Tamiya Model Ships 1/350 IJN Mikuma Light Cruiser Kit

In August 1935, construction of the Mikuma, sister ship to the Mogami, was completed.Though of the same class, the Mikuma's bridge and some other features were slightly different from those of its sister ships. After Japans withdrawal from the disadvantageous London Naval Treaty in January 1936, the Mikuma's original five triple 15.5cm turrets were replaced with twin 20.3cm turrets which turned her into a heavy cruiser. Later, Mikuma and her sister ships formed the Cruiser Division 7 of the 2nd fleet and took part in the Malay landing operation and the Battle of Sundra Strait at the beginning of the Pacific War. However in June 1942, at Midway, the Mikuma would have her fate sealed. She was ordered with her unit to go and shell Midway at night. The operation was later canceled and the unit left to return home when an enemy submarine was spotted. To avoid a torpedo attack, the flagship, Kumano signaled to make evasive turns, during which the bow of the Mogami slammed into the Mikuma's hull. After wards, the Mikuma sustained heavy attacks from over 100 US aircraft and sank to the ocean floor on the seas Northwest of Midway.