Hasegawa WL503 IJN Ocean Liner Hikawa Maru (1/700) – plastic model kit

The Hasegawa WL503 1/700 scale plastic model kit faithfully recreates the legendary Japanese ocean liner Hikawa Maru, which became an icon of the Japanese fleet both in times of peace and during World War II. This model is a real treat for maritime history enthusiasts and fans of ships from the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Realistic representation of a historic liner

The Hikawa Maru was launched in 1929 and, until the outbreak of World War II, served as a luxury passenger liner on the Japan – Seattle route. When the war began, the ship was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and converted into a hospital ship. It performed this role until the end of the war, aiding in the transport of wounded personnel and civilians across the Pacific and throughout Japan. After the war, it returned to civilian service. Today, it is preserved as a museum ship in Yokohama.

• Scale: 1/700 – allows for faithful reproduction of all unit details
• Country of use: Japan
• Period of use: from the 1930s, World War II, postwar period
• Material: high quality plastic
• No photo-etched parts or metal barrels included in the set
• Contents: parts for assembling the hull, superstructure, deck equipment, instructions

Purpose and difficulty level

The Hasegawa WL503 IJN Ocean Liner Hikawa Maru model is especially recommended for fans of Japanese naval history, collectors of ocean liners, and anyone interested in ships from the World War II era. We rate the difficulty level at 2 out of 5, making this set suitable for both beginners and intermediate modelers. Simple fitting of parts and precisely manufactured components allow for trouble-free assembly of the model.

Summary

Choosing the Hasegawa WL503 IJN Hikawa Maru (1/700) guarantees excellent quality, a rich history, and the opportunity to create a unique addition to your home collection. This model not only develops manual skills but also broadens knowledge of 20th-century maritime history.