Plastic boat model ANTARTICA OBSERVATION SHIP SOYA "2nd expedition" 1:250 Model kit

Product description : Plastic boat model ANTARTICA OBSERVATION SHIP SOYA "2nd expedition" 1:250

ANTARTICA OBSERVATION SHIP SOYA "2nd expedition" 1:250.

The plastic model at go up from HASEGAWA:

HASEGAWA presents a brand new breathtaking model of the Sōya at 1/250 scale, a remarkable creation after having already offered a version of the same ship to the 1/350 scale a few years ago.

This new edition is distinguished by an entirely new mold, offering a multitude of details that the previous 1/350 version did not have.

< p>To accentuate the already impressive realism of this model, HASEGAWA collaborated with the Korean company PONTOS MODEL to offer a set of elaborate details.

The box contains an impressive variety of pieces: 163 metal pieces, a wood-like bridge, 25 resin pieces, 6 photo-etched plates and decals.< /span>

At a scale of 1/250, this model offers imposing dimensions of 665 mm long and 330 mm wide, allowing naval model enthusiasts to create a faithful replica and impressive display of Sōya.

It should be noted that this model was produced in limited quantities and is unlikely to be reproduced in the future.< /p>

Availability expected (subject to reservations) in April May.

Japanese exploration boat model to be assembled by gluing and to paint.

• Scale: 1/250
• Length: 330mm
• Width: 665mm
• Number of parts: 400
• Ultra-detailed model

History of SOY:

The Sōya, a Japanese icebreaker, holds a special place as a museum ship in Tokyo, bearing witness to a rich and eventful career that spanned some of the most defining events of the 20th century. Its name is a tribute to the sub-prefecture of Sōya located on the island of Hokkaido.
Originally, the ship was built under the name Volochaevets, ordered by the Soviets in 1936 at the Matsuo shipyard on Koyagi Island in Nagasaki. This order was part of a partial payment arrangement for Japan's construction of the South Manchurian Railway, also known as the Chinese Manchurian Railway.

Designed as a cargo ship An icebreaker, the Volochaevets was completed as such for the Tatsunan Kisen Co. and was renamed Chiryō Maru. During this period, two other ice-strengthened cargo ships, Bolshevik and Komsomolets, were also ordered but were never delivered due to growing tensions between Japan and the Soviet Union.

After During World War II, with Japan in a defeated position and needing to repatriate millions from its former colonies, the Sōya was removed from the Navy list and assigned to the nation's repatriation duties. .

Significant modifications were made to the ship at this time, including the removal of her guns to make way for passenger facilities, such as toilets fitted in the large fore and aft cargo spaces. Spacious wooden accommodations were also added on deck to accommodate passengers. The Sōya participated in numerous repatriation missions, with stops in Shanghai, Tinian and Guam, and also made voyages to and from Sakhalin, evacuating citizens by agreement with the new Soviet authorities.
During this period, it It is important not to confuse the Sōya with the Soya Maru, one of three ice-strengthened passenger ferries that operated on Japan National Railways' Chihaku shipping line between Odomari (present-day Korsakov) on Sakhalin and Wakkanai in Hokkaido.

In 1949, the Sōya's repatriation missions ended and the ship was transferred to the Maritime Safety Agency, the precursor to the Japan Coast Guard. In this new role, he was responsible for supplying isolated lighthouses along the Japanese coast with supplies, earning him the nickname "Santa Claus of the Sea" in some circles.

In 1950, The Sōya is undergoing a complete overhaul in preparation for service as Japan's first dedicated Antarctic research vessel.

This transformation includes the replacement of her steam engine with twin diesel engines, as well as the installation of a helicopter landing deck, capable of storing light helicopters for exploration missions. Over the next few years, further modifications were made, including the addition of a second helicopter deck on top of the first, creating ample additional storage space. Between 1956 and 1962, the Sōya carried out several missions to Antarctica, including the famous rescue of stranded personnel at the Showa Research Station in 1958, an operation that made headlines around the world.

This Rescue mission is also famous for leaving 15 Karafuto-Ken huskies abandoned on the ice, two of which, named Taro and Jiro, managed to survive until the ship returned the following spring.

Their story has become iconic in Japan and has been widely distributed around the world, notably thanks to films such as "Nankyoku Monogatari" (Antarctica) and "Eight Below" produced by Disney.

Despite his exploits, the Sōya also encountered difficulties during its Antarctic missions, including becoming stuck in ice and requiring assistance from the Russian icebreaker Ob.
After its retirement from Antarctic missions, the Sōya was reassigned as an icebreaking rescue ship for the Japan Maritime Safety Agency, with a base in Hokkaido.

In 1978, Sōya was completely decommissioned and her last mission was a tour of farewell to the communities she had served, including the port of Hakodate.

In 1979, the ship was docked at the Tokyo Maritime Science Museum where it remains open to the public as a museum ship. Its interior is largely intact from the days of Antarctic exploration, although its superstructure has undergone significant modifications over the years, including the addition of a helicopter landing deck and higher forward strakes, giving it a more imposing appearance than that of a simple cargo ship.

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To learn more about size and scale, click here.

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Reference : 001