The battleship Yamato, the iconic flagship of Japan's
World War II fleet, was sunk on the 7 April 1945 about 50
miles southwest of Kyushu island in an overwhelming display of
force by the US Navy. Three months later, in August 1945, all the
drawings and even the official photographs of the ships were
destroyed by the Japanese Command in an attempt to protect their
designs from the approaching Allied forces.
Despite its short active service career, the Yamato
secured its place in maritime history as the largest ship in the
battleship class, a record that has never been surpassed. At 863
feet (263 metres) in length and with a displacement when fully
laden of 72,810 tonnes, the Yamato was a truly awesome
warship. With nine powerful 18.1-inch (460mm) guns that could fire
a 2,998-pound (1,360kg) shell over a distance of 26 miles (42km)
and a host of 5- and 6-inch guns, the Yamato was heavily
armed and designed to strike hard at the enemy's sea and shore
defences.
Working closely with the Yamato Museum in Kure, Japan, De
Agostini's master model-maker has developed an incredibly detailed,
1:250 scale model of the battleship Yamato. Using a 1:10
scale replica housed in the Museum as reference, alongside
rediscovered drawings and photos from both the Japanese archive and
allied reconnaissance photos, the Yamato has been
painstakingly researched and rebuilt as a finely-detailed model
kit. Consisting of over 500 wooden parts and 1,200 pieces cast in
metal, this beautifully detailed model has already been a huge
success in its native Japan and will be launched for the first time
in the UK on 1 December 2009.
The battleship Yamato is available exclusively to Model
Space customers as a series of 11 or 22 monthly
instalments. This model is not available anywhere else and is a
stunning addition to any ship modeller's collection. Plus, using
detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photography, the
Yamato is suitable for both experienced modellers and
those new to the hobby. And don't forget, as a Model Space Premium
Member, you will receive a 10% discount on all tools and modelling
items bought in our online shop.