On August 8th 1940 the Yamato was launched and it was completed on the 16th December 1941. The most characteristic feature of the Yamato was the nine 46cm guns, the biggest ever mounted on a ship. In addition to the powerful 46cm guns, the Yamato carried twelve 15.5 guns. The Yamato had excellent protection. Its hull was short and broad for its displacement. The turrets, bridge, machinery, etc. were disposed near the centre where the armour protection was concentrated. Of nearly 43,000 tons of steel, 21,266 tons was armour plating. The Yamato first saw service in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, but it was not until October 25th 1944 that the 45cms guns were first used in action. On April 6th 1945 the Yamato took part in Operation Ten No.1, and on the 7th April early in the morning the Japanese unit was spotted by an enemy plane and in the afternoon it was attacked by more than 300 enemy aircraft. The Yamato was hit by ten torpedoes and eight bombs and at 2:23 p.m. it sank with its crew of 2,498 without proving the worth of its huge guns.
 | This plastic model kit requires plastic cement and paint for assembly, and they are sold separately. |
