1:700 IJN Kongo 1914

The Japanese battlecruiser Kongo 1914 — 1:700 (Kajika)

An injection-molded plastic model of the Japanese battlecruiser Kongo as she appeared in 1914, in 1:700 scale from Kajika. The set is marked by modern molding technology with fine surface detail: the hull is cast in one piece and the deck has a very fine imitation of wood planking. The model represents the ship in her early, as-built configuration. A photo-etched sheet is not included in the basic set; one is produced separately for it.

The real subject

Kongo was the first of the four Japanese battlecruisers of her class and at the same time the last Japanese heavy surface ship built abroad: she was laid down in a British yard and completed in 1913. She carried a main battery of 356 mm guns and combined heavy armament with high speed. The 1914 appearance matches her original look with tall funnels and masts, before the later extensive reconstructions that turned these ships into fast battleships.

Building and painting tips

Decide whether you will build the ship with the full hull or at the waterline using the enclosed lower plate. Glue the parts with cement for plastic; glue the very fine items with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) and work with a sharp knife so as not to damage the detail. Apply a primer before painting; the wooden deck and the dark gray hull come to life with a subtle wash and discreet shading. Consider adding the separate photo-etched set for the railings and the fittings.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of warships in 1:700 scale
• Modelers interested in the Imperial Japanese Navy
• More experienced builders who appreciate fine detail and the ship's early configuration
• Anyone interested in naval hardware of the First World War

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