BW: Togo - Japanese Fuji-class (Battleship)

GMT-JAP-017 Fuji-class (Pre-dreadnought battleship)

Class: 1

Base length: 12 cm (included)

Colour scheme: Standard japanese

Number of units per pack: 1

Number of units on the base: 1

Number of ship cards included: 1 (protective sleeve included)

The Fuji-class battleships were, in many respects, the most important vessels of this type in the Japanese fleet. During the 1880s, the Japanese adhered to the ideas of the French Jeune École (Young School). However, the visit of a Chinese battleship to Japanese ports, followed by the Sino-Japanese War of 1894, changed Japanese priorities – the focus shifted towards the construction of battleships. Since the Japanese were unable to build such vessels themselves, they ordered them from Britain. In 1897, the first two ships of this class entered service, becoming the model for later Japanese battleships.

Their design was a modified version of the British Royal Sovereign-class battleships. Fuji could reach 18 knots and was protected by modern Harvey armour. Her armament consisted of four 305 mm guns, ten 152 mm guns, and twenty-four light guns.

Both ships of this class took part in the Russo-Japanese War. Yashima was sunk in May 1904 after striking a mine. In 1922, Fuji was converted into a hulk and remained in that role almost until the end of the Second World War.

These ships are an interesting alternative to the other Japanese battleships. Weaker armour and smaller displacement, but still very powerful armament, make them cheaper than the other Japanese vessels of this class, while still making them highly useful in battle.

The models in the set are resin, 3D printed and can be damaged if not handled properly. All models are unpainted. Glue and paints are not included. Contains small parts and is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age.

Instructions on how to prepare models for painting can be found here:
http://www.gmboardgames.com/blog/en/how-to-prepare-3d-printed-models-for-painting/