Atlas Editions Submarines 7169-106
I-400-class Submarine Diecast Model
IJN, I-401, Japan, 1945 |
| 1:350 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| I-400-class Submarine | | 13.75" | | 1.25" |
The Sen Toku-class I-401 was once the largest submarine in the world. It was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Nobukiyo Nambu of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Capable of carrying three two-seat Aichi M6A1 "Seiran" (Mountain Haze) float torpedo bombers, the Sen Tokus were built to launch a surprise air strike against the Panama Canal. When I-401 was completed and commissioned on 8 January 1945 in the Kure Naval District, the Second World War was almost over. This left the fate of I-401 uncertain. After several attempts to launch, I-401 set course for its first target, but was stopped by Emperor Hirohito's broadcast, calling for an end to all hostilities on 15 August 1945. On 26 August 1945, I-401 hoisted a black flag of surrender. Its unmanned planes were catapulted into the sea, all 20 Type 95 torpedoes were destroyed, and all codes, logs, charts and secret documents were also destroyed. Three days later, on 29 August 1945, I-401 was picked up on USS Segundo's radar. I-401 surrendered to the US ship. Lieutenant Commander Nobukiyo Nambu delivered two samurai swords, as a symbol of surrender, to Lieutenant John Edward Balson, Segundo's Prize Crew officer. I-401 was finally sunk, when used as a target ship, off Pearl Harbor on 31 May 1946.
Designed as a submersible aircraft carrier, the I-400-class entered service in 1944. The I-400-class were the largest submarines of World War II and were capable of carrying three Aichi M6A Seiran aircraft. In fact, the M6A was purpose-built to be stowed in the narrow confines of the submarine's water-tight hangar and launched by compressed-air catapult. The submarine would covertly approach a target while submerged, surface, launch its aircraft and then quickly submerge to relative safety. Although a fleet of 18 such submarines was planned, only three were completed. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Atlas Editions "Submarines" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of submarines in 1:350 scale.
Atlas "Submarines" diecast models feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines and surface details.
- Cut-away sections revealing interior details.
- Display stand with metal name plate.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
