IJN Musashi - Model for small scale printing Free 3D print model

The Yamato-class of battleships was the largest class of ships ever built. No battleship since has been as large, with other nations not coming even close to the displacement of the class. Three units were built in total: Yamato, Musashi and Shinano, all prior and during the second world war.

Since Japans industry was smaller than the ones of other nations, they couldnt build as many ships in several classes like the US did at the time. Hence a class of giant dimensions was planned, even though they would violate several treaties and agreements. Still the ships were built, having a displacement of up to 71.000 tons, bearing a main calibre of 18.1". Two ships, the Yamato and Musashi were completed as designed, yet Shinano was converted into a carrier during the war after the loss at Midway.

Musashi would see no use against other battleships during the war. Her main task was to house the commanding officers of the naval forces, gaining the nickname of a Hotel in the process. Her biggest and last mission would happen in Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle of the Pacific campaign. She was attacked by several aircraft carriers at once, being unable to shoot down the many planes in the sky. After taking 19 torpedoes and 17 bombs, she finally went under, taking the majority of the crew with her. That left only Yamato as the operational battleship of the class. The battle of Leyte Gulf ended in a defeat of the Japanese forces, having lost many important units to hold up the advancing US troops.

Note: This model is recommended to be used in the 1/2000 scale. The model itself isnt scaled, the scale table is down below.

1/4000: 6,5cm or 2.55in

1/3000: 8,7cm or 3.43in (recommended)

1/2000: 13,1cm or 5.16in

1/1000: 26,3cm or 10.35in

For self calculation: The Musashi was 263 metres or 862ft long

The model is intended to be used with little supports as possible, yet some are recommended around the barrels, below the secondary platforms, the rangefinders and the cage mast aft. I recommend using a resin printer for this, with supports placed under fragile parts like the barrels. Up and downscaling might be possible, yet I dont know to what extend.

If you have ideas for more ships to model, feel free to message me.