F-Toys of Japan has has announced the September 2015 release of kit FTS60234, a 1/2000 scale “gashapon” (capsule toy) set of Japanese Imperial Navy ships that participated in the Battle of Cape Engaño.

Labeled "Naval Kit Collection #7 Engano Cape Ocean 1 Box 10pcs”, the set consists of prepainted and assembled models of the hybrid sister battlewagons Hyuga and Ise, the light carrier Zuiho, the light cruiser Isuzu, and the destroyer Wakatsuki in tiny 1/2000 scale. It isn’t quite clear how these five ships will be depicted, as pictures show the battleships and the carrier in both in plain gray and green pattern camouflage schemes. Also, the set is listed at “10 pieces”, but this apparently refers to the five ships plus their optional underwater hulls.

F Toys is best known for their extensive line of 1/144 prebuilt airplanes, but they also do ships. While not the unassembled plastic kits most of us are used to, these little premade models are produced to a very high standard. And though complete, they could still be improved; in the hands of a skilled ship modeler they could become the basis for an interesting yet manageably sized fleet diorama.

The set can be preordered for ¥5,000 (approximately US$40.56) from Hobbylink Japan.

http://www.hlj.com/product/FTS60234/Gsh