Tamiya

1/350 Japanese Navy Submarine I-400 (Special Edition)

Kit Number: 89776

Reviewed by  Tim Hortman, IPMS# 19789

MSRP: $105.95 Website: www.tamiyausa.com Until the advent of modern nuclear subs, the WWII Imperial Japanese Naval I-400 class of subs was the largest and most complex subs built. Originally built for attacks on the Panama Canal, the subs were later destined to attack US Shipping, but the war ended before the attack could take place. Each sub carried three M6A1 Seiran aircraft, which could be assembled, launched, and then recovered. Tamiya releases a new 'upgraded' version of its great 1/350 I-400 Submarine. Inside the box you get identical sprues to the first release, but with some important changes and additions. This "Special Edition" of the I-400 includes the same sprue layout as the original release; with several of the trees being replaced with clear parts (rather than gray or green sprues in the first release): Two sprues for the Seiran aircraft and one for the superstructure/hangar area. Also included in this release are four Type 95 Oxygen Torpedoes done in metal (as shown in the original release's instruction booklet); and an additional Photo-Etched set which includes railings, as well as some 'guide stickers' for easier placement of these railings. There is also a sprue with 48 crew figures in six different positions, molded in gray. The construction of this kit is slightly different than the original release, as one must position the PE railing 'guide stickers' before the major assembly is done. Otherwise the construction is very straight forward. The detailed directions make assembly a fairly easy task for those with some experience working with PE parts. The instruction booklet is a multi-language text, so that you get a little history lesson while you're building. This is perfect for those who don't know much about the subject. NOTE: One important change in this release is that the interior of the hangar tube has no detail! Tamiya has smoothed out the interior of the hangar so that the builder can get the full effect of the clear parts. If you're planning on building your kit with the hanger door open, you may want to consider the first release, or you'll end up having to do some scratch building to bring back some of the detail. The builder has the option of building the sub with the dive rudders in the extended or retracted position; and the option of using the 'up' or 'down' periscope parts. I personally found the clear parts more difficult to work with than the standard gray/green parts. The entire hangar tube and conning tower (deck and all) are molded in clear with this release. Don't get me wrong, the fit of the parts is still very good, but working with the clear parts was more of a challenge than I had expected due to the hardness of the clear parts.

For my model I selected to depict the sub as submerged, with the dive rudders expended, the hangar tube closed, and the periscope in the raised position.

I would highly recommend this kit to anyone with an interest in the subject. The fit is superb with no issues. If you're looking for something a little different the clear conning tower is a great touch. By far the biggest "plus" for me in this release of the kit was the clear canopy on the M6A1 Seiran aircraft. It gives the aircraft a much more realistic appearance than when they are simply painted.

If you already have the original release of the I-400, and don't want two in your collection - there is no need to worry! Sold separately, Tamiya has a figure set where you can get several sprues of these nice sailors, and most recently they are selling the new Photo-etched parts in their "Detail Up" parts set for the I-400. Thank you to IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great submarine kit!