Fujimi Model 1/700 Special Series No.108 EX-1 Japanese Navy Light Cruiser Yahagi (1945/1944) Special-108 EX-1

A cutting-edge light cruiser from the no-treaty era - available in two versions: its final battle with Yamato and its final battle in 1944.

This is an unpainted kit that requires assembly and painting.

This is a 1/700 scale model for sea use, and does not include the hull.

This product uses molds from the previous (special series).

The light cruiser Yahagi was the third Agano-class ship, completed at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal in December 1943 during wartime. The Agano-class was planned as the flagship of a torpedo squadron, and was characterized by its modern appearance and armament, setting it apart from the previous 5,500-ton class. It was equipped with three 15cm twin guns and two newly developed 8cm twin anti-aircraft guns. After its completion, Yahagi participated in major battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In the meantime, the ship's anti-aircraft armament was strengthened.

In April 1945, as part of Operation Ten-Ichi-Go in response to the US landings on Okinawa, the ship sortied as the flagship of the 2nd Torpedo Squadron to escort the battleship Yamato. However, it was hit by seven torpedoes and over 12 bombs from superior US aircraft and sank en route to Okinawa.

(Basic Specifications)

●Products are available in multiple year configurations.

- This ship is in its final form as it sortied to Okinawa with Yamato in Operation Ten-Ichi-Go in April 1945, equipped with 28 25mm single machine guns.

- After the Battle of the Philippine Sea at the end of June 1944, it was equipped with 18 25mm single machine guns, before the configuration of the flight deck was changed.

- This ship is believed to have been in its appearance at the time of the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, without the single machine guns being strengthened.

(Structure, Specifications, Features) ● The modern Agano-class design, distinct from previous Japanese light cruisers, is faithfully reproduced.

- The hull is designed with separate left and right parts. Special parts are used to recreate the reduced number of portholes, which were blocked off compared to the time of completion. - The external electrical wiring running around the entire side of the ship is intricately sculpted, even down to the fasteners. - Each level of the deck and bridge features linoleum-like retaining brackets and the anti-slip strip pattern on the steel deck, all vividly sculpted.

- The shelter section forward of the bridge is made into a single part using a slide mold. The side walls are meticulously sculpted and shaped. - The main gun turret is made using a slide mold, recreating the windows, ladders, and steel plate joints on the sides and top. - The grille at the top of the funnel is realistically sculpted, and the internal air deflector is also a separate part. - The funnel is designed with separate left and right parts, and the monkey ladders are also meticulously sculpted. - Each steam exhaust pipe is a separate part, expressing the differences from its sister ships.

- The triangular truss below the mast is removed using a slide mold. - The small cranes on both sides of the aft end of the flight deck are accurately reproduced in three dimensions using separate parts. - The cylindrical arm shape of the 4.5-meter high-angle rangefinder is precisely recreated or included as a dedicated part.

- The No. 22 radar, gangway (storage), direction-finding antenna, auxiliary wing wells, etc. are all included as separate parts. - The 8cm twin high-angle gun has its shield and barrel separated and is included as a newly designed dedicated part. - The floatplane hoisting and stowing crane even reproduces the lightening holes on the side for a more precise feel. - Two A6M Zero (three-seat) floatplanes are included. The molded color is clear, giving the windshield a realistic finish. (The standard version is molded in gray.)

- Two types of decals are included: one for marking the carrier-based floatplane and one for the stern ship name and mast white lines.

● The PLUS version differs from the standard version in that it includes the following replacement parts. - 25mm twin machine gun: A two-part design with precise sculpting and easy-to-paint structure, featuring a molded version developed in 2018. - Binocular telescope: The bridge air defense command post comes with a binocular telescope for reconnaissance and surveillance, adding a touch of precision.

- Type 13 Radar: A newly included part with a sculpted truss structure and a more detailed antenna shape. - Type 21 Radar: The front insulator base for mounting the element features more detailed sculpting than previous included parts. - Type 22 Radar is molded using a slide mold to create an open version, and the trumpet-shaped version can also be extended.

・9-meter cutter: Made in two parts for ease of painting, with a separate mount and one-piece deck molding available (some areas excluded). ・Chrysanthemum crest: A new chrysanthemum crest is provided for the bow. ・Sidelights: New, adding expression to previously omitted parts.

*This product is made in Japan. *This product is a plastic model kit that requires assembly. *This is a plastic model kit that requires assembly and painting. Tools, paint, etc. are required separately.