Calling all IJN Carrier fans (class comparisons)

[Mike W]

Thanks Dan

Are the Skywave (Pit Road) 'Neo' sets much better than the older sets? I liked the older sets but they generally feel overscale to me. How do they compare to the Fine Molds Nano Dred sets?

thanks
Mike

[Dan K]

The new NE sets are vastly superior to the older sets, and comparable to the new FM Nanodread accessories. Some of the FM sets are superior in detail and scale (25mm AA), while some of the PitRoad sets, like the torpedo tube sets, are superior in scale to the FM versions, IMHO.

Surprisingly, the Wikipedia article on Ryujo is very complete and specific, so I think all of your questions can be answered. The flight deck was shortened by 2m, with rounded edges: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_a ... %ABj%C5%8D

[Mike W]

Thanks again. Does anyone do 1/700 A5M Claude's? I know the 2nd line carriers carried them well into 1942 but you either get biplane fighters or Zero's in kits.

thanks
Mike

[Ed R]

Aoshima had a set but I don't know its current availability:

http://steelnavy.com/AoshimaType96.htm

Pit Road too:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10083668

Ed

[Dan K]

Aoshima, PitRoad, and Shapeways all have 1/700 aircraft sprues with A5M Claudes.

[Jonathan]

Help anyone (but most probably Dan K)

Somewhere on this site I've seen a picture of a carrier whilst being scrapped probably Junyo but could have been Ryuho looking forward from the stern showing the hanger deck and lift well layout after the flight deck had been removed but I can't find it anywhere and google is about as much use as a chocolate fire guard. If you know what i'm on about anyone please can you post a pic? Am currently working on an Aoshima Chuyo and just couldn't resist putting in a hanger deck......

[Dan K]

like these?

[Jonathan]

That's the blighter, cheers Dan. Happy New Year!

[Haijun watcher]

Hello all,

I just have another Fujimi 1/700 Ryujo question.

Timmy C once pointed the two versions of the Fujimi Ryujo in this old post below:

Fujimi again

They made two versions - "first upgrade" and "second upgrade":
First: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10098701
Second: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10112970

I think there are some comments on it over in CASF.

Aside from these two newer versions, isn't there a third kit, numbered 43082, which is an old-tool?

Is this old-tool kit is supposed to depict the ship in early World War 2, or during the 1930s? Therefore is it closer to the first or 2nd of the 2 kits above?

Thanks to anyone in advance who could answer this question.

[Guest]

IIRC, it's after the second refit, probably in the immediate prewar/early war fit. I recall the need for some corrections.

Dan K, checking in from the road, somewhere. gonna be offline much of the next week.

[Jonathan]

I have 430799 which is a fairly recent issue of the original Fujimi Ryujyo sic kit with an etch fret and updated AA and clear moulded planes parts. It has the hexagonal front of flight deck, raised bow and post refit AA layout as per the dwgs in IJN Warships 1869 - 1945. Will attempt to post some pics at some point.

[Timmy C]

Hasegawa has posted test-shots of their new 1/450 Shinano: http://www.hasegawa-model.co.jp/z03_ts/

Really impressive detailing, especially on the aircraft. But as with the Yamato, the bases for the 25mm triples are molded onto the deck, which will make it rather nasty for aftermarket additions.

[Dan K]

Wow, that is some incredible detailing. Shame its not 1/350 (yeah, a pending Tamiya release in about 9+ years). Does anyone even make 1/450 accessories?

Thx for posting, Timmy.

[Timmy C]

Hasegawa contracted Pontos to make a detail set for their new 1/450 Yamato, so perhaps we may see similar for this? Else, certainly there are some generic parts made for the old 450th kits that can be applicable.

[scratchshipbuilder]

So I already have the big six that attacked Pearl Harbor in new Fujimi kits. What's the next most significant Japanese carrier?

[Dan K]

IMHO, a good case can be made for either Zuiho, Junyo, or Taiho.

[KSuM3]

Received notification from HobbyLink Japan that the 1:450 Hasegawa Shinano is available and mine is on its way. The build photos look awesome, especially compared to the original release from decades ago.

[Dave Rowe]

Still hoping a 1/350 Shinano conversion or full kit will make an appearance one day.

[KSuM3]

Still hoping a 1/350 Shinano conversion or full kit will make an appearance one day.

Same here. But, the new kit is the only decent large scale on the market and Shinano is my favorite carrier so I'm making an exception. Plus, I'm hoping that if sales of the new one are good, Tamiya will take notice and do one in 1/350.

[matsuman777]

Fujimi 1:350 Kaga
i have all the PE and Wooden deck ready for my project.
This is the first time doing an IJN Carrier and i can use some good tips here.
Also will be using airbrush on this one and i can also use some tips on this process