Description
Tamiya’s latest addition to their 1/700 Waterline Series is the Japanese Aircraft Carrying Cruiser Mogami, #31341. The Waterline Series is a complete line-up of ships with only the upper hull, making them appear as though they are floating; or on the waterline! The Mogami, which was able to carry 11 hydroplanes, first saw action during the second half of the Pacific war. She was equipped with 15.5cm cannons mounted on 5 dual gun turrets. It was completed in July 1935 was the first ship of the Mogami class of cruisers. The main guns were replaced during 1939/40 with dual 20cm gun turrets which transformed these light cruisers into heavy cruisers. In the first half of WWII, the Mogami took part in operation Malay, and the battle of Sunda Strait. However, during the battle of Midway in June 1942, the Mogami violently crashed into the port side of the Mikuma. During repairs, ten 25mm triple gun anti-aircraft batteries were added. The Mogami participated in the Battle of the Mariana in June 1944. Her largest battle occurred in October 1944 she fought against enemy fleet at night in the Battle of Leyte. After sustaining heavy fire from the US fleet, the Mogami erupted in flames, and the decision was made to abandon ship and sink it with torpedoes. The Mogami disappeared into the depths of the Mindanao Sea.
