Calling all IJN Mogami-class (最上) fans

[Dan K]

Thanks for confirming I'm not seeing things.

Well, you're not seeing things here, but I can't attest to what's happening elsewhere

While it would seem to make sense to handle the entirety of an installation at one time, Japanese production, resource, infrastructure, and supply chain issues undoubtedly came into play. The installation of radar aboard their destroyers is an example. Foremasts to carry the Type 22 radar were being modified as early as mid-1943, but the radar itself often wasn't installed until months later.

So, a partial installation was entirely feasible, IMHO.

[Vlad]

What is the correct seaplane complement for Suzuya in 1942 and how are these painted?

Some kits would suggest 2x E8N in camo and 1x E13A in overall amber grey. Is that correct for 1942 or any time frame?

[Dan K]

There's nothing authoritative out there to confirm or disprove that complement and combo that I'm aware of. I could be wrong.

Judging from what the CA's seem to be carrying in 1942, a mix seems likely.

[maccrage]

Mogami is basically complete. Same for Kagero. Just need to add the lifelines and aircraft. First ship I'll have completed since before my oldest son was born.

[Dan K]

Nice work!

First ship I'll have completed since before my oldest son was born.

I am familiar with that circumstance

[maccrage]

Light cruiser Mogami is next. Since the Mikuma kit, funnily enough, only comes with decals for Mikuma's name for the stern, I have a set of etched Japanese ship names.

[ModelMonkey]

Were Mogami-class 203 mm turrets identical in design to those of the Takao-class? I wonder if the rooftop rangefinder housing was a bit different. References we have are too poor to know. Takao is flat across the bottom, Tamiya Mogami kits depict the bottom as sloped downward from the end of rangefinder "ears" towards the turret.

If the Mogami-class turrets and their associated rangefinder housings were identical to those of Takao-class ships, we have Takao-class turrets available now in 1/350 scale and can immediately offer a set for Mogami-class kits.

TIA

[Dan K]

Hi, Steve -

Unfortunately, the turrets are quite not identical because, as you surmise, the rangefinders were different. Takao class model E turrets had 6m rangefinders while the Mogami class had model E2 modified turrets with 8m rangefinders. The Mogami turrets also lost the hood for the observer. See below.

Of course, this matters more to rivet counters than a more casual builder, so your Takao turrets are not out of the question.

[ModelMonkey]

Thanks so much, Dan!

I see that the viewfinder ports on the front of the turrets are differently shaped as well. When viewed from the front, the Takao's were rectangular, the Mogami's trapezoidal.

Thanks again!

[Fivi_1241]

Quite a big news for Mogami fans (myself included): Fujimi finally releases its cruisers in full-hull variants!

1944 Mogami is already available, and it seems that they used the same parts as for the waterline kit a few years back. Still insisting on lack of degaussing cable, no idea if this has been debunked or confirmed yet:
https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11257335

This will be followed by 1942 Mogami, 1944 Suzuya and 1944 Kumano:
https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11368326
https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11321951
https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11340024