Calling All IJN Kongo-Class Fans

[chuck]

Based on photos of large scale models of Kongo and Haruna and Aoshima's representation of Kirishima, it appears that although the overall shape and basic formof pagada masts on the three ships were similar, their sturcture and arrangement substantially different. The difference covers both the big steel frame that supports the rear of the pagoda, and the platforms, balconies and equipment on the pagoda.

I am trying to decide if flyhawk's 1944 Kongo PE set contains enough usable parts for a 1942 Kirishima's pagada that it would be worth buying. Does anyone know where I may find good, preferably isometric, drawings of the pagoada masts on the Kongo and Kirishima?

[Dan K]

Both Gakken volumes on the Kongos have comparative drawings of the pagoda towers. Also, the Miyukikai site has unfinished 3DCG views of Kongo and Kirishima's bridge towers on the galleries page.

[Atma]

I would like to inform you that Fujimi besides the 1/700 Hiei a 1/350 scale one is on the development process (a Tone heavy cruiser too + 1/700 Shokaku carrier ). PLUS, a 1/500 Kongo might come soon.

[chuck]

How would you know this?

[Atma]

The Shokaku was at Shizuoka model show as a test model in 1/700 together with the 1/700 Hiei.
During the last days of the exhibition the development team from Fujimi when asked what else to expect in 1/350 they said definitely a Hiei and might we see a Tone by early 2011 or even sooner in that scale too .
As for the Kongo in 1/500 they said it all depends if the 1/500 find its target - satisfied sales-(Already they have released the Nagato and Yamato in 1/500).

[Atma]

Oops sorry for double posting, but forgot to add that no news for a Kirishima (or Chikuma heavy cruiser) from Fujimi.

[sammuel]

Group;

Need assistance with an old mold Fujimi 1/700 Kongo kit I'm working on. I'm doing plenty of scratch on this one and it is really helping to improve my skills. I have the IJN Battleship set from GMM and some ods and ends. The kit does not come with any small boat davits and on this kit I'm not going to buy the PE one.
(just dropped some cash on a PE set for an 1/700 new mold IJN Akagi kit to build after this one)
I have some plastic davits from other IJN ship kits and I can make some out of brass wire and bend them into the right shap as they look folded in photos. I would like to know the proper location of the folded davits along the side hull of the Kongo.

Any help on this would be great. I will post photos once the project is done.

Respectfully

Sam M

[Atma]

Those two pics will help you:
http://yfrog.com/j4753xj
and
http://yfrog.com/iy1548bj

Those two pics show 3 pairs of davits on both side of the ship.

[sammuel]

Atma;

That will be of great help . I will scratch build some and get them on.

Sam

[sammuel]

If anyone knows......I'm also seeking info on the Kongo's turrets. I'm seeking info on the location of the main hatch, water tight door. Is it located on the rear end of the turret, to the port or starbad side? Also what side is the ladder going up to the top deck of the turret located? Port or starbard?

Thanks again and moving along with the project. I have a coat of primer and paint on the hull and the deck is ready to be painted in wood, teak.

Sam

[Atma]

The following pictures they are from superdetailed model of Kongo from Fujimi, hope it will help you
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3212/mg0911016.jpg
and
http://yfrog.com/j8mg0911012j

[Dan K]

I'm not the expert on this but, IIRC, no known photos exist. I think that access may have been thru the underside rear overhang of the turret, along with the shell casing ejection holes. Example below of the salvaged Mutsu 16inch turret.

For turret access ladders and details, this pic (from Flyhawk) showing their PE on a new Fujimi Kongo kit is a good representation.

[chuck]

do the casing come up into the turret with the charge? I though the powder bags were unloaded from the casing in the handling room, before being sent up the hoist. So the casing would stay in the handling room and not come up to be ejected out of the turret.

[Dan K]

You're probably right, Chuck. I checked the AOTS Fuso this morning and could not determine how the casings were handled. Perhaps the Gran Prix Shuppan BB volumes show something - will look. OTOH, the AOTS volume does show that the 14 inch turret does have an access hatch under the turret overhang. Superimposed turrets even have a small access ladder underneath.

And, Akula has sent me a better view of the underside of Mutsu's turret. The access hatch is clearly there, but no openings for casings so, it must be handled internally.

[Atma]

Fujimi's Kongo and Haruna in 1/350 and Kongo, Haruna and Hiei on 1/700 have also this particular detail.Here is a picture of Kongo's turrets:
http://www.steelnavy.com/Images2/Fujimi ... gM0105.JPG
Compare that to the Mutsu, is almost the same.

[Dan K]

Very good details.

[David J Ross]

The visible areas of the turrets on the builder's model are smooth. If there had been anything on the real thing I think it would have been represented on the model.

[sammuel]

This is all real great info! I have another question. I'm working away at my Fujimi 1/700 (old mold). What type of aircraft did she carry around 1944? What was to location of storing extra parts (engins, wings) for the arircraft. Would they keep them topside on deck near the flight deck?

Sam

[RenePetz]

Hello Guys,

have a big problem. Shoot the Kongo-Kit from Aoshima some Days ago. I�m looking for good material for research, because I want to substitute the kits observation-equipment & searchlights with resin-kits from veteran-m. can you help me pl.?

[dbmoens]

Rene,
There is some material that is of course conclusive in nature (i.e. derived from original or secondary sources) if you look in Steve Wiper's "Kongo Class Battlecruisers" or the Kagero "Japanese Battleship Kongo". Also, there is Maru Special 9 and Gakken 21. There are some drawings there of interest, and some photos that might warrant deeper scrutiny. For the latter two, I can't yet read Japenese, so I don't know whether the drawings are copies of primary material vs. best guesses. My copy of "Warships of the IJN 1869-1945" by Jentschura is packed away, so I can't tell whether that has anything useful.