Calling all IJN Mogami-class (最上) fans

[Vladi]

Very interesting, thanks!
Is there any info about the other added AA plaform on the aft superstructure (behind the mainmast, just above the a/c deck)?

[Dan K]

I think the cropped photo of Suzuya behind Tone is clear enough in silhouette to show that there is no 25mm AA director mounted on the front of the bridge as with the rebuilt Mogami. That doesn't mean that 25mm AA directors weren't added, just not in that position.

[Angeliccypher]

Off the current topic. Do any photos exist of the damage from her collision with Mikuma?

[Dick J]

There is at least one photo of Mogami's forward deck, taken from her bridge, after the damaged bow had broken off. I don't know any online link to that photo.

[Atma]

Off the current topic. Do any photos exist of the damage from her collision with Mikuma?

Sadly (after IJN Tone class) IJN Mogami class are the least documented Heavy cruisers in from the Japanese Navy.

[Dan K]

1 or 2.

[Angeliccypher]

Wow that is a huge chunk missing!!!! Thanks Dan. If you guys have any other information on this (or the collision damage to Mikuma) I would appreciate it.

[Dan K]

Well, almost everyone has seen the Mikuma wrecked photos. What is not always noticed is her collision damage. See the cropping below, above the waterline. Notice the stove-in hull plating below and to the left of the forward 12.7cm AA mount.

[Vladi]

Perhaps a silly question, but what was the diameter of steel covers welded over portholes/scuttles on IJN cruisers (BBs, DDs...) in 1944?

[Dan K]

I'm not aware of a specific measurement but, they appear to be 10-20% wider than the porthole

[Captain pugwash]

Well have this kit of the Mikuma by Tamiya in 1/350 in the stash to build one day.

Looking forward to its construction , I was going to sell it as I have so many to build but on reading this thread have decided to have a go.

[Dan K]

Absolutely build it!

[redoctober27]

Just thought I would post this. Maybe if Vladi or whomever would be interested, if you go to http://bosamar.com/ijnforces/mogami.html They have a list of pictures of IJN Kumano. For those whom like me like late-war IJN navy ships, for example this class you might enjoy this. Photo #4 I'm thinking is a pic of her maybe late-42 judging by the "Jake" floatplane. Photo #11 I believe is an overhead photo of her in 1943. Photo #7 is a pic of Kumano after the battle when she was attacked by planes from USS HANCOCK (CV-19) on the 26th of October and as for Photos #8 and I think #9 are of her sinking on the 25th of November, 1944 in Santa Cruz harbor from planes of the USS TICONDEROGA. As use of these photos for details there not the best but, if you are like me, any photo of these two ships (or any) are unique opportunity to study the history of one of the greatest navies of the era. I give credit and special thanks to the webmaster Robert Jon Cox for his site and pictures.

[Atma]

Just thought I would post this. Maybe if Vladi or whomever would be interested, if you go to http://bosamar.com/ijnforces/mogami.html They have a list of pictures of IJN Kumano. For those whom like me like late war ijn navy ships, for example this class you might enjoy this. Photo #4 I'm thinking is a pic of her maybe late-42 judging by the "Jake" floatplane.

Thanks for the link
Photo number #4:

Is IJN Kumano with 15,5 cm main turrets, notice the size and shape of the rangefinder. Red circle.

[Atma]

A difference always forgotten when someone is building a 20 cm equipment IJN Mogami class cruiser.
15,5 cm equipment:

20 cm equipment:

[mellotronage]

Just wondering- does anyone know where I might find a Pit-Road PE set # 134 for the Suzuya? I know it's been out of production for some time....

[Dan K]

Maybe Amazon Japan

[cnimsk]

Howdy. How different are Mikuma and Mogami in appearence at the beginning of the second world war. I have the 1/350 Tamiya Heavy cruiser version of the Mogami and I was wondering what it would take to "convert" her to Mikuma circa Feb. 1942. I believe that there is a difference in the main mast, Mikuma's being taller and free standing. Is that correct? Any other obvious differences between the sister ships?

Chuck

[Atma]

Main mast of course, and some ventilations pipes arround the funnel, I guess. You can try and copy the main mast of IJN Mikuma by Taimiya in 1/350, with some modification cause is a prewar fit:
After 1941:

With 15,5 cm main guns(before WWII):

[Dan K]

Here ya go, from Maru Special #10. All are Mogami's mainmast, save for the second from right, which is Mikuma, 1941. Mogami's original mast is on the left. Similar to Mikuma's, but even taller.