1/700 Takom Model Ships

Takom 1/700 Scale Warship Model Collection

Takom has expanded its modeling expertise from armor and military vehicles into naval subjects, bringing the same commitment to accuracy, quality molding, and comprehensive detail that characterizes their land-based kits. This 1/700 scale warship collection focuses on US Navy destroyers from World War II, offering modelers the opportunity to build detailed representations of the vessels that formed the backbone of American naval power during the Pacific War. Each kit demonstrates exceptional research quality with accurate hull lines, authentic deck fittings, and comprehensive armament that satisfies demanding ship modelers and naval history enthusiasts.

Gearing Class Destroyer USS Southerland DD-743

The Gearing Class Destroyer USS Southerland DD-743 represents the ultimate evolution of US Navy destroyer design during World War II, incorporating lessons learned from years of Pacific combat. The Gearing Class featured improved anti-aircraft armament, enhanced radar systems, increased fuel capacity for extended range, and superior seakeeping qualities that made these destroyers among the most capable warships of their era. USS Southerland DD-743 served with distinction in the Pacific Theater, participating in operations against Japanese forces and continuing service well into the Cold War era. Takom's kit captures this legendary destroyer in 1945 configuration with full hull option enabling both waterline and museum-style full-hull displays, comprehensive deck fittings including gun mounts and torpedo tubes, detailed superstructure with accurate bridge and mast configurations, authentic radar and fire control equipment, and complete armament representing the destroyer's formidable firepower.

Full Hull Modeling Option

The full hull option provides modelers with maximum display flexibility, allowing both traditional waterline presentations and complete hull displays that showcase the destroyer's underwater form. Full hull models reveal the ship's complete lines from keel to deck, demonstrate the destroyer's hydrodynamic design, enable museum-style cradle displays, and provide educational value showing complete ship construction. This option appeals to modelers who prefer comprehensive representations over waterline-only builds, collectors seeking complete ship models, and those creating museum-quality displays. The full hull construction requires careful assembly to maintain proper alignment and hull symmetry, but delivers impressive results that showcase the destroyer's complete form.

1/700 Scale Naval Modeling

Working in 1/700 scale offers distinct advantages for warship modeling, providing manageable size for display and storage, sufficient detail for impressive results, compatibility with extensive aftermarket accessories, and the ability to build complete fleets or task forces. At this scale, major features like gun turrets, superstructure details, and deck equipment are clearly visible and impressive, while the overall model size remains practical for most display spaces. The scale is exceptionally well-supported by aftermarket manufacturers producing photo-etched railings, turned brass gun barrels, wooden decks, and comprehensive detail sets that enable advanced customization. Display options include waterline presentations with realistic sea bases, full-hull museum displays on cradles or stands, or dynamic dioramas showing destroyers under way or in combat.

Takom Quality and Engineering

Takom brings its proven modeling expertise to naval subjects, featuring quality molding with crisp hull lines and deck details, thoughtful engineering that facilitates assembly, comprehensive instructions with clear diagrams, and authentic color schemes based on historical research. The company's commitment to accuracy ensures models reflect actual ship configurations, dimensions, and equipment arrangements. Surface details include appropriate panel lines, deck planking textures, and equipment details rendered with subtlety appropriate for 1/700 scale. The engineering supports both stock builds following instructions and advanced customization with aftermarket accessories for experienced ship modelers.

WWII US Navy Destroyer Operations

Gearing Class destroyers represented the pinnacle of US Navy destroyer development during World War II, serving in multiple roles including anti-aircraft screening for carrier task forces, anti-submarine warfare protecting convoys and amphibious operations, surface combat engaging enemy warships, shore bombardment supporting amphibious landings, and radar picket duty providing early warning of air attacks. Building this kit provides insight into the vessels that protected American carriers, supported amphibious operations across the Pacific, and maintained naval superiority during the war's final campaigns. The destroyer's comprehensive armament and advanced systems made it one of the most capable warships of the era.

Display and Diorama Possibilities

This destroyer kit excels in various display configurations from simple standalone presentations to complex naval dioramas. The ship can be displayed in peacetime configuration showing pristine condition, combat configuration with full armament and radar, or post-battle condition with weathering and damage. The 1/700 scale allows multiple ships to be displayed together creating task force or convoy scenes, combined with aircraft models showing carrier operations, or integrated into amphibious assault dioramas. The full hull option enables dramatic display angles and museum-quality presentations that showcase the destroyer's complete form.

Expand Your Naval Collection

Complement your Takom warships with other manufacturers in the Trumpeter, Tamiya, and Fujimi collections. Explore additional Takom products including 1/350 scale ships, armor kits, and ship accessories. Visit the official Takom website to explore their complete catalog of military modeling subjects.