Calling all Shokaku (翔鶴) and Zuikaku (瑞鶴) fans

[EiSeOoNiinJust]

Did Shokaku ever receive the green camo?

No, she did not. Zuikaku gained her camo during late summer, 1944, after repairs from damage incurred at the Phillipine Sea.

Oh! That reminds me, her upper mainmast configuration was changed due to damage there. Her main yardarms were angled back and slightly upward, like the Unryus. So, I think you'll need to alter the kit pieces for those as well. And she gained the AA rockets.

Oh boy, I can feel the rabbit hole closing in around me. Thank you Dan!

Are the pictures you posted from the "Shokaku Class Aircraft Carriers" book?

[Dan K]

The last 2 photos are not from that book. They were sourced independently, but the book is still very worthwhile as a single source volume.

[Dan K]

New Shokaku photo posted today on another site. She's at Truk in Sept. 1943. This is an aerial view, with a rare, reasonably clear view of her entire port side and all the changes to her fit. Note her radar (on an oval platform), relocated Type 94 HA director, additional AA at the bow, stern and fore and aft her island. Source: Sekai no Kansen, No. 1056.

[TZoli]

Were there any visual difference between Shokaku and Zuikaku in 1942 April/May apart from their letters on the Flight Deck?

[Dan K]

No, although Shokaku may have had an additional white or red line cross-deck on her flight deck behind elevator #1.