Ahoy mates and welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Let’s see what going on today.
Tamiya to do a special edition I-400
Tamiya has announced that they will release a special edition of their 1/350 I-400 submarine. The new kit will include photo-etch railings and four torpedoes. This is already a vey nice kit. The addition of the extra photo-etch and torpedoes make it even nicer. If you haven’t pick up this kit yet, here’s your chance.
Pit-Road releasing 1/350 Escort HIJMS Ukuru
Pit-Road is proud to announce that they will be releasing the HIJMS Ukuru Escort shp in 1/350 scale. Japan’s version of a destroyer escort, the 31 units of the Ukuru Class were designed around an improved Mikura Class hull. The first unit was laid down in January 1944. The hull was manufactured in pre-fabricated sections to reduce construction time. This kit is due out later this summer and will retail for around $35.00
Here is more information on the Ukuru Class
Builders and Years Completed: Various 1943-1944
Displacement: 940-tons standard.
Dimensions: 236.2' x 29.7' x 10'
Propulsion: 2-shaft geared diesel engines, 4200 b.h.p, speed 19.5 knots
Armament: 3 x 4.7-inch 120-mm)/45 cal HA, 6 Type 96 25-mm AA (2x2), 120 depth charges.
During the war, the class was rearmed with 16 to 20 Type 96 25-mm guns. In 1944, a Type 22 radar and a Type 93 sonar were fitted as was an 8-cm mortar.
New 1/92 Cottage Industries USS Monitor
Cottage Industries is happy to announce the release of their newest kit of the Union Ironclad U.S.S. Monitor in 1/96th scale. Kit # 96-008. The model is approximately 22" long, and features a fully detailed gun turret suitable for cutaway display, thoroughly illustrated instruction booklet, and everything you need to build the ship at any point in her career. The company states that this is a very easy model to build. They plan to debut the model at the IPMS Nationals next month, so be sure to stop by their tables in the Vendor Room and say "Hello." The MSRP is $ 249.95 plus S&H.
Russia starts large-scale naval exercise in the Pacific
Over 20 combat and auxiliary ships from Russia's Pacific Fleet started on Tuesday a large-scale naval exercise in the Sea of Japan, which includes live firing drills, a fleet spokesman said.
"The exercise is part of the summer combat training program," Captain 1st Rank Roman Martov said. "More than 20 combat and auxiliary ships will participate in about 20 individual and group drills."
The core of the naval task force participating in the exercise consists of the Varyag, a Russian Slava-class missile cruiser dubbed 'the killer of aircraft carriers,' the Bystry, a Sovremenny class destroyer, and a group of missile boats.
Russian Cruiser Varyag
According to the exercise scenario, the Russian naval task force and shore-based naval aircraft are tasked with the search and destruction of an 'aggressor force' attempting to establish a beachhead on the Russian coast.
Sovremenny class destroyer
The ships will conduct a series of live firing drills against ground, surface, and air targets.
During the exercise, the Varyag and the Bystry will test-fire new surface-to-air missiles at a target drone.
Gator
