Hi All
This will be my next project after the Belfast is finished.
The World's Largest "Submarine Carrier"　The I-400 was a submarine the likes of which the world had never seen before. At the time of their completion, the I-400 and her sister ships were the largest, and arguably the most advanced submarines in the world. With a 122m length, 12m width, and 6,560 ton displacement, their size rivalled that of destroyers of the time and their amazing endurance could allow them to traverse the globe one and a half times. Loaded with 3 Seiran bombers, the planned attack on the Panama Canal was only moments away from reality. Diverted to attack the gathering Allied invasion fleet at Ulithi, the war ended before the submarines could launch their strike.
Both I-400 submarines never had the opportunity to see action due to the ending of WW2. It is said that due to its superior design, the I-400 is the predecessor to modern day strategic nuclear missile submarines.

About the Model

•1/350 Length: 348.5mm.
•Transparent parts are included in the set allowing you to easily see the three hangar stored Seiran aircraft.
•Photo-etched parts are included to depict the crane arm, aft antenna support, Seiran propellers as well as hand rails. A guide sticker sheet for hand rail installation is also included.
•The kit also comes with four metal torpedoes. Transparent parts for the Seiran canopy add greater realism to the model.
•Forty-eight 1/350 scale figures are included to spice up the model.

• Includes Photo-Etched railings and torpedo fins.
• railing positioning guide stickers
•
4 metal Type 95 torpedoes are included and can be displayed with included display rack.

Just like the actual submarine, 3 Seiran aircraft with wings folded can be stored inside the hangar.

http://www.tamiya.com/en...ts/78019i_400/index.htm

regards
Andy

Now you have the history here's a review of the Kit itself.

The box comes with Tamiya's usual fine art rendition of the ship at sea with a top picture showing the see-through section on the hangar holding the Seiran aircraft'
As this is a Special edition kit there are loads of goody's like the etch, brass parts and even the weight's for the model and the screws ect for mounting the model on its stand. A stand is also provided to mount another Sieran aircraft in flight, as an added extra the Eduard etch set is also going to be used.
On opening the box everything is neatly packaged and the first thing you see is the two piece hull in red and grey plastic split down the centre so a waterline model can be built too. Five sprue's of parts are included one being of crew members and two of clear plastic for the hangar and aircraft all are crisply moulded with no obvious flash showing. Three instruction booklets are included a nice main glossy one and two of paper also Tamiya's usual paint charts and colour guide is provided.
In conclusion a nice little ship kit with loads of added extras that will make the finished model even more special and I will look forward to building this model in the near future
regards
Andy

Hi Andy
Really looking forward to this one as it is on my build list along with the seaplane carrying Mogami.For whatever reason I have an affinity for Japanese warships and submarines.I have Nichimo's I 19 1/200 scale in my stash.I nearly bought Tamiya's I-400 a couple of years back,but I am glad I didn't as they brought this edition out.
Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Jase
Yes there is a wooden deck kit at first I could only find it in the USA at silly prices $40 plus and import to p[ay on top of that but I eventually found a set at White Ensign at £12 so a better bargain result
regards
Andy

Yes a have quite a few squat in the loft,I generally have a period when I concentrate on the plastic builds when my momentum dies on the wooden builds.It is a completely different style of work and makes for a nice change.I have had a look at the small shop website and they make some very nice kit.I could certainly get carried away with the 'nutter' tool on my Dora build.
Kind Regards Nigel