Border BS005 - 1:350 IJN Heavy Cruiser Takao

1:350 scale plastic model kit of the IJN Heavy Cruiser Takao

This Border Model kit depicts the Imperial Japanese Navy heavy cruiser IJN Takao – the lead ship of the Takao-class and one of Japan’s most famous warships of World War II. Designed in the early 1930s, Takao combined speed, firepower, and armor protection, becoming a key part of the Japanese surface fleet. The ship saw extensive combat service throughout the Pacific campaign, including the battles of Midway, the Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf.

• Scale: 1:350
• Model length: approx. 60 cm
• Manufacturer: Border Model
• Difficulty level: advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or tools. Assembly and painting required.

Model features:

The model features a fully detailed hull, deck planking, turrets, and superstructure components. The kit includes 203 mm main guns, anti-aircraft systems, torpedo launchers, and catapults with Aichi E13A “Jake” reconnaissance aircraft. Photo-etched parts are provided for fine details such as railings, radars, and ladders. The overall precision and detailing make it a standout kit for experienced ship modelers.

Box contents:

• Highly detailed hull and wooden-textured deck
• Main 203 mm gun turrets and secondary armament
• Torpedo tubes and anti-aircraft batteries
• Catapults with reconnaissance floatplanes
• Photo-etched parts (railings, ladders, radars)
• Decals for Imperial Japanese Navy markings
• Full-color assembly and painting guide

Recommended tools:

• Hobby knife or sprue cutters
• Files or sanding papers
• Brushes or airbrush
• Plastic cement
• Model paints
• CA glue (for photo-etched parts)

About the IJN Heavy Cruiser Takao:

The IJN Takao was the first ship of the Takao-class heavy cruisers, designed as an improved version of the Myoko-class. Commissioned in 1932, she carried ten 203 mm guns, 127 mm dual-purpose guns, and Type 93 “Long Lance” torpedoes. Takao served in multiple Pacific operations, including the Philippines, Java, and Solomon Islands campaigns. Badly damaged during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, she survived until the end of the war and was scuttled by the Royal Navy near Singapore in 1946.

Technical data of the real ship:

• Type: heavy cruiser (Takao class)
• Length: 203.8 m
• Beam: 20.4 m
• Draught: 6.3 m