1/700 Taiho (??) 1944 - Fujimi

[Joe Simon]

Beautiful work! And fast!

[Dan K]

Thx, Joe.

A Happy New Year to all.

I had hoped to complete the island by year's end, but there are too many details still yet to add. Here's the current status (mast very incomplete, raw and dry-fitted, as are the Type 21 radars). More instrumentation, Type 13 radar, lights, etc. to come.

[Vladi]

Excellent, Dan!

[Dan K]

The island is 99% done and painted. Some of the optical instrument placement is open to interpretation, along with that of some other equipment.

I scratch-built some splinter shield shutters for the bridge windows out of brass frets as was typical for late war IJN carriers. Interestingly, even though I've always thought of this as a field modification, Taiho's plans do show them.

[Joe Simon]

Joshua and I both concur that is amazing work! He asked if it was 1/350!

[Pieter]

Excellent bridge . Interesting to see how close the look of this bridge is to late war Illustrious class bridges. Probably a case of similar problems leading to similar solutions.

[Dan K]

Joe - That's high praise indeed from Joshua. Extend my thanks. (I look forward to his newest project.)

Pieter - Thank you. In the case of the Japanese CVs, the design driver was incorporating the funnel uptakes into an upright, offset structure, which was a purposeful departure from the funnels usually exhausting out and down at the hangar deck level. It also meant a larger structure, which allowed for improved control and command facilities. Plus better accommodation for radars.

[MartinJQuinn]

It also meant a larger structure, which allowed for improved control and command facilities. Plus better accommodation for radars.

Hell of a lot better looking ship, too.

Fantastic work, as always Dan. Love your attention to detail.

[garyrunnalls]

Dan, your build is stunning and it's so helpful to see the steps involved and you've got to be very happy with the outcome. Amazing! Great ship as well.

[Dan K]

Thanks, Gary.

You know, when I actually remember to take a step back from all the detail work and its tiny but seemingly unavoidable flaws, I am pleased.

There are still plentiy of potential missteps ahead!

[ScottM]

Joe - That's high praise indeed from Joshua. Extend my thanks. (I look forward to his newest project.)

Pieter - Thank you. In the case of the Japanese CVs, the design driver was incorporating the funnel uptakes into an upright, offset structure, which was a purposeful departure from the funnels usually exhausting out and down at the hangar deck level. It also meant a larger structure, which allowed for improved control and command facilities. Plus better accommodation for radars.

Great work Dan,
The Taiho is such an interesting design for the period. I can see the relationship to the newer British carriers.

[garyrunnalls]

Dan, did you solder the radar as well as the mast? Looks great BTW. I'm having trouble keeping the radar glue-free at 1/350 yet yours is 1/700 amazing!

[Dan K]

No solder on the radar, Gary. The mesh PE folds along the cage edges, the sensor array was carefully glued into cage, and the assembly glued to the base. Supporting arms were then glued to the underside and back.

I'm not sure what PE you are using, but I recall that they all pretty much fold over as needed. However, one thing to know is that many of the PE radars incorrectly placed a front to the "mattress" frame. It should be open at the front.

This includes the Fujimi Taiho PE. I eliminated the unnecessary section (indicated in red).

Close-up views of the Type 21 radar bear this configuration out.

[Dan K]

Prior to mating the island to the hull, I worked over the arrestor cables. Mine are one-piece (wire and bases) stainless steel from Five Star. They proved far more problematic that I would have thought in keeping them straight while gluing them to the deck. They are very sensitive to temperature. Heat makes them expand quickly, which tends to make them curve or bend instead of holding straight. I might advise attempting to install them in a very hot room. That way, they will contract when they cool, and maintain a taut line. My conjecture, anyway.

I then mated the island to the hull. The port side looks fine, the starboard side produced a noticeable seam that needs to be filled. (The kit always has the seam.) However, the area is so tight and delicate that careful consideration must be given as to how to best accomplish the fill. Putty or plastic fill would require an enormous amount of sanding, along with the great risk of damage.

I�ve chosen to fill the gap slowly, with un-thinned paint. I�m still working it, but the seam requires only light sanding after applying 4-5 coats at a time. When it's done, I�ll re-spray it.

[taskforce48]

Dan,

Absolutely stunning and beyond belief that it is only 1/700. Quite possibly your finest work to date!

Matt

[MartinJQuinn]

Dan,

Absolutely stunning and beyond belief that it is only 1/700. Quite possibly your finest work to date!

Matt

That's saying something, considering Dan (aka "Mr. Ship") won "Best Ship" with his tanker at the IPMS National Convention in Chattanooga last year!

[Dan K]

Matt, Martin - thanks so much.

I am SO close to finishing that seam.

[Vladi]

Dan, she looks just fantastic! Wow.

[Dan K]

Thx, Vladi.

Ok, the fix is in, and I can move on with my life.

[J. Soca]

Always a pleasure to see your work Dan!




Jose