Tamiya JMSDF Shimokita LST-4002 1:700 Model Kit 31006

Model Overview

This is a plastic model kit for assembly representing the JMSDF transport ship Shimokita, LST-4002. The kit presents a compact scale model that captures the ship with accompanying helicopters and landing craft, offering a focused subject build for hobbyists and collectors who enjoy naval subjects. It is supplied as an assembly kit intended for construction and display.

Specifications & Features

• Format: Plastic model kit for assembly
• Scale: 1:700
• Subject: Landing attack ship Shimokita of the Japanese Navy
• Includes four LCAC hovercraft, four helicopters and other small craft and vehicles

Construction Features

The kit requires assembly from supplied plastic components and is aimed at modellers who enjoy careful construction. Parts are arranged to recreate the ship and the accompanying small craft and aircraft, allowing clear separation of elements during build. The presence of multiple subjects within the box encourages attention to layout and composition when assembling decks and flight deck elements.

Build Experience

Model Steam difficulty: Challenging. Internal well-dock and vehicle-deck sections, clear upper decks and detailed ramps create dependent construction and finishing stages.

Builders can expect a concentrated modelling task that emphasises naval layout and miniature aircraft placement rather than large-scale hull work. This makes the kit well suited to modellers looking for a subject that assembles into a recognisable naval scene without requiring a very large display footprint. Finishing choices such as paint schemes and display arrangement are left to the modeller, which provides scope for personalisation and detailing.

Display & Collection

Once completed, the model provides a compact display piece that highlights the ship profile, flight deck operations and landing craft activity. The included helicopters and landing craft add visual interest and help convey the ship’s operational role at a glance. The model kit is suitable for collectors building a series of naval subjects or for hobbyists who favour detailed small-scale ships and associated aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a kit or a pre-assembled model?

This is a plastic assembly kit that you assemble. It represents the Shimokita landing attack ship and is intended for hobby construction rather than arriving pre-built.

What scale is the model?

Scale: 1:700. This small naval scale suits detailed ship displays and compact dioramas on display bases.

What accompanying models are included?

The kit includes Shimokita and accompanying craft and vehicles, including four LCAC hovercraft and four helicopters. Clear deck parts allow a view into the internal areas.

What supplies are needed to build this kit?

Prepare suitable plastic-modelling cement and basic cutting and finishing tools. The model is supplied unpainted; paints are needed to reproduce the illustrated colour scheme.

What size is the finished model?

Tamiya specifies a length of approximately 254 mm and a width of 37 mm. This is a 1:700 plastic transport-ship kit.

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.