Calling all IJN Takao-class (高雄型) fans

[Atma]

.... though I am underwhelmed by the 25mm...

Dan have you tired the Fine Molds version ? In my opinion is the best at the moment in the market, Im more than happy to send you a sample.

[Dan K]

Oh, yes, that's why I mentioned being underwhelmed by the PitRoad version. I've got plenty of the NanoDreads, thx. The best!

OTOH, the PitRoad twin 12.7cm HA mounts are outstanding.

[Atma]

OTOH, the PitRoad twin 12.7cm HA mounts are outstanding.

+1

[Atma]

Dan, take a look at that picture of IJN Takao during trials after the modernization at late 30's, it shows clear that the spoting windows of number 01# turret was removed by that time and just the overhangs remain.
Link:http://img821.imageshack.us/i/3b37a96d.jpg/

[Dan K]

Well, I have to wonder: since she is just out of rebuild, if the #1 rangefinder is inadequate, then why not just remove the whole thing during the refit? I think that came later, IMHO. But, I don't really know.

[Atma]

Well maybe Japanese whare sadist and they knew that 72 years later modelers arround the world will get puzzled of how to model the rangefinder on number 1# turret, and why they didnt removed it from the start.
By the way Dan, check the IJN Myoko thread, I have posted a coloured picture there too.

[Timmy C]

The Fujimi Takao has been released:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10133602

[Atma]

So guys, any impressions about the new Fujimi's IJN Takao ? Notice that the number 1# turret has no spotting windows just the overhangs and number 2# turret has different spotting windows that number 4#.
Also notice the one piece superstructure, the work on this era of the ship is amazing.You can let your old IJN Takao class from Aoshima and Pit-Road aside.
The ship with little effort/changes can be build as late war IJN Atago too.

Edit:Looking at my Fujimi's IJN Takao I noticed that the single 25 mm on the main deck doesn't require to drill holes on the main deck to attach them(like Fujimi's IJN Tone and IJN Chikuma), so an IJN Atago will be a bit more hard to modeled cause the IJN Atago had the single 25mm in different positions than the IJN Takao.

[Dan K]

I have to wait for mine to arrive before I can comment. I am hopeful.

[Atma]

Well I just notice it but is interesting to see that the new Fujimi's IJN Takao in 1/700 have the same range finder for number 1# and number 4# turret, any explanations for that ?

[Dan K]

As previously discussed, the #1 rangefinder was cut down in any rate so, it's an error.

[Atma]

Then I need to "shave" the number 1# turret of my Fujimi 1/700 IJN Takao.

[Atma]

Dan, have you received your Fujimi's 1/700 Takao kit ? Any first impressions ?

[Dan K]

It's just been shipped. The PE was shipped first, so that should show up soon.

[Atma]

Dan can you help me with the position of 25mm single AA of IJN Atago's ? Im trying to do a second IJN Takao model from the new Fujimi kit as 1944 IJN Atago.
In the following link is a picture from the old IJN Takao in 1/700 from Pit-Road that show's alternative position of IJN Atago's single 25 mm AA, is that correct ?
Link:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10016185z6/70/6
Thanks in advance.


Edit:Looking through some older post in this thread I notice this:

The new Yukikaze/Urakaze kit is very nicely molded but, overly complicated to assemble

Complicated ? You should check the new IJN Takao ! At least the main bridge is a one piece molded.

[Dan K]

Unfotunately, L & W does not have a deck diagram for Atago, only Takao. The text indicates the same # of single 25mm for both ships (30), including 8 units aft but, I'm not certain that this is absolutely true for Atago. I note that Maya has a different layout for single 25mm AA. The PitRoad schematic seems workable.

[Atma]

Im really impressed of the fitting of the new IJN Takao by Fujimi, the kit is complicated and it has a lot of small/delicate parts, but the fitting is awesome.

[Atma]

Does anyone know if IJN Maya and IJN Chokai had the same upgrade as IJN Takao and IJN Atago in the turrets ?
And Im talking about new windows in the laying and training portholes and finnaly new canvas blast covers.
I know that in 1937 the 4 IJN Takao class units got extensions for the rangefinder lenses.

[Dan K]

Not positive but, I don't think so. There wasn't enough time for the full rebuilds though, Maya and Chokai received small refit/upgrades just prior to the war. If they did, it wouldn;t be until late 1943, early 1944. Chokai clearly has her #1 turret rangefinder in late 1942; Maya still has hers in 1940.

[Atma]

One thing I'd heard of but never investigated is that Atago may have filled in the side opening ahead of the catapult support to be solid like the rebuilt Maya.

Wow never heard that about IJN Atago. If that happed then is after 1942/43 ? Pictures of her from trials show similar openings like in IJN Takao. More information about that Dan ?
Thanks in advance.


IJN Atago, IJN Chokai(1942) or IJN Maya(1944) for a next IJN Takao class from Fujimi ?