Aoshima 1/700 Scale IJN Destroyer Hatsuharu 1933 Model Kit

Known for their accuracy and attention to detail, Aoshima's precision Waterline Series focuses on naval ship models, depicting the ship's structure from the waterline and above. Models in this series are designed to be seen as if floating on the water, highlighting the above-water structure, whilst also making for a more practical and space-efficient display on a flat surface.

The lead ship of her class, Hatsuharu was the first of six destroyers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as part of the Circle One Program. An aim of the Hatsuharu-class design was to produce smaller and more economical destroyers than the previous Fubuki and Akatsuki-class destroyers, but with essentially the same weaponry. These goals conflicted with each other, and resulted in top-heavy ships with stability problems.

After a pair of incidents involving foul weather and top-heavy designs resulted in serious damage to other ships, Hatsuharu underwent extensive modifications to remedy the similar problems with her design.

Hatsuharu served through most of the Second World War, conducting a range of missions, including escort duties, transport runs, and anti-submarine patrols. On the night of November 13th 1944, Hatsuharu was evetually caught in an air raid whilst in Manila Bay; she was sunk by fires and damage caused by a series of near misses.

Aoshima's precision Waterline Series model kit represents Hatsuharu as she would have appeared in 1933, prior to the modifications being made to improve her stability.

• 1/700 scale precision model kit
• Waterline design
• Assembly required
• Glue, paint, and tools not included - available separately
• Not a toy: not intended for children under 15 years old
• Made in Japan