Aoshima 1/700 Scale Light Cruiser Oi 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.

Ōi was the fourth of five Kuma-class light cruisers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) from 1917. Originally designed as both a long-range, high speed reconnaissance ship, and also as a command vessel for destroyer or submarine flotillas, Ōi's design and mission evolved significantly throughout her life.

From August 1941, Ōi (and her sister Kitakami) was converted into a torpedo cruiser, including a fearsome armament of ten quadruple launchers for the Type 93 'Long Lance' torpedo. After about a year in that configuration, including a stint as part of the Aleutian Screening Force during the Battle of Midway, Ōi was converted into a fast transport ship (she gained a pair of landing craft, improved AA defences, and depth charge launch rails, while losing four torpedo launchers).

After her conversion, Ōi engaged in various transport operations, often in company with Kitakami; she also had a stint as escort for a group of heavy cruisers, consisting of Tone, Chikuma and Aoba, engaging in commerce raiding in the Indian Ocean. Ōi's career came to a close on 19th July 1944: she was found by the Gato-class submarine USS Flasher, which launched four torpedoes from her stern tubes; half hit, although one failed to detonate. The single torpedo that exploded was sufficient to sink Ōi, despite the destroyer Shikinami attempting to tow her to safety.

Aoshima's precision Waterline Series model kit presents Ōi as she would have appeared as a torpedo cruiser, with her full armament of forty Long Lance torpedoes.

• 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