Overview
The Tamiya 1/700 USS Missouri BB-63 model kit recreates the legendary Iowa-class battleship on whose deck Japan's surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, ending World War II. This historic vessel served from 1944 to 1993, participating in WWII Pacific operations, the Korean War, and eventually the Gulf War after a 1986 modernization.
Boasting a 45,000-ton displacement and 212,000 horsepower enabling 33-knot speeds, the Missouri represented the pinnacle of battleship design. Her narrow 33-meter beam allowed passage through the Panama Canal while maintaining devastating firepower from nine 40.6cm main guns. This Tamiya kit captures the Missouri in her iconic WWII configuration.
Key Features
- Authentic WWII era configuration
- Hull divided in two halves for finest detail reproduction
- Rotating 40.6cm triple gun turrets via polycaps
- Engraved wooden deck board limitations (new technique)
- Two floatplane types: OS2U Kingfisher and SC-1 Seahawk
- Camouflage scheme guide for Measure 32/22D and Measure 22
Performance Benefits
- Moveable main turrets after completion
- Extremely thin AA gun shields for realism
- Multiple camouflage options documented
- Impressive display presence at 386.5mm length
Usage Notes
- Assembly and painting required
- Recommended for intermediate to advanced modelers
- Color sheet enlargeable to 120% for painting template
- Model cement and paints sold separately
Technical Specs
- Scale: 1/700
- Completed Length: 386.5mm
- Completed Width: 47mm
- Ship Class: Iowa-class battleship
- Actual Length: 270.4m
- Actual Beam: 33m
- Tamiya Item Number: 31613
Historical Armament
- Triple 40.6cm (16-inch) gun turrets x3
- 12.7cm secondary guns
- 40mm quadruple AA guns
- 20mm AA guns
What's Included
- Plastic parts for 1/700 scale USS Missouri
- OS2U Kingfisher and SC-1 Seahawk floatplanes
- Polycaps for rotating turrets
- Camouflage scheme color guide
- Assembly instructions
Needed to Complete
- Plastic model cement
- Hobby tools
- US Navy camouflage paints
- Fine brushes or airbrush
Summary
The Tamiya USS Missouri BB-63 kit immortalizes the battleship that witnessed history's most significant surrender. With rotating turrets, authentic floatplanes, and detailed camouflage guides, this model captures the "Mighty Mo" in her WWII glory. An essential model for any serious naval history collection.
