Calling all IJN Tone (利根) & Chikuma (筑摩) fans

[Atma]

I prefer to do a Tone class CA in 1/350 configured as 1941-1942. I am debating whether to buy Tamiya's 1944 Tone now, or wait to see if Tamiya would release a 1941 Chikuma. As a high level overview, beside radar and proliferation of 25mm guns, how much additional modification did Tone undergo 1941-1944?

Besides radar and proliferation of 25mm guns you will also need to remove the AA command platform on the top of the bridge(you can use theIJN Mikuma or IJN Mogami 1941-1942 verion of Tamiya's 1/350 range, with some modifications) and add exercise aiming device on the main turrets of IJN Tone/IJN Chikuma.

[Dan K]

I don't think you can necessarily count on Tamiya releasing a Chikuma. They've shown a remarkable reluctance to spend additonal marketing $s on releasing variants of current kits in 1/350, such as an early war Kagero class DD. The Yukikaze kit sprue layout is easily set up for alternative parts, but none are forthcoming, according to my sources.

The exception seems to be the CA version of Mogami, which can easily be converted to Mikuma. I believe the same of Tone; it's kit layout is such that the deletion of fits is pretty easily accomplished.

It all comes down to sales.

[Atma]

With almost zero effort you can make from a 1944 IJN Tone a 1944 IJN Chikuma, while from a 1938 IJN Mikuma a 1938 IJN Mogami and from a 1942 IJN Mogami a 1942 IJN Mikuma(the main mast needs to be changed).
Is crime to the modeling world, that Tamiya dont release a 1944 or 1942 IJN Suzuya or IJN Kumano(like Fujimi' with an all gun version of IJN Huyga) !
Damn you Japanese marketing !

[Dan K]

I've continued to follow-up on the open rear bulkhead question posed by the Tamiya 1/350 Tone part C40. Apparently, a number of photos were recently offered for auction on Yahoo Japan that were associated (if I have the story straight) with a group or class of seaplane mechanics, some of who served aboard Chikuma. Three photos are posted below. The second shows the corner support of the port side aft bulk head. Ship ID and year (1942 or later) was based upon cap insignia ID. I invite you to draw your own conclusion

[J. Soca]

Quality is very good on those shots Dan, i bet there are still shots out there we haven't seen yet.. second photo now tells me that Tamiya's bulkhead is wrong looks to me the port side was completely exposed with no bulkhead extending towards the middle.. this keeps getting better and better. thanks Dan!



Jose

[chuck]

Did the Tone have degaussing cables?

[Atma]

Yes, both IJN Tone and IJN Chikuma.

[chuck]

Tamiya appears to have neglected the degaussing cables.

[Dan K]

They probably want you to buy their aftermarket version.

[Atma]

Chikuma in 1/350 by Tamiya is canceled, in favor of a new 1/350/1/700 project.

[Dan K]

I'm surprised that it was even under consideration.

[J. Soca]

Chikuma in 1/350 by Tamiya is canceled, in favor of a new 1/350/1/700 project.

no more clues ??


Jose

[chuck]

I'm surprised that it was even under consideration.

Maybe the 4 versions of Mogami mold didn't pay off, or maybe the Tone class is too little changed to cause people to want to buy more than 1.

[Atma]

no more clues ??


Jose

Yes, of course. Its about a new retooling.

I'm surprised that it was even under consideration.

Several test models of a 1941/1942 IJN Chikuma was given as a present to foregin Tamiya's importers. My test model was only a 1941/1942 era main bridge.

Maybe the 4 versions of Mogami mold didn't pay off, or maybe the Tone class is too little changed to cause people to want to buy more than 1.

3 versions, not 4.
The 1944 IJN Mogami and 1938 IJN Mikuma sold very well, the 1941 IJN Mogami on the other hand had low sales.Cost wise was not high for Tamiya though, an IJN Mogami in 1941 version.

[chuck]

What is the change between 1941 Chikuma and 1944 Tone main bridge?

[Guest]

Jose :wave_1:[/quote]
Yes, of course. Its about a new retooling.

Obviously, it is going to be Yamato - Musashi 1/350 new tooling.

[chuck]

If you are wrong, I will kill you.

[J. Soca]

If you are wrong, I will kill you.

you can take the pill now Chuck because ain't happening



Jose

[redoctober27]

NEW photo etch from fly hawk for tone!!!!
Hopefully you can use it for chikuma too!!!
http://www.flyhawkmodel.com/en/product.asp?code=700192

[Atma]

You can use it for the Fujimi's 1/700 IJN Chikuma. The Fujimi's 1/700 IJN Chikuma(waterline and full hull model) is the same as the 1/700 IJN Tone. The only difference is a bit different arrangement of the light (single 25 mm AA) guns on the stern.
It also can be used for the 1945 version of 1/700 IJN Tone by Fujimi.