Shopping for a 1/1200 waterline model kit can feel like choosing between a familiar production warship and a rare design that never saw service. The Imperial Hobby Productions 12001 German 1945 DD Projekt lands firmly on the rare side: a proposed late-war destroyer, sealed in original packaging, at USD 49.99. Is it a smart pickup for your next hobby session?
NOS Imperial Hobby Productions 12001 German 1945 DD Projekt 1/1200 Metal Kit
This kit comes to you as new old stock, still factory sealed and unopened. It represents the German 1945 DD Projekt destroyer in 1/1200 scale, built from metal and intended for assembly. The design was one of Germany's advanced late-war destroyer proposals, aiming for better speed and anti-aircraft capability, though none were completed before WWII ended. For modelers who enjoy behind-the-scenes naval history, that backstory adds real appeal.
Quick Verdict
For collectors who appreciate obscure German late-war designs and the appeal of a factory-sealed NOS metal kit, this Imperial Hobby Productions offering is an engaging find. The unassembled 1/1200 destroyer is priced at USD 49.99, which positions it as a specialty item rather than a throwaway purchase. It delivers a compact, waterline-style project with a subject you will not see on every shelf.
Who It Suits
This model is for the adult builder: the age level is 17 years and up. It fits especially well if you are into 1/1200 waterline collections, have a fondness for German late-war "what-if" projects, or want a metal kit that gives a satisfyingly solid feel once painted and assembled. Because it comes unassembled, it also suits hobbyists who enjoy the full build process rather than a prebuilt display piece.
What Stands Out
The subject is the headline. The German 1945 DD Projekt was one of those late-war proposals that never made it to the sea, so this kit offers a chance to bring a little-known design to life. The metal construction is another highlight, giving the hull a heft and durability that plastic kits sometimes lack. And with the kit still factory sealed, you are getting the original presentation as intended, which matters to many collectors.
Meaningful Trade-offs
The USD 49.99 price tag is worth weighing before you commit. It is a notable investment for a single 1/1200 destroyer, especially if your budget usually goes toward larger or multi-boat sets. The unassembled nature also means you will need to clean, paint, and detail the model yourself, and the 17-and-up age rating confirms it is not a child-friendly project. The waterline hull format, while great for shelf display, may leave you wanting more if you prefer full-hull models.
Bottom Line
If you are a dedicated 1/1200 collector or a WWII naval enthusiast drawn to German late-war projects, the Imperial Hobby Productions 12001 is a compelling choice. The factory-sealed NOS metal kit, the uncommon destroyer subject, and the reasonable-for-the-niche USD 49.99 price combine to make this a solid addition to an adult modeler's stash. Just be ready to put in the assembly time and painting effort to see this proposed destroyer finally take shape.
