Hasegawa WL217 IJN Aircraft Carrier Shoho (1/700) – plastic model kit

The Hasegawa WL217 IJN Aircraft Carrier Shoho (1/700) is a high-quality plastic model kit faithfully replicating the Japanese light aircraft carrier Shōhō in 1:700 scale. Produced by the renowned Hasegawa brand, this kit offers impressive precision of detail and historical accuracy, meeting the expectations of both experienced modelers and ambitious beginners.

Technical data and kit contents

• Scale: 1:700
• Category: Plastic model kit
• Material: high-quality plastic
• The kit does not include glue or paints – it is recommended to purchase modeling accessories separately
• Carefully cast parts ensuring precise fit and realistic reproduction of deck details and armor
• User-friendly assembly instructions, allowing you to build a realistic model of the legendary World War II aircraft carrier step by step

Historical background – Shoho

The Japanese light aircraft carrier Shōhō belonged to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and was built on the hull of a supply ship. She entered service at the beginning of World War II – in December 1941. One of the most significant episodes in USS Shōhō’s history was the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 1942), where she became the first aircraft carrier in history to be sunk in battle by carrier-based aircraft. This vessel marked a new era in Pacific war strategy and became forever part of Japanese naval history.

Advantages of the Hasegawa model

• Abundance of fine details – faithfully reproduced deck fittings, gun turrets, catapults and cranes
• Possibility to create realistic camouflage and enhance the model with aftermarket accessories such as photo-etched railings or crew figures
• Clear instructions make the model accessible even to less advanced modelers
• Perfect as part of a collection or a naval diorama related to the Pacific campaign

Who do we recommend it for?

We especially recommend the Hasegawa WL217 IJN Aircraft Carrier Shoho (1/700) to modelers interested in naval history, collectors of Allied and Japanese WWII ships, and all maritime modeling enthusiasts. The assembly difficulty is rated at 3/5 – it requires precision and patience, but will be greatly satisfying for both intermediate and advanced ship modeling enthusiasts.