¹⁄700

Further to this news reporters story of the 18th of December 2008 the folks at Trumpeter have now released more detail on their 1/700th U.S.S. South Dakota BB-57.

This kitset is to contain 371 parts on 10 sprues plus the upper hull, lower hull, waterline plate, & stand. There will be decals for the USS South Dakota in its MS 21 Navy Blue Camouflage of 1945.

As previously advised the designated kit reference is Kit no. 05760.

The expected release date and the suggested retail price at this stage are not known.

We will of course update you on this kitset as and when we have more detail.

Ships History
USS South Dakota was launched in June 1941 and commissioned in March 1942. In November, 1942, she joined battleship USS Washington and some destroyers to form TF 64. The force was operating southwest of Guadalcanal against a Japanese bombardment group consisted of the one battleship, two heavy cruisers and a destroyer screen. South Dakota took 42 hits which caused considerable damage.

The USS South Dakota next operated with the British Home Fleet, based at Scapa Flow.

During the operation against the Philippine Islands, South Dakota and carriers covered the landings on Mindoro.

On July14th, 1945, as part of a bombardment group, she participated in the shelling of the Kamaishi Steel Works, Honshu. This was the first gunfire attack on the Japanese home islands by heavy warships.

On January 31th, 1947, she was placed in reserve.

TheSouth Dakota received 13 battle stars for her World War II service.

Images and history courtesy of Trumpeter.