Calling all IJN Myoko-class (妙高) fans

[Atma]

Once again Dan I adore your contributions !
Thanks again

[Atma]

If the number 2# rangefinder windows of IJN Myoko, got significant enlarged openings at 1945 (we see that from pictures in Singapore after war, and we see that IJN Takao and IJN Aoba from after war pictures) Im puzzled, did the same happend to IJN Ashigara and IJN Haguro ?
Of course during the 1945.
But Im guessing no, those two cruisers where active, not moored to harbors for AA use only.
Im guessing the enlarged openings of a 1945 IJN Myoko(and IJN Takao and IJN Aoba) was only to help them use the main guns in AA role.
I have no idea if the same happened to IJN Tone by the way, or in IJN Oyodo. IJN Tone was operational/no damaged, but she got no fuel same with IJN Oyodo so she was a floating AA battery.

[Atma]

Enlarged rangefinder hoods seems that only IJN Myoko got during her use as a AA floating battery in Singapore harbor.
Classic Warships Book:IJN Myoko Class Heavy Cruiser, got some nice pictures of IJN Nachi in page 24 and 25 that shows her with normal rangefinder hoods on number 2# turret and the overhands of her number 1# turret removed. The pictured is dated as 1943.
Pictures of IJN Myoko with the enlarged rangefinder hoods in number 2# turret at page 14 is hard not to notice them.
IJN Ashigara pictures in the page 52 show her that the overhgands remain but the openings are removed, picture is date 1940 during trials after her last modernisation.
On page 54, 55 and 56 IJN Ashigara has no enlarged rangefinder hoods in number 2# turret but also the overhands have been removed. In the first two pictures (page 54 and page 55) sadly the number 1# turret is obsucred by paravan, and is dated December 142 in the King George VI Drydock in Seletar Naval base of Singapore.
The two photos in the page 56 show IJN Ashigara with the overhags removed from her number 1# turret and normal rangefinder hoods in number 2# turret. The pictrure is date mid 1943 and the second Junary 1944. The 1944 picture is surprisingly clear by the way.
In the page 63 IJ Haguro's close up of number 1# and 2$ turret show overhangs but the openings removed in number 1# turret and no enlarged rangefinder hoods in number 2#, the picture is dated March 1941.
On page 70 and 71 IJN Haguro got this time no overhangs in number 1# turret and no enlarged rangefinder hoods in number 2#, dated November 2, 1943 during the raid at Rabaul base, by US Army 3rd Bomb Group. IJN Haguro recieve no damage during this attack by the way.

[Atma]

Is there any 1943-1944 picture of IJN Myoko's number 2# turret availble ?

[Atma]

Okay, I have found this picture of IJN Myoko in Singapore after the war with a large portion of her stern missing, it shows clearly that also her number 4# turret got enlarged rangefinder hoods.
So I dont see a reason why IJN Takao's number 4# turret wouldn't got the same upgrade too.
Link:

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[Dan K]

I'm certain that Takao did. There is a 4/4/44 photo of Atago with it so, as there are 6/44 views of Maya and Chokai so,it is unlikely that only they got it.

[Atma]

Can you post this pictures showing large rangefinder hoods on the ships(Of course in the IJN Takao thread) ? I was always with the impression that those hoods where added only when the remaining Heavy cruisers used as AA platforms in Japanese harbors, that mean mid 1945 till war ended.
Thanks in advance.

[Atma]

Fujimi's release of IJN Myoko class in 1/700 with extra photo etc parts are limited releases.
And no Fujimi is not planning any IJN Heavy or Light cruiser release in 1/350 for the 2011. IJN Ise in 1/350 and in 1/700 sold poorly by the way, compared to other Fujimi's offerings and at the moment the IJN Hiei in 1/350 is on hold same with a IJN Yubari.IJN Amagi by Fujimi is the best selling warship in 1/700 at the moment in Japanese market.No words though for a 1/350 release.

[Dan K]

Just give us the 1/700 Kirishima and Zuikaku. No more DDs, please.

[Atma]

You are not interest in a IJN Tosa or a IJN Hyuga in all gun version ?

[Dan K]

Tosa would be interesting but Kirishima and Zuikaku are a must.

[Atma]

Anyone can post some pictures of IJN Myoko class cruisers during the trails in '20's ?
Doesn't really matter wich ship, thank in advance.

[Dan K]

All I have at home is Haguro in original fit, but not underway. Photo taken from the FreeTime Hobbies website

[Atma]

Thanks Dan.

[peppe]

two images more
ciao peppe

[Atma]

Thanks Peppe !

[Atma]

Fujimi 1/700 IJN Myoko class with extra PE sets are in sale now in Hobby Search Japan, some pictures from the site with the PE set for review(IJN Ashigara is missing):
IJN Myoko

[Atma]

IJN Nachi :

[Atma]

IJN Haguro :




Enjoy !

[Atma]

Amazing in 10 minutes 45 IJN Myoko with PE set from Fujimi went sold out...


Edit: They got restock finnaly, so is on sale again !