Nisshin started life as the Italian Roca in 1902, but was sold to Argentina after launch, who named it Mariano Moreno. With the threat of a war between Argentina and Chile having passed, the Argentineans declined to purchase her, and after an abortive attempt to sell the incomplete ship to Russia, the Japanese stepped in and purchased her – along with a sister ship - in December 1903, naming her Nisshin in January 1904. 

Under command of British Captains and with multi-nationals crews, the Nisshin and her sister – now named Kasuga – sailed to Japan to be turned over to their new owners, arriving there in February 1904. Along the way they had been shadowed by Russian units and shepherd by British ships, the latter who were hoping to avoid an international incident. 

In April 1904, Nisshin and her sister joined the fleet, immediately seeing action at Port Arthur. Later, as part of the Japanese battle line, she fought in the Battle of the Yellow Sea in August 1904, where she sustained considerable damage. 

Repaired in time to participate at the Battle of Tsushima in May, 1905, Nisshin again rode in the battle line, and again took a considerable pounding. By the end of the day, three of her four main battery 8 inch guns were out of action. She had received the second most hits of any Japanese ship – after flagship Mikasa – including six from 12 inch shells and one from a 9 inch shell. Among the wounded was an Ensign Yamamoto Isoroku, who lost two fingers on his left hand. Post-Tsushima, Nisshin participated in the invasion of Sakhalin. 

The cruiser also served in the First World War, taking part in the search for Von Spee’s Squadron and later serving in the Mediterranean as flagship of a small Japanese squadron based at Malta. 

Disarmed in 1921, she became a costal defense vessel under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty, then later she served as a training ships for Imperial Japanese Naval cadets, finally being decommissioned in April 1935. Renamed Hai-Kan Number 6, she was used as a target and sunk twice – first in 1936, and again (after being raised) in 1941, when she was sunk by gunfire from the Yamato.  Which proves Yamato actually hit something during her career. 

My recollection is that this kit was previously released by BOX261 as Kasuga some years ago, and while overall it’s a pretty nice kit, it’s starting to show its age. 

The upper hull is well cast with pretty good detail, with raised portholes, thin splinter shields and recessed hawse pipes on either side of the hull. 

However, the engraved planking is a bit uneven, being more pronounced forward and much fainter by stern, where the planks may even disappear under a coat of paint. 

I couldn’t find any photos that showed the coal scuttles, but they look rather large. That may or may not be accurate – it’s just an observation. The skylights may be a little overstated as well, but will probably look ok once painted. As mentioned earlier, the stern walk is broken, as are some of the very thin splinter shield amidships. 

The lower hull has bilge keels and the faired in struts for the propellers cast into the hull. The rudder is also cast as part of the hull, with etching around it to make it look like a separate piece. 

The funnels are smooth but well cast, with deep recesses to replicate them being hollow. 

The main mast is included as a resin part. It does have some nice detail cast into it. 

All that being said, the molds are starting to show their age. If you are looking to add an early 20th century armored cruiser to your scale model fleet, I’d go with Combrig’s SMS Blucher or HMS Kent, or maybe Rurik II over Nisshin. I’d recommend this model mostly to those with an interest in the ships of the Russo-Japanese War, especially if you want your scale Mikasa to have a running mate in your scale battle line.

This is Combrig’s 1/350 Japanese Armored Cruiser Nisshin. It retails for around $160.00 US, and is available from many of our fine sponsors. This is an in-box review, your mileage may vary once you commence construction. Thanks to Combrig Models for the review sample.