Overview
The Tamiya 1/700 Japanese Aircraft Carrier Zuikaku model kit recreates this legendary Shokaku-class carrier as she appeared during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. Completed in September 1941, the Zuikaku combined speed, powerful anti-aircraft armament, and a large aircraft complement to become one of the Imperial Japanese Navy's most capable carriers.
The Zuikaku participated in major Pacific War operations including the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. This kit depicts her final configuration with enhanced late-war anti-aircraft armament and authentic aircraft including A6M5 Zeros and D4Y Yokosuka dive bombers.
Key Features
- Depicts Zuikaku in late-war Battle of Leyte Gulf configuration
- Enhanced anti-aircraft armament accurately reproduced
- Includes Mitsubishi A6M5 fighters and Yokosuka D4Y bombers
- Large detailed flight deck and bridge structure
- Waterslide decals included
- Parts molded in gray, black, and red plastic
Performance Benefits
- Historical late-war configuration rarely modeled
- Complete air group representation
- Multi-color molding simplifies painting
- Excellent display and diorama potential
Usage Notes
- Assembly and painting required
- Suitable for intermediate modelers
- Model cement and paints sold separately
- Metal weight included for stability
Technical Specs
- Scale: 1/700
- Completed Length: 367mm
- Ship Class: Shokaku-class aircraft carrier
- Actual Displacement: 32,000 tons (full)
- Actual Length: 257m
- Maximum Speed: 34 knots
- Tamiya Item Number: 31214
Historical Aircraft Complement
- Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero fighters
- Yokosuka D4Y Suisei dive bombers
- 84 aircraft capacity (actual)
What's Included
- Plastic parts for 1/700 scale Zuikaku
- Aircraft with decals
- Lifeboats and armaments
- Assembly instructions
Needed to Complete
- Plastic model cement
- Hobby tools
- IJN ship paints
- Fine brushes or airbrush
Summary
The Tamiya Zuikaku kit captures one of Japan's finest aircraft carriers in her final combat configuration. This historically significant model depicts the carrier that survived Pearl Harbor only to meet her end at Leyte Gulf. An excellent addition for Pacific War collections and naval aviation enthusiasts.
