Calling all IJN Takao-class (高雄型) fans

[Dan K]

Unfortunately, I've never run across any. The best I've seen are in Gakken #16. If I had more time, I would scan but, time is a rare commodity as of the moment.

[Atma]

I just finished my "Special Version" IJN Maya from Pit-Road. But not in 1944 version, it ended up as a 1937 version, cause the hull is high inaccurate for a 1943-1944 version. Thankfully PitRoad provied extra parts for the IJN Maya(IJN Chokai too), still needed some modification in the mainbridge, the PitRoad IJN Maya's and IJN Chokai bridge is better suited for an as build version than anything else.
I still insist, stay away from the "Special Version" IJN Maya from Pit-Road. High inaccurate model(even the main guns are inaccurate- old ones and the new mold ones!-) and too expensive.



Edit:IJN Takao class in 1930's is way better looking than a 1940's one. IJN Chokai !

[Dan K]

I hope to see it in the gallery

[Atma]

Anyone can post some pictures of IJN Takao class cruisers during the trails in early 1930's ?
Doesn't really matter wich ship, thank in advance.

[Dan K]

Atago, original fit, on trials. Credit - Fukui

[Atma]

Thanks Dan. IJN Takao class always looked better in the 1930's before the modernization.

[Atma]

IJN Atago from Fujimi for a September release, in 1/700. Too bad, as I was hoping for a IJN Maya or IJN Chokai.

[Dan K]

Atago is the easiest to transition because almost everything is the same, particularly the bridge. Maya would be next because of hull and aircraft deck. Chokai would require completely all new tooling, like Hiei.

[Atma]

Yes but.... a 30's look IJN Takao class unit is a winner in any beauty contest!

[Dan K]

Are we going to see your 1937 Maya?

[Atma]

Are we going to see your 1937 Maya?

Needs some polishing, and at the moment Im working on my 1/500 IJN Musashi based on Fujimi's IJN Yamato and some OKB Grigorov submarines.

[Atma]

A quick question, when was the single 40mm AA gun was replaced by quadruple 13mm ? Cause my IJN Maya is a 1937-38 era, and Im not sure about the AA.

[Dan K]

L&W says during the 1937-38 refits.

[Atma]

Thanks Dan

[sirpaul]

The Takeo's are the best subject for the 1/700 modeler in my case. To me the modern warships now days resemble them alot 60 years later.

[Atma]

Yes the large bridge looks like stealth. Avoidance of right angles to reduce ship's detection range.

[Guest]

With several P.E. sets for 1:350 Aoshima Takao available by different companies (GMM, Lionroar, Flyhawk) it would me useful to get a qualified account of parts in those kits. For an average modeler would be useful to know what each kit is missing and what should be acquired additionally to construct the most advanced model of Takao (and others of the class). How to build a perfect most detailed 1:350 Takao?
:smallsmile:

[Atma]

Question about Dan.
This is your mid 1942 IJN Chokai:

and thats the IJN Chokai from the Vanguard site(early war version).

Have you "shaved" or removed the platforms of lookouts ? In the Vanguard IJN Chokai the platforms remain. Also the Vangtuard IJN Chokai is early war/pre war fit I guess, but with double 25mm and 2 single 7,7 mm AA ?
Thanks in advance.

[Dan K]

A very good question, my dear Atma.

The enclosed lookout positions for Chokai (and Maya) were most likely removed during their April, 1942 yard visits, when the forward 13mm AA positions were installed. (Those were changed over in to 25mm in May.) This was one of the inconsistencies I uncovered during my Chokai research, given how many different depictions there are of this area.

I say most likely because I have photos of Chokai in February, 1942 still showing at least part of those stations. The following two photos clearly show them gone but, the date on the first photo in the KMM volume has to be mistaken because there were no yard visits in March - they were still in the Indian Ocean. So, that photo should have been labeled April, 1942. The second photo was taken at Truk in October, 1942.

It turns out that Aoshima realized this as well, because their clear bridge versions of Chokai and Maya both have deleted the protected lookout positions whilst the earlier retoooled versions do not. Which was fortuitous for me when I was build ing Chokai.

Toshi-san's Chokai fit is as of the start of the war, before any changes were made to the bridge front. HTH.

[Atma]

Thanks Dan, I knew the lookouts where removed but didnt knew the platforms too got removed later at war(mid 1942 or so).