Calling all IJN Takao-class (高雄型) fans

[Dan K]

Very interesting build. Saw it over on SN as well. Please keep us posted.

[Kym Knight]

I'm in the progress of building the Maya in 44' and am just wondering if Aoshima's two little plastic knobs sticking up from the platforms and the one in the tub are in fact supposed to be gun directors?
Also, there are two circular stand placements on the forward open bridge extension, just behind the 3 pairs of binoculars and I have no idea what sits there.

[Dan K]

I don't have the model but, per the 1/100 model in Gakken, at least for the rear structure, those are binocular stands. Not sure what you are referring to in question #2 - can you post a diagram/photo/instruction sheet?

Are you building the original issue 1/350 or the new "retake" version?

[mw 1378]

Hi Dan,


they are both equal. The only difference, in the "retake" they used slightly better parts for the AA guns. But its not to compare with the Veteran Parts, they are lightyears ahead. Especially for MAYA with her millions of 25mm Type96

Best regards
Marc

[J. Soca]

Hiya Kym, i don't know if the equipment i added at those places is accurate while doing my research i saw different things on all models i checked, i'm certain of one thing though, in all those models i checked they had some kind of optical equipment. i took the liberty of taking some shots from my model so you can see which opticals i added. HTH

Jose

[Kym Knight]

Thanks fellas.

Jose, it was your model I was using to see what they were, but couldn't quite them out in the gallery photos. I have very little reference on the Takao class and even less on the Maya, but I do have plenty of those Hasegawa optical pieces, so the problem is solved, thanks.

BTW, this is what my mate said about the 'redone' Maya.

"Maya Re-release will be different- some improvements to the hull and decking. The moulds died a premature death, but as the whole plan was actually on a computer, I am adding some extra goodies to make this kit a better one than before. We're adding the 12.7 i(cm) high-angle gun, and several 3 barreled 25mm guns. The additional parts are all newly designed parts. There is going to be an enhanced fret of PE parts including further etching, , including gun shields, radar bridge window frames, and the catapult. Also some for the aircraft as well. So if you missed it the first time, get the newer, improved model."

[J. Soca]

Thanks fellas.

Jose, it was your model I was using to see what they were, but couldn't quite them out in the gallery photos. I have very little reference on the Takao class and even less on the Maya, but I do have plenty of those Hasegawa optical pieces, so the problem is solved, thanks.

Only a handful of pictures of Maya remain i bought the Maru Special "Chokai and Maya" and that book left me wanting to see more pictures of her in 44, all i found there were 3 images of her at that time. there is an image which was taken right from the deck and is showing partially the starboard side of the new AA structure which replaced turret #3 and there is also another one on which the photographer decided to use a triple 25mm MG as the camera's stand somehow these two got off the ship and i bet it weren't the only ones taken that day i'd guess the rest of the pictures went down with the ship.. truly a shame. glad i could help


Jose

[Dan K]

I am very certain that that all the indicated positions are of lookout binoculars, probably 12 cm. As Jose's fine model shows, the positions atop the bridge are part of the AA control platform that is typical of late war ships. Search binoculars are consitent in this position. I concur with Joese's assessment of the lack of late war Maya photos. Attached is the only one that even show the AA control positon to any detail and it is taken from below.

Kym, I believe we have the same source for that information. I have been curious if what was planned was in fact executed by the production dept.

Marc, I am most curious if a waterline cut was molded inside the hull, as with the recent Nagara and, I believe, Myoko, kits. It was supposed to be there.

[J. Soca]

Thanks Dan, this other shot is not much of any help but it does complete the whole collection of Maya's pictures in mid 44. also take a look at the dates. i was wrong about saying these 2 shots were taken on the same day they did somehow survive the war though.

Source: The Maru Special , Edition #4 ( Chokai & Maya)


Jose

[djandj]

Greetings all. I have just started in on the 1/700 Aoshima Takao with the Flyhawk PE set. (11 frets of detail) However, they managed to screw it up. Takao has 5 turrets right. numbers 1, 2 and 4 have the range finder/viewing bars on top. The Flyhawk PE has the heat shields which were attached to the turrets. In order for the shields to fit on the turrets with the range finders etc., the top piece has to be cut and the sides have to have notches cut out for the bar on top. OK, however Flyhawk only has two sets of pieces with the appropriate cuts. What's more the instructions are clear that you should the heat shields (those without the bar accomedations) on turrets 2 and 4 only. Every pic I have every seen of Takao clearly shows the view finder bars on turrets 1,2 and 4.
Has anyone else noticed this? For such a detailed set, this is a big mistake! (I just finished the Kongo PE set as well and the directions were also a complete mess - directed me to the wrong fret, mis-numbering parts etc.)
Sure it's easy enough to fix, but the instructions are wrong and the pieces are wrong. How can the screw something this basic up. Makes me wonder what else they screwed up.

OK next question - the heat shields have small vents around the perimeter of each piece. The instructions tell me to bend these edges down. Are the heat shields meant to be mounted on the "rails" that bending the edges down would create (thus having the heat shields sitting off the actual turret surface by a mm or so) or do they sit flush against the turret itself?

Any ideas.

[Timmy C]

OK next question - the heat shields have small vents around the perimeter of each piece. The instructions tell me to bend these edges down. Are the heat shields meant to be mounted on the "rails" that bending the edges down would create (thus having the heat shields sitting off the actual turret surface by a mm or so) or do they sit flush against the turret itself?

Any ideas.

The first is correct. It is that pocket of air between the shield and the turret body which provides a slight cooling effect for the turret.

[Dan K]

Takao and Atago had the rangefinder removed from turret #1 during the 1938-9 refits. Chokai and Maya retained theirs (though Maya may have lost hers during the late 1943 rebuild).

Pic showing view of vents is Maya #1 & 2 turret, 1938

[Quincy]

The sailor on the upper turret looks like he is ready to fall or is doing a dance .




Bob Pink.

[djandj]

Takao and Atago had the rangefinder removed from turret #1 during the 1938-9 refits. Chokai and Maya retained theirs (though Maya may have lost hers during the late 1943 rebuild).

Pic showing view of vents is Maya #1 & 2 turret, 1938

Wait a minute - are you saying that Takao DIDN'T have the rangefinder on #1 after 1939? Hard to believe since I've not seen a single picture of Takao without it. Is every pic of that ship pre-1939?

Please elaborate

[Dan K]

Correct, No rangefinder on #1 turret after 1939. I guess you have been looking at pre-mod photos. Most of my photos are big and no time to shrink but, here is a colorized version of Takao after 1939 refits. look Compare #1 & 2 turrets

[djandj]

Great Shot Dan. Thank you very much. That (hopefully) clears that up

David

[Dan K]

Actually, I seem to be wrong, sorta. I checked Skulski, L & W and a lot of photos. The story seems to be that yes, the 6m LA director was moved from # 1 turret to the bridge during the refit. HOWEVER, it appears that the metal shell that housed the director remained in place and was gradually removed over time.

For instance, I have other photos of both Takao and Atago after their rebuilds in which the housing remains in place. At some point soon after, the wings of the housing were removed, so that the housing was reduced in width to the point that it was flush with the sides of the turret. By 1944, it appears the entire housing had been removed. Atago may have had the entire housing removed shortly after the refit. A June 1942 photo shows no housing for her.

So, a truely accurate rendering id dependent on time frame, it seems. I learn somethng new every day.

[djandj]

Actually, I seem to be wrong, sorta. I checked Skulski, L & W and a lot of photos. The story seems to be that yes, the 6m LA director was moved from # 1 turret to the bridge during the refit. HOWEVER, it appears that the metal shell that housed the director remained in place and was gradually removed over time.

For instance, I have other photos of both Takao and Atago after their rebuilds in which the housing remains in place. At some point soon after, the wings of the housing were removed, so that the housing was reduced in width to the point that it was flush with the sides of the turret. By 1944, it appears the entire housing had been removed. Atago may have had the entire housing removed shortly after the refit. A June 1942 photo shows no housing for her.

So, a truely accurate rendering id dependent on time frame, it seems. I learn somethng new every day.

I love learning history through modeling. First, why in the world would the Japanese want to remove the range finder/gun director from a turret? What purpose would it serve? Save weight? Even if they had central fire control later in the war, seems like you'd want a back up on the turret wouldn't you? Love to know the reason this was phased out only on the #1 turret.

I let Flyhawk know our findings and they said they think it was removed in 39, but if we have pics later on showing #1 with it I'd love to see them. Still think the instructions should make it clear to keep the bar if you're doing a pre-39 version.

[Dan K]

I, too, have learned a lot thru modeling. It feeds both ways.

I believe the reason for moving the rangefinder was that it was too low, and often obstructed by heavy seas, to be effective.

[djandj]

I, too, have learned a lot thru modeling. It feeds both ways.

I believe the reason for moving the rangefinder was that it was too low, and often obstructed by heavy seas, to be effective.

Perhaps, but what's the harm in keeping it when it's already installed? Further, they may not be in a firefight in heavy seas (at least they wouldn't hit much if they were.) Once the front top turret is out of action, do they have any range finding for the front of the ship?

NEXT QUESTION:

OK I'm doing the Takao in late 1944. TROM says 22 single 25mm AA's are installed in June of '44. Anyone have any pics (or guesses) as to where they were installed?

Thanks,

David