Tone-Class Cruiser

The Tone-class heavy cruisers were Japanese ships distinguished by concentrating their main-gun turrets forward, leaving the after portion for extensive reconnaissance-aircraft arrangements. Their scouting role supported fleet and carrier operations across the Pacific. This layout made them different from earlier Japanese heavy cruisers with more conventional turret distribution. Locating all main-gun turrets forward freed the stern for reconnaissance aircraft handling. That distinctive arrangement made the class valuable to carrier task forces, whose operations depended on locating opposing ships beyond the immediate horizon. The ships carried four twin 203mm turrets rather than spreading the main battery along the hull. Tone and Chikuma participated in Japan’s carrier campaigns, where floatplane reconnaissance helped locate targets for aircraft launched by the carriers themselves.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in the Global War series of games by Historical Board Gaming and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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