Calling all IJN Takao-class (高雄型) fans

[Dan K]

Atma, I'm not aware of any training/aiming devices on top of the turrets. I checked both AOTS Takao and the Gran Prix Shuppan cruiser book for references and found no indacators of any such devices. I'm assuming you mean the same as the BBs.

[Atma]

The training/aiming devices on top of the turrets seems to be removed later in war.
In this 1945 picture after the war shows IJN Takao without the training/aiming devices on top of the turrets, and without the overhangs on number 1# rangefindinfer. AOTS is worng here as it shows IJN Takao not with overhangs but the whole rangefinder removed, wich is wrong as you can see only the overhangs got deleted:

This is a picture I borrowed from you that shows IJN Chokai without the training/aiming devices on top of the turrets:

And this is IJN Atago without the training/aiming devices on top of the turrets during 1942 and without the overhangs on number 1# rangefindinfer.

[Atma]

This is your IJN Chokai in 1/700. In my opinion the training/aiming devices on top of the turrets shall be removed. I dont know exactly when it happend but picture from late 1942 and onwards show that no training/aiming devices where on top of the turrets .

[Dan K]

I do not agree that Chokai is carrying them at all. Nor prewar for any of them.

[Atma]

This (the red arrow) is a training aiming device:

[Dan K]

Ahhh, now I know what you are referring to, though I'm not sure that it is a training device. I must review. All the sisters seem to have them thru late 1941 and yes, Chokai does show them at Truk in late 1942. So my 1942 build is correct

I agree that they do seem to lose them as the war progresses, though.

[Atma]

Ahhh, now I know what you are referring to, though I'm not sure that it is a training device. I must review. All the sisters seem to have them thru late 1941 and yes, Chokai does show them at Truk in late 1942. So my 1942 build is correct

I agree that they do seem to lose them as the war progresses, though.

According to the AOTS:IJN Takao, this is a training aiming device. Even though the AOTS:IJN Takao has an error regarding the number 1# turret during the 1944-1945 period. It mentions that the rangefinder has been complete removed wich is wrong as I prove in the a picture I provided of IJN Takao from 1946.Just the overhangs have been removed, not the whole rangefinder.

[Dan K]

Agreed.

[Atma]

You can see the partial re-tooled parts of the IJN Takao and IJN Chokai from Aoshima in 1/350 in this picture:

The partial re-tooled IJN Takao and IJN Chokai will be out December.

[Atma]

The red circle is the IJN Takao and the blue is the IJN Chokai.

Plus some more closeups:
The bridge of the IJN Takao is the partial model on the bottom.



and

[Atma]

Fujimi's new 1/700 IJN Takao full hull is released, link:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10161556




Enjoy !

[Atma]

Some information about the new re-release(new mold parts) IJN Chokai and IJN Takao by Aoshima:
IJN Takao:http://www.aoshima-bk.co.jp/scripts/sho ... de_a=00054
IJN Chokai:http://www.aoshima-bk.co.jp/scripts/sho ... de_a=00056

[Pagodaphile]

Greetings Gents.......

I am considering the purchase of one of the Flyhawk PE sets for the Takao. The question is, I am thinking about using it for a Pitroad/Skywave 1944 version. Flyhawk labels this set as specific to the Aoshima Takao, so I assume there must be a tangible difference somewhere between the two, ie.. maybe how the bridge or catapult deck is rendered. There is no replacement for the main deck in the FH set.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the practicality of this venture ?

[Atma]

The Pit-Road's IJN Takao class is considerable different from the Aoshima's IJN Takao. So I guess you might face some problems of how to use an Aoshima specific PE set on your kit.
Some PE parts(AA cradles, Aircraft derrick, main mast, etc) might be the same but then again the dimension might also be a bit different too.
The sure thing is, that the large bridge is tottaly different of how Aoshima choose to model the IJN Takao from the Pit-Road version. Also the aft bridge and the aircraft deck.

[Pagodaphile]

As I had feared. Back to the bottom of the stash for the Pit-Road. Thanks for the information Atma.

It sounds prudent now to wait for the release of a Fujimi specific PE superset rather than the getting an Aoshima.

[Dan K]

Yes, many dimensions are not the same.

[Atma]

You can use that:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10137742a/20/1
This is the Fujimi's PE set of Fujimi's IJN Takao 1944. Lots of part can be used for the Pit-Road kit.
Im not sure if you can use the rails for the funnels, if the dimensions are the same.

[Pagodaphile]

You can use that:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10137742a/20/1
This is the Fujimi's PE set of Fujimi's IJN Takao 1944. Lots of part can be used for the Pit-Road kit.
Im not sure if you can use the rails for the funnels, if the dimensions are the same.

Yes, I see the catapult deck looks close, but unfortunately nothing for the bridge. Oh well, back to 1/350 ladder.
Thanks again

[Dan K]

Both Aoshima and Fine Nolds make basic PE sets for the 1/7000 Takaos, with bridge window framing included.

[Atma]

I have tested the Fine Molds IJN Takao class PE set with the new Fujimi IJN Takao. All the parts can be used almost without a problem.