Book: IJN Battleships and Battlecruisers of the 8-8 Fleet

[bgire]

I just received this book:
http://www.hlj.com/product/KJS81504

This deals with the Japanese 1920's project of the 8-8 Fleet, an huge program to build 8 battleships and 8 battlecruisers.
Of these only Nagato and Mutsu were commissioned, Akagi and Kaga converted to carriers, Tosa launched and expanded as target.

This 179 page book is written in Japanese (I don't read it, arrrrgh!) but heavily loaded with 1:700 scale drawings of the four two-BB classes (Nagato, Kaga, Kii and Suruga) and the two four-battlecruiser classes (Amagi and No. 13) with original design, modified design (mainly with joined funnels) and alternate designs with high caliber guns (up to 41cm). Apparently they come redrawn from Yuzuru Hiraga original design and plans.

This book begins with 8 pages of 3D rendering of each class, then come 30 pages of pictures (including shots of the sinking of Tosa -expended as target- I had never seen before), 90 pages of 1:700 and 1:150 drawings (profile, plan view, bridge & platforms, double, triple and quad main turrets, details) and finally 38 pages of Japanese text.

This book is a MUST for scratch-building those ships or kit-bashing from Amagi and early Nagato available kits.

At $28 plus postage it is highly recommended!
_Bruno