Calling all IJN Tone (利根) & Chikuma (筑摩) fans

[sirpaul]

Finally got my 1/350 Tone. I've been waiting a few months for this one. I plan on back dating it a little.

[Dan K]

How far back? I've had mine since it came out but, I think I would prefer an earlier fit. Perhaps I need to trade for a Chikuma and alter to Tone.

[sirpaul]

How far back? I've had mine since it came out but, I think I would prefer an earlier fit. Perhaps I need to trade for a Chikuma and alter to Tone.

I'm not sure yet. But i prefer a clean looking ship. Probably late 42/early 43 fit. I hate the clutter of jamming AA guns everywhere. I'll see what my research turns up and take it from there. It had a little action during this period. I thought about the Chikuma but think it's based on the ship in 1939. I do love the clean bridge though. Some of those wind baffles look a bit strange at some angles.

[Dan K]

I prefer a cleaner look for this class as well. IIRC, there were no changes of significance to Chikuma (or Tone) until after she went for repair in late 1942-early 1943 from bomb damage. That's when Chikuma gained radar, additonal AA and the windbaffles. So, my thinking is that the Chikuma kit would be fine for Tone in this timeframe.

[sirpaul]

You may be right about the Chikuma Dan. It might be easier. But there were a few factors that push me to the Tone. 1.The Tone comes with More 25mm weapons,(I use them on Other models with less detailed ones Like the Aoshima ones). 2.I have no use of Dave's or Elf's. Tone comes with Pete's/Jake's Also used on other models i have.The Tone's and Chikuma's big refit did not happen until after santa Cruz. Where Chikuma was sent for repairs months earlier and Tone was not. This is why they came out with different AA set up's after the big refit. 3.The first releases come with more to work with than follow ups.
Plus i got my Tone for 25$ less than the Chikuma. It was more of what exrta i could get for less money but more work. Same with the Mogami kit. I bought the first Release(1944 with a ton of planes and kept 5) traded it. Then bought the 1942 Release to build as Mikuma.

[Dan K]

Can't argue with your rationale

I'm looking for a 1942 Mogami on the cheap as well, for the same conversion.

[sirpaul]

Dan i would grab one soon. Tamiya marked all there prices up 10% recently. So when restock happens it will be more. Thats why i finally grabbed the Tone. I was looking for a few months.

[Dan K]

Noted. Thx.

[sirpaul]

Do you know it the tone ever carried an emergency rudder? Also what time frame it was added to the heavy cruisers?

[Dan K]

I just don't know. No photographic evidence or mention in L&W. OTOH, the authoriative 1/100 Tone and 1/200 Chikuma models in Gakken #47 show an emergency rudder on the starboard side for 10/44, which would be the expected timeframe for such an addition.

I can write my source later this week, if I remember.

[sirpaul]

Excellent. I will continue my research aswell. 1944 does sound about right but it could be before. The Japanese started the use of the emergency rudder because of the losses due to simple dudder jams. The worst being the Battleship Hiei in 1942 By Portland. So any time after this is possible.

[Felix C]

I just read the earlier posts and note it is ok to use a Tone as a early war Chikuma. I just read the Minekaze Tone build and see Maizuru grey is appropriate.

I am working on a Mogami but eyeing a Tone kit to build concurrently. I read a comment above regarding YMW kit and ask if it is decidedly lesser than a Tamiya option?

[sirpaul]

Hi Felix, The Tamiya kit is the best Tone kit on the market. I have it and i had the other. You can back date the Tone to Chikuma. But it depends how much work you want to do. I always opt for the later and back date. I do it this way because i like having all the extra aa guns,radars,planes and sometimes boats. But thats my way and i tend to do more work because of it. But all my ships match each other to the T. I also have the Mogami and Takao. My Tone should be done in the next month or so.
Hope this helps.
Paul

[Dan K]

I hope you're going to post some pics to the gallery.

[sirpaul]

Yes Dan i will be posting some pics. Just have 2 build for someone i am finishing. I am also considering which rails to use. I have IJN Rainbow,Voyager and another couple of sets from china. I want to use all the same sets on the 3 cruisers i am building.

[J.F.S.]

Hello,
I was just wondering is Fujimi 1/700 Chikuma,kit# FUJ41019 1944 Leyte a new mold kit? And how accurate is this kit?
Thankyou
Joe

[Atma]

Hello,
I was just wondering is Fujimi 1/700 Chikuma,kit# FUJ41019 1944 Leyte a new mold kit? And how accurate is this kit?
Thankyou
Joe

Do you mean 410197? If so is a new mold, and is the best 1/700 IJN Chikuma(same for the new mold IJN Tone) you will find in the market. Accurate and casting wise.

[Dick J]

Does anyone know if Fujimi is planning a new-tool '42 version?

[Dan K]

Only Atma can answer that one.

[Timmy C]

Do you mean 410197? If so is a new mold, and is the best 1/700 IJN Chikuma(same for the new mold IJN Tone) you will find in the market. Accurate and casting wise.

Seems like the kit is listed under both numbers depending on the store. HLJ has it as 41019, for example: http://www.hlj.com/product/fuj41019

But exact same box art, so I'm assuming the same kit.