Hasegawa WL357 Japanese Navy Light Cruiser Tenryu (1/700)

The plastic model kit Hasegawa WL357 Japanese Navy Light Cruiser Tenryu in 1:700 scale is an excellent choice for model building enthusiasts, naval history fans, and collectors of Japanese warships from the 20th century. The model represents the light cruiser Tenryu (天龍), one of two ships of its class built for the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The Tenryu was launched in 1918 and was an attempt to develop a fast, light support cruiser for destroyer flotillas. It served actively from the end of World War I, throughout the interwar period, and during World War II. Its main duties included escort operations, reconnaissance, and supporting amphibious landings. Tenryu took part, among others, in the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942, where it sank after being torpedoed by the American submarine USS Albacore.

The Hasegawa model is made from high-quality plastic, ensuring detailed precision and build quality. The components fit well, making assembly straightforward and allowing faithful reproduction of both the hull, armament, and characteristic superstructures of the era. The manufacturer has carefully recreated the silhouette and details such as gun turrets, anti-aircraft guns, and funnel systems. Photo-etched accessories can be purchased separately to further enhance the realism of the finished model.

• Scale: 1/700
• Country: Japan
• Material: plastic (plastic model kit)
• Historical period: from the end of World War I, the interwar period to World War II (1918–1942)
• Category: military ship models, plastic model kits
• Included: plastic parts, assembly instructions (without glue or paints)

We recommend the Hasegawa WL357 Japanese Navy Light Cruiser Tenryu in 1/700 scale for intermediate modelers and collectors of the Japanese fleet. It is an ideal addition to World War II dioramas and 1/700 scale flotillas. We rate the build difficulty at 3/5 — it requires precision, patience, and the ability to work with small parts. This product is highly recommended for anyone wishing to expand their historical ship collection or develop their modeling skills to a higher level.