Calling all Shokaku (翔鶴) and Zuikaku (瑞鶴) fans

[prowler0000]

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10089817/20/1

Help me, Obi-Dan! You're my only hope....

[Dan K]

They are basically the same. The fret has been slightly re-arranged. If anything, the Shokaku version has more parts. See: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10118281

[prowler0000]

Thanks, Dan! If you ever get to the UK, I'm buyin you a beer!

[Dan K]

Works for me.

[Hertsog]

Hello,

I recently ordered 1/350 Zuikaku. since i plan to add some PE sets, i have question:
which Flyhawk IJN carrier mast sets is for Shokaku class? i have tried to search, but no answer has been found.

There are 4 options offered by Flyhawk.

Set I - probably out of question:


Set II


Set III


Set IV


So suitable option should be II, III or IV - but i hope experts here can point out which one is correct.
Also, if someboy can point out any other decent sets for 1/350 Zuikaku (other than Fujimis' own), i'd be greatful.

Thank You in advance

[Dan K]

This same question came up recently on the Hiyo class thread. Unfortunately, no one is sure because Flyhawk doesn't really tell you, AFAIK.

The Shokaku class masts were not as tall as some others, so I suspect it would be sets 3 or 4. I don't know if anyone else aside from Fujimi offers a 1/350 set. Sorry that this is not a definitive answer.

[prowler0000]

Following up from my earlier question, The Shokaku etch (G-UP 21) arrived this morning, &..... errr.... not quite what i was expecting.

1st up, YES. it WILL fit the Zuikaku with 90% parity of parts. only three sections are different. D3, D28 & F27. These are 3 gun platforms, But their replacement parts are so similar that i feel it should be quite simple to adapt the etch to suit the plastic.

What ISN'T included in this set that i can see is the item i was expecting, Especially from the description of the set: Deck Back Truss. There are no instructions for building a replacement for part S7, the stern underdeck framework.

I only have one sheet of double sided instructions. Am i missing something?

[prowler0000]

I'm missing something. The parts ARE on the sheet, But there's no instructions for them, & they look harder than the Akagi set i built 2 years ago. & THAT needed instructions, I can tell you!

Can ANYONE help me with this, Please? I bought the set from Amazon, But it was completely sealed, so any further instructions were not included from the supplier, & we all know how forthcoming Fujimi are to Non-Japanese customers....

Maybe a scan? or 2?

[Dan K]

I'll look. I think I have the set...............

[Dan K]

Let me know if this is large enough

[prowler0000]

Thank You so much, Dan! That's whats missing! & I can read that fine, Thanks.

2 questions tho.

First, Whats the hook thing in step 1? Coz i'm missing that, too.

Second, Is there anything on the back of the page??

[Dan K]

If you are referring to the hook on the left side, that is part of the assembly guide for the boat hooks (4) that hand from under the aft end of the flight deck, one at each end of two separate overhead cranes.

The other side of the sheet shows all the placements for all the underlying support trusses that are used by catwalks, sponsons, and 12.7cm mount platform bases

[prowler0000]

You just earned a 2nd UK beer!

Thanks, Dan!

[garyrunnalls]

I've been building the 1/700 1944 Zuikaku by Fugimi (nice kit but sure wish the port holes were plated as was the "real" 1944 Zuikaku in October of that year) anyways, I would love to know if the cutters and small boats located at the rear of the ship were painted in camo colors or left gray? Oh and Dan if you ever get to Los Angeles CA , I'll buy you a beer as well, your knowledge has been a blessing.

[Dan K]

At this rate, I'll soon be able to float my way around the globe. Very promising........

There are no official records or photos that document the color of the ships boats at that point in time. Nor do any of the other remaining carriers really have a clear indication. The Fujimi 1/350 color scheme indicates gray, and given that they were out of sight under the hangar deck, and hard to see from the side, I tend to agree. FWIW.

[garyrunnalls]

Thanks, makes sense and by the way I'm going with your take on how the camo scheme most likely looked like when she was sunk.

[Dan K]

Kit list and gallery entries updated

[garyrunnalls]

Hey guys, I just picked up a Fujimi 1/350 scale Zuikaku 1944 from Freetime for $175.00. Also purchased a1/700 Fujimi PE set G-up 50 that is outstanding for $14.95. The bigger kit is soo nice to work with because of size and detail. I'm thinking of posting a build in progress but only after I get my hands on a good 1/350 PE set. Right now the hull and some deck steps have restored my passion for building. I'm also punching out port hole covers and they're going on with ease, quite unlike the 1/700 scale that will get done someday around 2035. Thanks to the guys at Freetime!!!

[Dan K]

Fujimi continues to be the only supplier of a full set of PE for the 1/350 Shokaku/Zuikaku. There are several suppliers of wood decks.

Interestingly, Shipyard recently began offering a 1/350 wood flight deck and flight deck PE sets for these sisters and Hiryu. I bought them all for the PE treading as part of a deck replacement project. I may do a review at some point; I will say that the flight deck planking for all of them is properly scaled for plank width and is a little darker (and more correct) then what is typically offered in a wood flight deck application. Also available in 1/700. The only difference between them is the addition of optional PE plating for Shokaku's aft end, which is actually incorrect. Thoughtful, though.

[garyrunnalls]

Freetime is helping me get a Fujimi PE set and also replacing a missing "J" sprue that is missing from their stock of 1/350 Zuikaku's (never had a missing sprue until now). It has one half of one of the stacks and some other ladders but I'm still happy and at only $175.00, affordable. They at Freetime have been really helpful and honest so it might take a few weeks but still plenty of things to build in the meantime. If Fujimi's 1/350 PE is like the 1/700, I'll be happy. BTW Dan I read your review on the 1/700 G-50 and glad I got one. One of the best things I've noticed about the PE set is the directions with actual photos and numbers where the parts go, also I like the fact where a rail is already attached to a walkway, you just bend up, less fuss. Thanks again to Dan Kaplan for IJN knowledge that would please Ozawa.