The Historic Battleship Prince of Wales
The British battleship Prince of Wales holds a significant place in naval history as the second ship of the King George V class. Completed in March 1941, it quickly became part of the pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck. Later that year, it was deployed to Southeast Asia to bolster British defenses in Singapore. However, its service was cut short during the Battle of Malaya, where Japanese bombers attacked and sank the vessel. Tamiya's 1/700 scale model captures this iconic ship as it stood during its final battle, accompanied by detailed replicas of Japanese Type 96 "Nell" and Type 1 "Betty" bombers.
Battle of Malaya: A Turning Point
On December 8, 1941, the Prince of Wales departed Singapore to counter Japanese landings in Malaya. Misled by faulty intelligence, the British Eastern Fleet found no enemy at Kuantan. By December 10, Japanese reconnaissance had located the Prince of Wales, leading to a devastating aerial assault by Japanese bombers. The ship was heavily damaged and eventually sunk, marking a pivotal moment in the Pacific War.
Japanese Bombers: Nell and Betty
The Type 1 "Betty" bomber, introduced in 1940, featured Mitsubishi air-cooled engines and a range exceeding 4,200 km, carrying up to 1,000 kg of weapons. The Type 96 "Nell," operational since 1936, also featured Mitsubishi engines and could carry 800 kg of ordnance over 4,000 km. Both played crucial roles in the Pacific theater.
About the Model
Tamiya's 1/700 scale model of the Prince of Wales is meticulously detailed, measuring 322mm in length. It features intricately crafted weaponry, including 35.6cm L45 quadruple guns and 40mm Pom-Pom guns. The kit includes seven Japanese bombers and a stand to display them in flight, enhancing the historical accuracy of the diorama.
Specifications
- Scale: 1/700
- Length: 322mm
- Material: Plastic
- Includes: Type 96 "Nell" and Type 1 "Betty" bombers
- Assembly required: Yes
- Paint required: Yes
