Tamiya 31349 Abukuma Light Cruiser Plastic Model Kit

 

The Abukuma was a smartly designed 5500 ton light cruiser completed in 1925 as the sixth ship of the Nagara class. Armed with seven 14cm guns and four dual 61cm torpedo launchers and with a top speed of 36 knots, she had significant offensive capabilities. During a training exercise in October 1930, the Abukuma lost its bow, so it became the only ship in the Nagara-class to have the high double curved bow for better seaworthiness. While undergoing modernization, the Abukuma was fitted with powerful two quadruple 61cm torpedo launchers. During the Pacific War, it served as the flagship for the 1st Destroyer Squadron and as an escort for the Pearl Harbor attack force. She also took part in "the miraculous operation," the withdrawal from Kiska. Abukuma's luck ran out in October 1944, when she met her final fate at the Battle of Leyte Gulf.