Hasegawa WL522 Submarine Depot Ship Heian Maru (1/700) – detailed model kit description

The Hasegawa WL522 Submarine Depot Ship Heian Maru 1/700 scale plastic model kit is a faithfully reproduced miniature of one of the most recognizable auxiliary vessels of the Japanese Navy from World War II. The model is intended both for experienced modelers and ambitious hobbyists starting their adventure with 1:700 scale ships.

Original vessel history

Heian Maru was originally built as a luxury Japanese passenger ship for the Osaka Shosen Kaisha line. It was constructed in 1930 at the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd. shipyard in Nagasaki. With the outbreak of World War II (in 1941), the ship was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy and converted into a submarine depot ship. It played a key role in supplying, repairing, and logistically supporting submarines in various operations across the Pacific theater. Heian Maru participated, among others, in operations around Truk Lagoon – the strategic Japanese base in the Pacific, until she was sunk on 17 February 1944 during an attack by American aircraft.

Model technical specifications

• Scale: 1/700
• Country of use: Japan
• Historical period: World War II
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Category: plastic model kit
• Detail parts: realistically recreated superstructures, turrets, deck equipment components
• Add-ons: option to upgrade the model with dedicated photo-etched detail sets or aftermarket accessories (not included in the kit)
• Dimensions after assembly: length approx. 22.2 cm

Why choose this model?

The Hasegawa WL522 Submarine Depot Ship Heian Maru 1/700 is an excellent choice for collectors of Japanese WWII fleet units and support ship enthusiasts. Quality craftsmanship, high-level details, and a clear instruction manual make it appealing for both intermediate and advanced modelers (difficulty level 3/5). The model allows for painting in historically accurate camouflage and provides a great base for further enhancement. It does not include glue or paints – these can be selected individually based on your preferences and historical standards.

We recommend this product to collectors of naval models, military history enthusiasts, and those preparing dioramas of naval battles in the Pacific. It is a unique addition to the collection of Japanese ships, capturing the reality of submarine fleet support during World War II.