Tamiya

1/700 IJN Subs I-16 & I-58

Kit Number: 31434

Reviewed by  Luke R. Bucci, IPMS# 33549

MSRP: $12.00 Web Site: tamiyausa.com Bottom Line: Very easy and quick build of early-war fit of two different types of Japanese WW2 submarines. Review: Tamiya has reissued their 1990s kit of Imperial Japanese Navy submarines I-16 and 1-58 in early configurations (1941 for I-16 and 1944 for I-58) to include the ubiquitous extra parts Sprue X. I-16 was one of five Type C1 submarines finished in 1941. They were large submarines (2554 tons) that were designed to carry midget submarines and had eight forward torpedo tubes. I-16 was one of the submarines that carried a midget submarine to the attack on Pearl Harbor. She also launched midget submarines at Diego Suarez, Madagascar and Guadalcanal. None of her midget submarines scored hits or returned. I-16 was sunk by the famous destroyer escort USS England off the Solomon's on May 19, 1944. I-58 was one of three Type B3 submarines completed in 1944, an extension of the earlier B1 and B2 Types but with reduced engine power (Japan had lost the ability to mass-produce high-powered diesels by this stage of the war). She was large (2600 tons) and carried a small floatplane (Yokosuka E14Y1 Type 0 or Glen) in a sealed hangar that was assembled and launched on a catapult. She carried six forward torpedo tubes. Type B3 submarines were later refitted to carry up to six Kaiten human torpedoes. I-58's claim to fame was the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in July 1945 by regular torpedo attack. She survived the war and was scuttled by the US Navy. The Kit Separate instructions in Japanese and English are provided, along with both hulls, a sprue containing the bottom plates, a sprue of parts and the generic Sprue X with parts for small warships. Sprue X contains better renditions of the Glen floatplane and 25mm guns than those on the original parts sprue. There are 20-21 parts for each submarine, so the instructions are easy to follow. The hulls have decent detail, but I-58 was warped in my kit. I used a hair dryer to mostly straighten her out. A nice touch is raised lettering for the names on the sail (and flag for I-58), making it easier to paint. I used the original kit pieces and did not use any of the parts from Sprue X. Interestingly, there is no mention of Sprue X parts in the Instructions. Also, there is no flagstaff or net cutter for I-16, as depicted on the back box art. Tamiya also makes the I-58 in 1945 Kaiten configuration (Tamiya 31435).

The Build I have not built submarines before this kit because they looked too easy. Besides, I could say I had numerous submarines in my collection, and when asked where they were, I would reply "Why, they are all submerged so you can't see them of course." The kit model depicts I-16 carrying a midget submarine as she appeared in 1941-1942. The I-58 is depicted in her as-built 1944 version with Glen floatplane. For some reason, the aft-mounted 14cm (5.5 inch) deck gun is not included or mentioned for I-58. First, I decided not to use the bottom plates since they always leave an unsightly seam and the instructions said to paint them hull red, which is incorrect. The models look just as good without the bottom plate - better actually. Next I airbrushed the hulls and parts Sasebo Grey (since I-58 was refitted there and Sasebo Grey is darker than Kure grey, the more common color for IJN warships). I hand-painted the deck with #4 Brown, then mixed some brown with Tamiya XF-2 Flat White to make a lighter shade. I carefully painted individual strips of the lighter brown to simulate planking. I used Tamiya XF-2 Flat White to paint the names and flag, and Testor's Red enamel for the flag "meatball." The Glen floatplane was assembled and painted IJN Green and IJN Sky Gray, with Humbrol 11 Silver for the cockpit, Japan Deep Yellow for the wing leading edge strips and Floquil Black for the engine face. Decals with Sprue X were used for the wings, using Solvaset to help the decals lay flat. I used Testor's Red enamel to paint the fuselage roundels since the decals were too large.

Assembly was easy and straightforward, although I replaced the radio mast for I-16 with a metal rod since I broke it removing it from the sprue. I also added a small piece of plastic strip painted #4 Brown for the bridge deck for I-16, since it had a large seam that was hard to reach for sanding. I used Weather System Rust & Weather Kit to add rust and black highlights. This was my first use of this fine powder, and I like it better than dry brushing paint. You simply use an old brush and "paint" on the powder. It was hard to over-do the powder, so one can control the amount of weathering more finely with the Weather System. Both subs, the midget sub and floatplane were all over sprayed with Testor's DullCote flat clear from a spray can. I was pleased to see that the weathering really did survive the flat clear coat. Assembly took three nights and only a few hours total time for both.

Summary These models build quickly and easily right out of the box with no fit problems. Yes, you can add photoetch or scratch built parts, but these models look fine as is. Recommended for a fast and easy build, especially for those with AMS (Advanced Modeler Syndrome). This is a good first kit for beginners and crossovers from other genres. The many extra parts for IJN ships left over from Sprue X are a bonus. My thanks to Tamiya USA and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this kit. References: www.combinedfleet.com/type_b3.htm   and   /type_c1.htm

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