1:700 Ijn Aircraft Carrier Akagi

IJN Akagi 1:700 (Fujimi)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Japanese aircraft carrier IJN Akagi in 1:700 scale from Fujimi. The model can be built with a full hull or in the waterline version, that is, only down to the waterline; a display stand is enclosed for the full hull. The package also holds carrier aircraft molded in clear plastic and decals with naval and national flags. The hull uses an internal brace that keeps it straight and rigid.

The real subject

IJN Akagi was one of the best-known aircraft carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was created by converting a hull originally laid down as a battlecruiser and, after a later fundamental modernization, she gained a single continuous flight deck with an island superstructure. She served as the flagship of the Japanese strike force, took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor and was sunk at the decisive Battle of Midway in 1942.

Building and painting tips

First glue the hull together with the internal brace and decide on the full hull or the waterline version. Finish and paint the decks and the superstructures before fitting the small parts; bond the fine railings and details with super glue (cyanoacrylate). Apply a primer before varnishing and lay the paints down with an airbrush. Painting the carrier aircraft and the wooden flight deck separately is the way to go; weathering and fine washes will bring out the panel lines and the wear.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Japanese Second World War aircraft carriers in 1:700 scale
• Anyone interested in the Pearl Harbor and Battle of Midway subjects
• Modelers who want to choose between a full hull and a waterline version
• Builders who will appreciate the carrier aircraft and the display stand in the package

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.