Aoshima Kashima Light Cruiser 1:700 Waterline Kit No.355

Model Overview

The Aoshima Bunka Kyozai 1/700 Water Line No. 355 Japanese Navy Light Cruiser Kashima is a plastic model kit that recreates the light cruiser Kashima for waterline display. This renewed release in the 1/700 waterline series focuses on revised shipboard fittings, making it a satisfying addition for hobbyists and collectors who favour compact naval subjects.

Construction Features

The renewed Aoshima No.355 release includes redesigned shipboard fittings such as anti-aircraft guns, boats and searchlights. Slide-mould tooling helps reproduce fine shapes in the plastic parts; it does not mean the completed model has sliding mechanisms. The small fittings need careful removal, preparation and glue placement.

Design & Detail

Designed as a waterline representation, the model emphasises the vessel’s visible superstructure and deck arrangement. The refined moulding captures the overall silhouette and deck fittings that define the Kashima subject. Builders who take time with assembly and finishing will find the finished model displays clear surface definition and recognisable naval features.

Build Experience

Model Steam difficulty: Challenging. The exact renewed release includes numerous separately fitted anti-aircraft guns and shipboard fittings.

The kit suits hobbyists who enjoy detailed assembly of small deck fittings. Accurate part fit and the new mould features reward careful preparation and finishing, while the waterline format keeps display dimensions compact. No part counts or explicit difficulty rating are provided, so the final experience will depend on each modeller’s approach to painting and rigging.

Display & Collection

At 1/700 scale, this Kashima model integrates well into collections focused on naval waterline sets or dioramas. Its compact footprint makes it straightforward to exhibit alongside other vessels from the series while still offering visible detail for display cases and shelf collections.

Specifications & Features

• Series: 1/700 Water Line No. 355
• Subject: Japanese Navy Light Cruiser Kashima
• Format: Plastic model kit
• Scale: 1/700

Frequently Asked Questions

What ship does this model represent?

This kit represents the Japanese Navy light cruiser Kashima, modelled as a ship subject suitable for scale collections and display.

What scale is the model and how does that affect display?

Scale: 1:700. At this scale the finished model suits compact displays, multi-ship arrangements and waterline presentations where space is limited.

Is this a waterline kit and what details are included?

Yes. Aoshima’s No.355 models Kashima at the waterline, with revised anti-aircraft guns and other shipboard fittings. Added rigging thread is a separate modelling choice.

Does this kit require assembly before display?

This is a plastic assembly kit designed to be assembled by the purchaser; it requires construction before it can be displayed.

Is this a flying or powered model?

No. This is an unpowered plastic assembly kit intended for static display after construction.

Looking for something else? Military modelling allows builders to explore vehicles, aircraft and naval subjects from conflicts throughout modern history. For a more focused collection, browse our tank models, aircraft kits, battleship models and WW2 military model kits.