Calling all IJN Carrier fans (class comparisons)

[ceefood]

what about a decent Shinano???

[Atma]

And a IJN Katsuragi from Aoshima in 1/700 out in September.

[DennisJP]

Fujimi came out with a Unryu and Hosho up to 1945 and will release soon after August the Ryuho. Two models of the Ryuho. (1942 and 1945) and two models of the Unryu. (Commissioned and final configuration) Hosho has a 1928,1939,1942 and now 1945.

[Guest]

Hi folks,

I have a few questions regarding the Hosho as she appeared in 1944-45.

I recently purchased Fujimi's 1/700 1944 fit Hosho - it's a great kit, lots of fine photoetch including the flight deck and supports. As part of my research, I also got the Model Art -Ship Modeling Special #36 and on one of the build ups, the magazine showcases 1944 Hosho with a flight deck with a wooden mid-section. This is not represented on Fujimi's photoeched deck. Does someone know which is correct, with wooden mid-section or without?

Also looking at this photo here: Hosho 1945, it looks like she was painted in camouflage - tabular records indicate that Hosho was camouflaged at Nishiomishima in May 28th 1945. Does anyone know the exact colors or have any color references?

Thanks in advance!

Dai.

[Atma]

The IJN Unryu by Fujimi is out:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10184493
Also the two version of Pit Road's IJN Ryuho:
Late war:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10192443
Early war:http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10192444

Waiting for the Fujimi's version of IJN Ryuho(late and early war) so we can compare them...

[Jonathan]

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10183028b2/30/2

Is it just me or does the "new" Aoshima Unryu look just like the old one with a hanger deck added? Those AA rocket launchers are even worse than the Hasegawa Zuiho ones. If it is I'm dissapointed with Aoshima as for 3000+ yen (not to mention the etch and no doubt wooden deck application) I'd expect it to be much much better than the old Pit Road example which it doesn't seem to be.

I guess Fujimi win out again, anyone got one of theirs yet and how does it compare to the Pit Road kit?

[Atma]

And finally the late war IJN Unryu version(IJN Amagi and IJN Katsuragi), is out:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10184495

The old Pit-Road had lot of fitting issues, an in general, with Fujimi's new molds they are far better than anything before that.
Also everything on Aoshima's version of IJN Unryu is new mold, its just the Fujimi's one are better molded(Aoshima's offering of the rocket launchers, is highly unrealistic the shape is all wrong).

[Dan K]

I prefer to reserve judgement until I can examine a kit of each. I want to think that either is better than the original Aoshima or thenewer PitRoad version (disappointing even when it came out).

One thing is certain, the Aoshima kit is all new (photos courtesy of Hobby Search)

[Atma]

The new IJN Ryuho by Fujimi is out, the 1942(early war version):
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10182384
Enjoy !

The 1945(late war version) is soon out too.

[Atma]

And finnalyh the 1945 version of Fujimi's 1/700 IJN Ryuho is out:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10182385
Enjoy !

[drdoom1337]

Hi IJN carrier experts....

I'm a complete novice when it comes to the IJN, but I really do love all their carriers. Awhile back, I picked up the then new Fujimi Shokaku in 1/700 with it's complimentary photo etch set. It's pretty much done except for the flight deck painting and decals, but I loved the fit. I can't comment on the accuracy...

Anyway I'm now considering picking up the new tool Fujimi Unryu (late war). I'm wondering if anyone can recommend good after market parts to someone who knows NOTHING about the IJN. I've always seen all those Lionroar PE sets with IJN detail, but I have no clue what's useful and what's not. Is something like flight deck bracing worthwhile in 1/700 scale? How about replacement AA guns? I've read good things about Fine Molds but have never tried any of their products.

[Dan K]

I would suggest purchasing the comprehensive Fujimi PE set dedicated to the Unryus. It has everything you need, PE-wise, to detail the ship, though I can't recall offhand if it has the bracings that go under the fore and aft portions of the flight deck.

There is nothing superior to the FineMolds 25mm AA mounts. Really. The FM 12.7cm are also excellent, but pricey. The PitRoad versions with the NE-01 set are probably more cost effective.

With two companies producing new Unryu class kits, it's likely that FineMolds will issue a comprehensive set of parts similar to those released for several other classes. Here is one example for the Shokakus: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10177669

[Geno the Viking]

Darn it, I bought the Fujimi 1939 Hosho and I really want to make a 1942 version. Does anyone know the differences in the 1939 and 1942 kit?

Thanks

[DennisJP]

Darn it, I bought the Fujimi 1939 Hosho and I really want to make a 1942 version. Does anyone know the differences in the 1939 and 1942 kit?

Thanks

I'm in the same shape buying the 39 version before the others came out. I have researched her and between 39 and 42 there were major changes in her flight deck and smoke stacks as well as the bridge wings. I have seen a review of the 42 kit on the internet. That should help you out to find it.

[Atma]

Fujimi will release a third and final version(After the 1941 and 1945 one) for the 1/700 IJN Ryuho, a 1944 era one. Out in April.

[gscott]

Fujimi will release a third and final version(After the 1941 and 1945 one) for the 1/700 IJN Ryuho, a 1944 era one. Out in April.

Atma, how will the 1944 version differ from the 1945 version? (I'm not sure of the time-frame when the deck was extended and the rockets added...)

[Atma]

The IJN Ryuho 1944 in 1/700 is out:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10218325
Enjoy !

[Atma]

Fujimi will release a third and final version(After the 1941 and 1945 one) for the 1/700 IJN Ryuho, a 1944 era one. Out in April.

Atma, how will the 1944 version differ from the 1945 version? (I'm not sure of the time-frame when the deck was extended and the rockets added...)

A 1944 version of IJN Ryuho is actually very similar to a 1941, it has still the "short" aircraft deck but enhanced AA guns, still fewer AA guns than a 1945 version.

[Gilbert]

To clarify, the kit depicts the carrier as Jan=>Jul '44 as her flight deck was repaired after the Marianas Battle and lengthened between 11 and 21 Jul '44.

Gilbert

[ajkochev]

This might needs be moved to the calling all ship fan section but I'm unsure where it goes as it is kind of a what if class, based of a Mogami hull.

Anyway, I have this really old Hasegawa 1/700 IJN Haguro kit that comes with around 24 parts. It is pretty bad on detail and would need a lot of work to build the cruiser to non-bathtub toy quality. I'm thinking about razing the center main deck and using the hull as a base for a Ibuki class carrier, scratchbulding the rest.

My speculation is would the flight deck have been wood or armored and smooth like Taiho's and Unryu's flight decks? I'm thinking the later, as the Ibuki carrier was built so late in the war. It would make me rethink this project if it was wood, it would be a harder to do it right.

I think I can glean a lot of detals and plans of the Ibuki from Wikipedia and the internet but if anyone has good quality plans or text information, I'd be interested.

Thank you in advance.