Known for their accuracy and attention to detail, Aoshima's precision Waterline Series focuses on naval ship models, depicting the ship's structure from the waterline and above. Models in this series are designed to be seen as if floating on the water, highlighting the above-water structure, whilst also making for a more practical and space-efficient display on a flat surface.

Originally constructed as Yawata Maru, a Japanese passenger-cargo liner built in the thirties, the ship was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) in 1941, renamed Un'yō, and converted into an escort carrier the following year - one of three members of the Taiyō-class.

Her slow speed and a lack of arresting gear meant Un'yō wasn't able to support the main fleet (as originally intended), so she spent most of her time in IJN service ferrying aircraft, cargo and passengers to a range of bases in the Pacific.

January 1944 saw Un'yō badly damaged by a torpedo attack from USS Haddock; she was hit three times, although only two torpedoes detonated. Attacks by three more submarines were driven off before Un'yō made it to Yokosuka for repairs.

After repairs, Un'yō was one of a group of ships that left Japan for Singapore in August 1944; after leaving Singapore again the following month, she was hit by two torpedoes from USS Barb - that, combined with subsequent storm damage, sank the ship on 17th September.

Aoshima's precision Waterline Series model kit shows Un'yō as she would have appeared with aircraft embarked and located towards the rear of her flight deck.

• 1/700 scale precision model kit
• Waterline design
• Assembly required
• Glue, paint, and tools not included - available separately
• Not a toy: not intended for children under 15 years old
• Made in Japan