by Marty Shay
1/700 IJN Ashigara Heavy Cruiser (Hasegawa)
This IJN Ashigara: model is based on the Hasegawa “big” box kit, 1/700th Waterline. That I’m aware of Hasegawa has two issues of this kit, a “small” box older release and this one as a “new issue”. I paid $14.49 for the kit, it retails for $34. Based on my experience building it I would have to say go with someone else’s kit of a Myoko class, this one is not worth the aggravation. The instructions are awful, the locator pins are off, all in all a VERY difficult build. If you’re into microscopic parts that don’t fit right, this kit is for you.
IJN Ashigara commissioned August 20, 1929. Rebuilt June 1936. May 1937 represents Japan at King George VI’s coronation review in England. Rebuilt again February 15, 1939. December 2, 1941 designated Flagship of Cruiser Division 16 and IJN Third Fleet. Participates in the invasion of the Phillipines.December 11, 1941 attacked by USAAF B-17s, not damaged. February 27, 1942 participates in the Battle of the Java Sea. March 1, 1942 engages HMS Exeter.Later in the day engages HMS Encounter.March 1942 Flagship of IJN 2nd South Expeditionary Fleet. Participates in the invasion of Christmas Island.
September 20, 1943 Flagship of Cruiser Division 16. February 25, 1944 re-assigned to Cruiser Division 21, Fifth Fleet northern area. March 1, 1944 US submarine attacks, misses. September 1944 refit at Kure. October 1944 joins Cruiser Division 2 as part of a composite group of Cruisers and several Destroyer Squadrons. October 24, 1944 takes part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, makes unsuccessful torpedo attack. November 1944 Flagship Fifth Fleet. December 26, 1944 damaged by a 500 pound bomb hit. December 27, 1944 bombards US beachhead at San Jose (Phillipine Islands).
February 5, 1945 assigned to Tenth Area Fleet. April 22, 1945 attacked by Dutch submarine O-19
unsuccessfully. April 27, 1945 damage to hydrophone room, ship drydocks in Singapore. .June 5-8,
1945 Ashigara is tracked by three allied submarines, USS Blueback, HMS Stygian, HMS Trenchant.
Ashigara is sunk on June 8, 1945 by HMS Trenchant off the coast of Sumatra. 853 crew and about
400 Army troops survive the sinking.
