Tamiya 1/700 JMDS Ohsumi LST-4001

By Bob Pearson

History

The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) was established in 1954 and soon began deployment of landing ships. Originally these were LSTs borrowed from the USN, however in 1965 the Japanese designed/built Atsumi and Miura class ships were introduced. With the increase in the size of vehicles, and equipment and with a widening of the role of the LST a new design was begun in 1993. The result is the JDS (JMSDF Defence Ship) Ohsumi Class LST.

The Ohsumi features a helicopter landing deck aft and internal vehicle storage forward. The rear of the hull has a bay to carry two LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion). Normal accommodation is provided for 130 crew and 330 troops, and up to 20 tanks and 40 large size vehicles. In the event of a natural disaster, Ohsumi can accommodate over 1000 people and has full medical facilities as well.

Specifications:

Length: 178m
Beam: 25.8m
Speed: 22kts
Armament: two CIWS Phalanx

The Kit

The kit contains approximately 107 parts on three sprues which are molded in the usual grey plastic. The hull has the plating lines molded on the sides as raised lines, with the vehicle loading hatch and other details as engraved lines. There is also detail for the deck of the LCAC bay on the inside of the hull.

The first sprue contains the bridge, upperdeck and LCAC bay detail. The stern door may be displayed either opened or closed and there is also the option of leaving the rear of the upperdeck removable to show off the interior of the well.

The other two sprues are similar and contain parts for two CH-47 helicopters and four LCACs, the LCACs can be built as either in motion, or at rest with the ramps down and the air cushion skirt flattened. The CIWS is also on this sprue.

Decals are provided for the flight deck, CH47s and the LCAC cargo decks.

Conclusion

New 1/700 injection kits seem to be a rarity these days, and this one was an unexpected find. The detail on the parts is up to Tamiya's usual standards and the addition of the interior well and LCACs will allow for the possibility of some interesting dioramas. Recommended.

My thanks to Hobbylink Japan for the review sample.