1:700 Japanese Heavy Cruiser Chikuma

Japanese Heavy Cruiser Chikuma 1:700 (Aoshima)

An unassembled injection-molded plastic kit from the Japanese firm Aoshima in 1:700 scale. The subject is the heavy cruiser Chikuma of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The model is rendered in the traditional waterline concept (the hull cut at the waterline) for standing on a water base or in a diorama. The set is meant to be glued together and painted.

The real subject

The Chikuma was a heavy cruiser whose characteristic feature was the concentration of her main gun armament forward and an extensive stern given over to seaplanes for reconnaissance. Ships laid out this way served the Japanese fleet as fast scouting and escort units in the fighting in the Pacific during the Second World War.

Building and painting tips

Glue the hull and the decks with liquid cement for plastic and fit the small superstructure parts and gun turrets with a light touch. It is a good idea to spray the base shade of the hull with an airbrush and to bring out the decks and the details with shades and gentle highlighting of the engraved lines. The model looks good on a modeling stand or in a waterline diorama. Railings and further details can be added with separate photo-etched parts.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of warships of Imperial Japan
• Admirers of the 1:700 ship scale and the waterline series
• Modelers interested in the history of the war in the Pacific
• Builders of waterline dioramas with warships

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