Aoshima 04538 I.J.N. Heavy Cruiser Maya (1944) 1/700 – Plastic Ship Model Kit

The Aoshima 04538 model represents the I.J.N. Heavy Cruiser Maya from 1944 in the popular 1/700 scale. It is a faithful replica of the Japanese Takao-class heavy cruiser, which served in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Maya was the second vessel in the five-ship Takao series and played a significant role in naval operations in the Pacific.

The ship was launched in the 1920s and stood out from the start with its impressive size—201.7 meters in length and a displacement of around 10,800 tons—and powerful armament: ten 203 mm guns, six dual-purpose 127 mm guns, and ten 25 mm anti-aircraft guns. Thanks to its propulsion, Maya could reach speeds of over 35 knots, making it one of the fastest and most powerful heavy cruisers of its era. During the war, it took part in numerous key operations such as the Battle of Midway, operations around the Solomon Islands, the Battle of Kula Gulf, and the epic Battle of Leyte Gulf. The cruiser proved its resilience, undergoing repairs several times after sustaining heavy damage. Its service ended tragically—it was sunk during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944.

• Scale: 1/700
• Country of operation: Japan
• Historical period: World War II
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Product category: plastic model kit
• Additional features: detailed deck details, realistic armament, optional reconnaissance aircraft

The Aoshima model features a very high level of detail, carefully designed parts, and a clear assembly manual. This kit does not include glue or paints—these are to be selected by the modeler, allowing for complete customization of the finish. The precise plastic parts enable you to build an impressive 1944 version of the ship, just before its tragic sinking.

We recommend this model to intermediate and advanced modelers looking for a challenge and wishing to add one of the most important Japanese World War II ships to their collection. The assembly difficulty is rated at 3/5—the model requires precision and some experience, but the end result will be a unique and faithful replica.

Aoshima 04538 I.J.N. Heavy Cruiser Maya (1944) 1/700 – this is an excellent choice for every naval history and ship modeling enthusiast, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of great Pacific battles and explore the structural details of this legendary cruiser.