No. 23 Japanese Heavy Cruiser Mogami [日本重巡洋艦 最上]

[The 20.3 cm Twin-Gun Turret that Shocked the US Navy]

The Mogami-class cruiser, a light cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy, was designed in 1931 with a standard displacement of 8,500 tons and five 15.5cm triple-gun turrets.

Of the four ships built, the lead ship, "Mogami," was completed in July 1935.

In 1939, its main armament was upgraded from 15.5 cm triple-gun turrets to 20.3 cm twin-gun turrets, and it entered the Pacific War as a heavy cruiser.

"Mogami" was assigned to the 7th Squadron of the 2nd Fleet, along with three sister ships, and supported the Malayan landing operation as an escort unit.

In the Battle of the Java Sea in March 1942, along with its sister ship "Mikuma," it sank the US heavy cruiser "Houston" and the Australian light cruiser "Perth."

After sustaining damage in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, it underwent extensive modifications to enhance its reconnaissance capabilities, transforming it into an aircraft cruiser.

After these major renovations, "Mogami" was reassigned to the 2nd Fleet and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944.

In this final major naval battle between Japan and the United States, "Mogami" was heavily damaged and set ablaze by enemy aircraft attacks, and was finally sunk by friendly torpedo fire.

[Main Specifications of the Mogami]

● Standard displacement: 12,400 tons

● Length: 200.6 m

● Power output: 152,000 horsepower

● Speed: 35 knots

● Armament (as a heavy cruiser): 5 x 20.3 cm twin gun turrets, 4 x 12.7 cm twin AA gun turrets, 4 x 25 mm twin machine guns, 2 x 13 mm twin machine guns, 4 x 61 cm triple torpedo tube mounts

● Aircraft: Type 95 seaplane, Type 0 seaplane

[Model Specifications]

★ This is a 1/350 scale plastic model kit of the Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami.

★ 1/350 scale, length 573 mm, width 76 mm.

★ This kit faithfully reproduces the imposing silhouette of the heavy cruiser Mogami, equipped with five 20.3 cm twin gun turrets.

★ The hull features a split upper deck for easy assembly and a one-piece molded lower hull for a realistic, streamlined shape.

★ Large parts, such as the hull and deck, are securely attached to reinforcing frame parts with screws.

★ Turrets, torpedo tubes, AA guns, and catapults can be rotated even after assembly.

★ The fore and aft masts and aerial bracing struts are made of durable ABS resin.

★ The bridge windows and searchlight lenses are made of clear plastic.

★ The anti-aircraft machine guns and their muzzle brakes are finely detailed.

★ Includes two Type 95 seaplanes and four Type 0 seaplanes. The aircraft have delicate surface details and come with a display stand for showing them in flight.

★ Includes a metal-effect nameplate decal and display base.

★ In addition to etched parts, the anchor chain and propeller shaft are made of metal for added realism.