Hasegawa 502 49502 1/700 Scale, IJN Hikawamaru Hospital Ship (Waterline Series), Plastic Model Kit (HG49502)

Contents

Hasegawa 502 49502 1/700 Scale, IJN Hikawamaru Hospital Ship (Waterline Series), Plastic Model Kit.

Model Specifications

• Made of quality plastic material
• Detailed and realistic design
• Created with delicate workmanship

Hikawa Maru was a Japanese passenger ocean liner whose keel was laid in 1928, launched in September 1929, and made her maiden voyage in 1930. In the last months of 1941, it was seized by the Japanese Navy and converted into a hospital ship. At the time of launch, the length of the ship was 163.3 m and its width was 20.1 m. Hikawa Maru could reach a speed of 18.5 knots. The ship was never armed.

After entering service as a cruise ship, Hikawa Maru sailed primarily between the ports of Yokohama, Vancouver and Seattle. It quickly became famous for its beautiful passenger cabins and Art Deco-style dining room. In 1932, one of its passengers was Charlie Chaplin. On the eve of the start of the war, she was requisitioned by the Navy and converted into a hospital ship, which was completed on 21 December 1941. II. During World War II, she transported Japanese wounded from many conflicts, including the Battle of Midway (June 1942). Hikawa Maru struck naval mines three times, but each time—despite the damage—she was able to return to port for repairs. The ship survived the Pacific War and served as a carrier ship for Japanese troops between former Pacific bases and Japan after 1945. She served as a civilian transport ship from 1947 to 1953. In 1961, Hikawa Maru was decommissioned and converted into a museum ship.