Tamiya 31616 U.S. Navy Battleship BB-61 Iowa (Japanese Import)

Introducing our latest addition to the modeling world, the USS Iowa in a detailed 1/700 scale format, joining our acclaimed Missouri and New Jersey models. Commissioned in February 1943, the USS Iowa swiftly transitioned from Atlantic duties to the Pacific Theater by January 1944. Throughout World War II, she played a pivotal role supporting carrier-based air strikes against Japanese-held territories, safeguarding carriers, and engaging in shore and naval bombardments.

The USS Iowa, the first of her class, notably participated in key campaigns such as the Marianas and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, though narrowly missing a potential encounter with the Japanese battleship Yamato. Contributing significantly to the war effort, Iowa aided in the Philippines assault, participated in the Okinawa invasion, and conducted air strikes on Kyushu. Alongside her sister ships, the USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin, Iowa also contributed to the final stages of the war by bombarding industrial cities on the Japanese mainland.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our 1/700 scale model of the USS Iowa authentically portrays her appearance during the Marianas Campaign of 1944. Distinguishing features from her sister ship, USS Missouri, such as the open bridge, bow, observation deck, radar antenna, and 20mm guns atop the Number 2 turret are accurately reproduced. The model's design, with left and right hull halves, ensures straightforward assembly and a remarkably realistic finish.

For enhanced realism, the main turrets are equipped with polycaps, enabling rotation post-assembly. The model faithfully replicates the ship's armament, including detailed 40mm and 20mm guns. A comprehensive color finishing guide is provided, detailing how to replicate the Measure 32/1B camouflage used during the Marianas Campaign. Additionally, the kit includes intricately designed models of Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes, adding further historical accuracy to the display.

Designed for modelers aged 12 and above, the Tamiya P/N: 31616 USS Iowa model kit combines educational value with a rewarding assembly experience, making it an ideal choice for both history enthusiasts and modeling aficionados alike.

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