. Its description includes a waterline hull, detailed flight deck, island superstructure, anti-aircraft battery, boats, life rafts, cranes, and an optional aft deck elevator position. The kit also includes TBD Devastator, SBD Dauntless, and F4F Wildcat aircraft, creating a carrier-focused display rather than a single-destroyer presentation.
Product notes
NOS Imperial Hobby Productions 12001 German 1945 DD Projekt
For a shopper drawn to unusual naval subjects, the German 1945 DD Projekt Destroyer offers a specific historical story instead of a conventional completed warship. The metal construction and factory-sealed original packaging add concrete appeal for someone who wants a specialized collectible kit, and the 1:1200 scale is clearly identified. The limitation is equally clear: it is an unassembled kit, so the purchase is for a building project rather than a completed model. Its 17 Years & Up age level also makes it a poor fit for a child-oriented hobby purchase. Choose it when the German late-war destroyer subject matters more than a broad aircraft-carrier display.
Tamiya 31712 1/700 US Aircraft Carrier Yorktown
The Tamiya Yorktown is a strong fit for builders who want the visual variety of a carrier deck. Alongside the CV-5 subject, it includes 24 aircraft across three named types: four TBD Devastators, twelve SBD Dauntless aircraft, and eight F4F Wildcats. Recessed portholes, raised and engraved flight-deck details, multiple island platforms, ship's boats, cranes, and brass wire for optional detailing give the build plenty of distinct elements. Its limitation is the material and subject: the kit is plastic and represents a US aircraft carrier, so it will not suit someone specifically seeking a metal German destroyer project.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the NOS Imperial Hobby Productions kit for the German 1945 DD Projekt subject, metal construction, factory-sealed packaging, and 17 Years & Up age level.
- Choose the Tamiya Yorktown for carrier aviation, included aircraft, optional detailing, and the lower listed price.
- Choose by historical theme: the German destroyer is a proposed late-war design, while Yorktown is a US Navy CV-5 carrier.
- Choose by build emphasis: the Imperial kit is a focused destroyer project; Tamiya centers the experience on a carrier, flight deck, superstructure, and aircraft group.
The clearest overall decision is simple: pick the NOS kit for its specialized metal destroyer identity, or pick Tamiya when aircraft and carrier detail are the reason you are shopping for a ship model kit.
