Fujimi 1/700 Shokaku 1941 Addendum - reposted

[Dan K]

I have belatedly come across another error in the Shokaku kit which, fortuitously, has an easy fix. As mentioned in the original Shokaku review, the as-built configuration featured one Type 94 HA director for the twin 12.7cm AA guns located on the port side forward boat deck that holds a 9m cutter. This is very well documented, particularly by Zuikaku�s commissioning photo.

Fujimi has issued the platform as modified for later refits (1942) with both directors, after the island topped director was moved to the aft end of that platform, in order to make run for the radar array atop the island bridge. The fix is simple, just slice off the rear position (located on the left in the view from above, first photo) so that the forward edge of the platform is a straight line all the way aft.

[Dan K]

There may be an error with this, and virtually every other, Shokaku class kit on the market with regard to the round down at the end of the flight deck. See my post on the CASF Shokaku classs thread, p7: viewtopic.php?f=46&t=14330&p=436154#p436154

[Dan K]

Thx to some sharp eyes on the part of Rob Weilacher, another small error has come to light. The portside boat boom for both new Fujimi Shokaku/Zuikaku is located in the wrong position. The kit places it next to a small catwalk about amidships; it should be located at the end of the small catwalk that ends in line with the first of the rollup garage style doors of the engine test stand area, portside aft. There is a photo that confirms this.

[Rob Weilacher]

I found something else - error in the instructions:

The directions (1941 version) say to drill out two small holes in the aft (lower) boat deck towards the stern. I cannot find in the directions what is placed in these two small holes, but I strongly suspect they are for the 25mm AA platform added in the 1942 (?) version refit. I do not think you should dril out these holes for the 1941 version.

Very, very slowly working through this kit. I will post here as I find things and/or recommend them.

Rob

[Rob Weilacher]

I am finding little things here and there.

When comparing the kit to the 1/100 kit in Gakken #13, I find that the kit (and associated Fujimi PE for the kit) does not cover the numerous cable reels on the aft lower boat deck and the bow weather (?) deck.

There also appears to be a small outboard deck with stair/ladder on the forward port side that is not covered in the PE set, but oddly only has the stair itself in the plastic (basic) kit.

I still have a long way to go, and am waiting on some parts which are hampering my progress a little.

Rob

[Dan K]

Where is the small platform located?

[Rob Weilacher]

The smll platform is an extension of piece R28, in Step 7, port side forward. Compre to the Gakken 1/100 model in the sme location.

[Dan K]

That is the forward boarding ladder and accessway. There is a matching one on the other side. The platform & stairs were lightweight. Everything folded up and in against the hull. Unfortunate that there's no inclusion on the PE fret. There is an aftermarket version from GMM, among others.

Speaking of the PE, another error has come to light, courtesy of Leonid Goncharov. The windscreen barrier is slightly wider than its base box. As far as I can tell, they should be the same size, with no overhang to either side of the box. Cutting the barrier down makes it assymetrical, so no easy fix, aside fom using one from another mfg's PE set.

Leonid has also noted a difference in the lengths of the landing light arrays between the Shokau and Zuikaku PE sets. We're still sorting out which may be correct.

[Rob Weilacher]

OK, I have gotten back to work after a long pause on Shokaku. Some more questions come to light:

1. Step 7, platfrom part S9: there are two armored director shown. The Gakken 13 reference only shows one director (the fore-most one). What is correct for the 1941 version ? My limited references do not shed light.

2. Step 6, platform part S5: there are about 6 triple 25mm mount tubs plus two smaller tubs that I think are for directors (Gakken 13 seems to show this). The kit supplies no part for these. Are there aftermarket directors ? If so, whar manufacturer, what kit, and what part number are they ? Very difficult when everything is in Japanese.

3. The aft boat deck is missing about 4 cable reels - per Gakken 13 reference pictues of the 1/100 Zuikaku model.

Any help is much appreciated.
Rob

[Dan K]

1) This is what I address in the very first post here. Only one for 1941, the forward one.

2) I'll doublecheck but these do not apply to 1941. Back to you soon.

3) ditto

[Ledinot]

...a difference in the lengths of the landing light arrays between the Shokau and Zuikaku PE sets. We're still sorting out which may be correct.

Dan, have you made already your decision on where to go with that landing lights' outriggers on Zuikaku?

[Ledinot]

...Are there aftermarket directors ? If so, whar manufacturer, what kit, and what part number are they ?

Rob, as a temporary solution (meanwhile Dan K. considering the answer) I propose you to have a look at the Pit-Road NE03 set (http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10145602a/20/1, first picture). You will probably find an appropriate director/rangefinder there.

[Dan K]

Regarding the empty tubs on part S5, these are the locations for the 25mm AA directors. Open here, they also come with covered enclosures, which is how they appear on the Tamiya kits. When open, the director looks like an optical sight/spotter on a pedastal. That configuration is available as an after market piece of PE equipment in several sets- I'd have to look them up.

I had't noticed that before; one more complication.

I'm not sure is there are any enclosed tops in plastic. The set highlighted by Ledinot contains several directors, but none of them are for 25mm.

As far as the landing light array PE goes, I believe the Zuikaku set is correct. As we discussed off line, the arrays pivot fore and aft for storage (i.e. heavy weather) so, it makes the most sense that they would be attached to the light platforms affixed to the edge of the flight deck, and not to the wall of the hangar deck. Otherwise, no enough clearance. The Shokaku sets can be cut down to size.

[D-Boy]

Total lurker on this discussion, with no intentions of building Shokaku soon, but loving your collective passion for the details! Keep it up!

D-Boy

[Dan K]

Ditch the sub, BUILD THE SHOKAKU.

[Ledinot]

As far as the landing light array PE goes, I believe the Zuikaku set is correct. As we discussed off line, the arrays pivot fore and aft for storage (i.e. heavy weather) so, it makes the most sense that they would be attached to the light platforms affixed to the edge of the flight deck, and not to the wall of the hangar deck. Otherwise, no enough clearance. The Shokaku sets can be cut down to size.

Thanks, Dan; nevertheless, some clarification required.

�As far as the landing light array PE goes, I believe the Zuikaku set is correct.�
1) My question was: �where to go with that landing lights' outriggers on Zuikaku?� I feel sorry for my English, but I thought it should be understood as �where to place that outriggers?�; there still is no answer to this question.
2) You had agreed Zuikaku PE landing light outriggers (two- and four-light ones) should be of the different length. They are of the same length in Fujimi set; that means Zuikaku PE set is not correct at this point.

�As we discussed off line, the arrays pivot fore and aft for storage (i.e. heavy weather) so, it makes the most sense that they would be attached to the light platforms affixed to the edge of the flight deck, and not to the wall of the hangar deck. Otherwise, no enough clearance. The Shokaku sets can be cut down to size.�
Yes, I confirm I had said this:
IMHO, Fujimi�s Shokaku PE arms may be interpreted as following: long square-sectioned parts are attached to underside of the flight deck and hinged outrigger triangular parts appear at either side of that tiny balcony. The balcony can as well be used to handle folding outrigger parts on/backward respectively.

I feel sorry again, Dan, but you had agreed on this arrangement. So, no �cut down to size� I suppose?

[Dan K]

I spent more time researching available plans and photos so, let me try to restate the positioning of the landing light arrays, Ledinot. But, I'm going to do so on the CASF Shokaku class thread so as to make the info available to everyone. Please look there.

[Ledinot]

The set highlighted by Ledinot contains several directors, but none of them are for 25mm.

I have just received this NE03 set, and items #3 and #22 on it seem to be two shielded versions of Type 95 director. As far as I know, these directors were used to control light IJN AA guns, including 25mm ones, weren't they?
.

[Dan K]

Assuming this guide is correct, I think only #22 possibly applies to the 25mm mounts. #3 looks like it could be either a searchlight director or a 1.5m navigation director. Best if we could get a translation of the captioning.

[Ledinot]

Assuming this guide is correct, I think only #22 possibly applies to the 25mm mounts. #3 looks like it could be either a searchlight director or a 1.5m navigation director. Best if we could get a translation of the captioning.

As you certainly know, there is always some difference between the guide and the set. But, anyway, have a look at the Tamiya Random Details picture of Type 95 directors. The right one, shielded, differs slightly from the #3 item of NE03 set, and the difference seems to be the projected rangefinder "arms". By the way, there is very small difference in Japanese hieroglyphs between inscriptions of #22 and #3 NE03 items.