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

[Atma]

Good point, though Fujimi does not differentiate in its molds, obviously.

Huh ? IJN Kongo class, IJN Nagato class, IJN Tone class ?

[Atma]

And IJN Shokau in 1/350 will be released with a complete set of PE, link:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160873

[Jonathan]

If this information is true, then none of the existing kits, in any scale, are accurate in this regard.

Hi all, first post here. The original Fujimi 1/700 seems to have the correct configuration with regard to the round down err but not a lot else. I originally built this kit in 1991 but tore it to bits the other week and am slowly re-building it as practice before takling Pit Road Unryu. I'd like to post a build log but I'm not entirely sure which part of the forum to do this in if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

[Timmy C]

Welcome to the board, Jonathan - please post your build log in the Works In Progress section of Picture Post. If you are looking for advice regarding the accuracy of a section of your build, feel free to post the relevant picture(s) here, but otherwise we would like for the build progress to be in its own thread in the Works In Progress section. Thanks!

[Atma]

Tamiya's special release of Pearl Harbor IJN Zuikaku is out:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10157021
As you can see this is the old kit, just released in a commemorative new package. I warned you !

[Dan K]

When I said that Fujimi does not differentiate between its kits, I meant between its new 1/700 Shokaku and Zuikaku kits. Everything is the same on the flight deck. (Incidentally, my Zuikaku kit review should appear come October.)

Yes, welcome, Jonathan. Interesting observation about the original Fujimi kit. It's been so long since I built it that I have no trace of it left. I might actully have that piece of the flight deck lying around somewhere - I'll have to look. We all look forward to your build.

Interestingly, I discovered that the new FlyHawk PE set for the Tamiya versions has a PE deck that does have this correction, along with the flight deck planking anomaly. And tie down holes. Planking pattern is wrong, though, as are the planking widths. Still, an attractive, though expensive, alternative. See: http://www.flyhawkmodel.com/en/product.asp?code=700099

[DennisJP]

The 1942 version of 1/700 Shokaku by Fujimi is out:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10149057
Enjoy !

Yes, this looks like a pretty good model. I baught several new models from Fujimi and they look like the model company to go to now. Their standards have rose allot with their Akagi, Kaga, Taiho, Ryujo, Hosho and now their Shokaku.
The only question I had about this was the fact the model has radar? This model configuration would be after the massive battle damage at the Battle Of Santa Cruz Islands. Took 6 bomb hits from Hornet aircraft.
I did not think she received radar until right before she was scuppered by Cavalla?

[Guest]

I am looking mainly for pictures clearly showing both anchor capstans, and determine whether there is a separate main capstan between the anchor capstans like there is in Japanese battleships. I think the broad layout of the chain runs and chaffing plates on Fujimi is approximately accurate based on a set of plans Jim B sent me. But Fujimi depicted the capstan itself as a featureless cylinder, and neglected to depict any other details of the anchor chain run, chain locker opening, etc.

There is a series of photos that show Shokaku's damage in the Coral Sea. One is posted here of the aft flight deck damage. There is one that shows the front end damage from a bomb and shows the capstans clearly.
I was doing a model of the Tone at the time and noticed they are the same as the Shokaku's. I hope this helps you. Sorry I dont have a saved picture of the damage on my computer.

[Dan K]

In response to Ledinot's questions about the positioning of the landing light arrays/girders in another thread:

On the port side aft: Immediately aft of the aftermost lattice radio aerial mast (the tall thing that is raised and lowered, depending on flight ops or not) is a small platform attached lengthwise to the underside edge of the flight deck. This is the second such platform from the end of the flight deck, not the last one. The four light array is placed at the foremost end, the two light array at the aft end of the platform.

Now having said that, there is not enough photographic evidence to determine with absolute certainty whether the arrays are attached directly to the ends of the platform, or extended from the outer wall of the upper hangar deck. So, it's sort of your choice. I will try to examine one other photo soon to see if there is anything more concrete.

(note: If it were attached to the hangar sidewall, it's possible that the two arrays might be a few feet further apart. Whatever the distance apart on one side, it need be matched by the two arrays on the other side. This is because the pilot is attempting to line up the lights on both sides at a certain angle, to maintain the proper glide path down to the deck. This also affects the placement of the two light array (always aftermost of the two arrays). I believe it is inline with the inner two lights of the four light array and the two lights themselves extended slightly higher than the four light array, again to maintain the proper angle alignment of the glide path.

Interestingly, the Miyukikai plans for both Zuikaku and Shokaku are erroneous in their placement of the port side four light array. It places them between the two port side aft 12.7cm mounts. Photographs cleary contradict that placment.

On the starboard side aft: Photo evidence clearly shows the four light array immediately in front of that side's aftermost, lattice radio aerial mast. I believe the array girder to be attached directly to the hangar deck wall at that point. It is also clear that there would be enough room to stow that array folded forward, between the lattice mast and the aftermost enclosed 12/7cm AA turret.

Given the need for a specific distance between the two lights, the only point at which it can be placed is between the two enclosed, powered triple 25mm AA turrets immediately aft the lattice radio mast. There, it has to be attached to the light side wall of the platform. I believe this two light array girder to be fixed in place, though it 's equally likely that the lights themselves can be raised and lowered on the girder. As they are place inboard close to the edge of the flight deck, they do not interfere with the firing arcs of 25mm turrets.

I hope I've been clear.

[Dan K]

The only question I had about this was the fact the model has radar? This model configuration would be after the massive battle damage at the Battle Of Santa Cruz Islands. Took 6 bomb hits from Hornet aircraft.
I did not think she received radar until right before she was scuppered by Cavalla?

Hmm, missed this. Shokaku received her Type 21 radar post Coral Sea in July 1942, as part of her repair and refit. So, she wore it for the entire Guadalcanal campaign. Zuikaku received hers in early 1943.

[Dan K]

Below is a still frame from a movie taken aboard one of the sisters that I think is helpful to the placement of the starboard landing light array. The horizontal placement of the 4 light array is considerably above that of the radio masts, pretty close to the level of the flight deck. So, it would appear that the supporting girder is attached to the forward end of the galley platform in that location. I just don't think there's room to squeeze the girder thru to the hangar sidewall.

Separately, the red circle indicates one of the 25mm directors, open in its tub. I think it's called a Type 95 Shiki Fire Control director.

[Ledinot]

In response to Ledinot's questions about the positioning of the landing light arrays/girders in another thread:

Thanks a lot, Dan for an exhaustive answer. I had compared the photo you provided in the next post (it depicts the port side of the carrier, isn�t it?) with PE sets and found the Shokaku PE landing outriggers look proportionally much more correct than Zuikaku PE ones. The only available alternative I know is the FineMolds set.

[Dan K]

Yes, the port side. All I've used up to now are the FineMolds set, which I think are pretty good.

[Atma]

In February one more limited release by Fujimi:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10173110

[Ledinot]

In February one more limited release by Fujimi:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10173110

Will it be a couple of Shokakus 1941 with different decal sets or something else?

[Dan K]

I would think so, just as Tamiya added early war Zuikaku decals to the early war kit for a 1941 Zuikaku.

The price looks like its been discounted slightly for the pair, which would make it worthwhile for someone intereted in an early war pairing. A cool pairing would be the late 1942 versions of each: Shokaku with radar, Zuikaku with out, but both with added AA. Betcha they do it.

Obviously, this is a Fujimi trend - see Hiei-Kirishima.

[Atma]

The limited release from Fujimi IJN Shokaku & IJN Zuikaku is out in 1/700:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10173110

[Dan K]

The early war (1941) decal for Zuikaku shows a second hiragana symbol on the port, aft side of the flight deck. I believe this is only appropriate for 1943, as a flight training aid.

[Atma]

Same as the IJN Hiryu release but this time for IJN Shokaku/IJN Zuikaku early war period(That means no radars in the set),by Fine Molds in 1/700:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10177669

[Dan K]

Good deal. THx for posting.