IJN Light Cruiser Yahagi ‗The Battle of the Leyte Gulf' 1:350 Hasegawa 40109

Plastic model kit: IJN Light Cruiser Yahagi "The Battle of the Leyte Gulf" 1:350 Hasegawa 40109

The IJN Light Cruiser Yahagi "The Battle of the Leyte Gulf" model kit in 1:350 scale from Hasegawa is a unique offering for enthusiasts of naval history and modeling. This detailed set allows for the recreation of one of the most important ships of the Japanese fleet during World War II, which participated in key battles in the Pacific.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:350
• Model length: 498.5 mm
• Catalog number: 40109
• Includes photo-etched parts: railing parts for the searchlight tower
• Ship configuration: Flagship of the 10th Squadron, 3rd Fleet (Battle of Leyte Gulf: October 1944)

History and significance of the Yahagi cruiser:

The Yahagi cruiser was the third of four ships of the Agano class, designed to replace outdated light cruisers in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Yahagi was built at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal, with construction starting on November 11, 1941. The ship was launched on October 25, 1942, and completed on December 29, 1943. After completion, Yahagi was assigned as the flagship of the 10th Destroyer Division of the 3rd Fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Armament and equipment:

Yahagi was armed with six 152 mm guns in three turrets. Additional armament included four 8 cm/60 Type 98 guns and numerous anti-aircraft guns, including two triple 25 mm guns and two dual 13 mm guns. The ship also had two quadruple Type 93 torpedo launchers and a rapid reloading system, allowing for a full torpedo salvo to be fired from both sides. Yahagi was also equipped with two Aichi E13A aircraft and a 26-foot catapult.

Combat career:

Yahagi participated in many key battles in the Pacific. In June 1944, it took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where despite heavy losses in Japanese aviation, it managed to avoid damage. In October 1944, Yahagi participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the largest naval battles in history. During this battle, Yahagi, as part of Admiral Takeo Kurita's forces, survived numerous air attacks without damage.

Final mission and sinking:

In April 1945, Yahagi was assigned to Operation Ten-Go, aimed at attacking American invasion forces off the coast of Okinawa. During this mission, on April 7, 1945, Yahagi was attacked by American aircraft and hit by a torpedo in the engine room, immobilizing the ship. In subsequent waves of attacks, Yahagi received further hits from torpedoes and bombs, leading to its sinking. The ship sank at 14:05, taking 445 crew members with it.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.