[WATERLINE #566] 1/700 I.J.N Repair Ship AKASHI

Aoshima's 1/700 I.J.N Repair Ship Akashi model kit brings to life a crucial vessel of the Imperial Japanese Navy's wartime efforts. Authorized in 1934 and completed in 1938, the Akashi was Japan's only purpose-built repair ship, a floating factory equipped with state-of-the-art machine tools, many imported from Germany, and various cranes to service the fleet. She was capable of operating for three months without resupply or refueling, providing essential maintenance and repairs to numerous ships of various classes, including the legendary battleship Yamato, the aircraft carrier Shokaku, and the heavy cruiser Mogami. Her vital role in sustaining the Combined Fleet, reportedly capable of repairing 40% of its vessels, made her a high-priority target for the U.S. Navy. The Akashi met her fate in March 1944 in the Palau Islands, sunk by American aircraft, a loss that significantly hampered the I.J.N.'s ability to conduct frontline repairs.

This precision-detailed plastic model kit allows enthusiasts to recreate the unique profile of this indispensable vessel. The kit is molded in high-quality grey plastic, with additional brown plastic and clear parts to enhance accuracy.

Key features of this model include:

• Newly molded parts for enhanced detail, such as the Type 96 25mm twin machine gun, radial davit, and Type 89 12.7cm naval gun with wave shield
• Detailed representation of the ship's various launches and boats, including 11m fireboats, 9m cutters, and 12m fire launches

What's included:

• Plastic model kit parts for one 1/700 scale I.J.N Repair Ship Akashi

Specifications:

• Scale: 1/700
• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions (approximate): 29 x 11 x 4.9 cm

Please note that this is an unpainted plastic assembly kit. Adhesives, tools, and paints are required for completion and are sold separately.