1:700 Japanese Military Transport Set Waterline Series

Tamiya 1:700 set of Japanese military transport vessels (Waterline Series)

The set holds plastic kits of two Japanese transport vessels in 1:700 scale from the Waterline Series range, that is with the hull only down to the waterline. Two Type 97 tanks and three amphibious vehicles are enclosed with the models, so the set serves not only to complete a ship collection but also as the basis of a landing scene. The maker is the Japanese firm Tamiya.

The real subject

The first-class transport ship was a fast vessel for carrying reinforcements to distant bases. It had a sloping stern, down which the load was lowered straight into the water, and it could carry either two midget submarines or several landing craft. The second-class transport ship was meant mainly for carrying equipment and vehicles. Both vessels came about out of the need to supply scattered island garrisons at a time when ordinary cargo ships were too slow and vulnerable for such tasks.

Building and painting tips

First glue the hulls together and level the lower edge, so that the models sit straight on the base. Paint the small vehicles and the tanks off the model: at this scale they really are tiny and once they are glued on you will not get at them with a brush. Use an airbrush and thin coats for the naval gray and set the deck apart with a darker tone. A wash run into the details and a discreet dry brush will give the model depth. If you are building a landing scene, think the layout on the base and the height of the water out in advance; the transition from the side of the ship into the water is best filled and worked in with gel.

Who the set is for

• builders of ship models in 1:700 scale
• anyone interested in a diorama with a landing scene
• collectors of less usual auxiliary vessels
• intermediate modelers used to small parts

The models are supplied unassembled and unpainted. The glue, the paints and the accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.