Calling All IJN Kongo-Class Fans

[Caravellarella]

Thank you Dan K. Given that I am probably only going to make this model to see if I can still remember how to make a model, I'm loathe to spend that much money on a single book. Thanks for the recommendation anyway......

This is kind of what I had in mind; three funnels and a clipper bow......

Kongo model......

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Dan K]

If I get the time, I'll try to scan a couple of pages from #15. But, pretty busy right now, so patience is a must.

[Caravellarella]

Thank you Dan. K, a kind offer but I really don't expect you to. I have nothing to offer to reciprocate; I'm sure, somewhere along the line, I'll be able to source #15......

With best wishes,

Terry (Caravellarella)

[David J Ross]

If you ever get the chance, you could visit the Dock Museum here in Barrow. It has the builder's model of the armoured cruiser (as it was called when built) Kongo. Many years ago I took a few photos of it. Since then the museum has banned the photographing of its exhibits. I had to get special permission to take some shots of the Erin when Kombrig posted a request for details of the centre area of that ship.

Here is one of my shots of the Kongo...

[Drazen]

Hi guys.
Just received new Fujimi 1/700 Haruna, very nice kit. As far as I can tell she is in her A-GO fit (June 1944). Does anyone out there have a diagram of her AA layout during SHO-GO? According to her TROM

24 June 1944:
Arrives at Sasebo. Drydocked for battle damage repairs and refit. Type 13 radar and additional 25-mm AA guns are installed.

I already have a Kongo, they would make a nice pair steaming together as VADM Suzuki�s BatDiv 3

[Dan K]

two scans from MA#15

First is Kongo, as built 1913. Second is Haruna in a cool camo, 1915

[Caravellarella]

Thank you Dan K; that Haruna camouflage/dazzle is mega-cool

I do wonder how correct the profile is though; I thought the Haruna and Kirishima had their fore funnel fitted further astern so it was quite close to the middle funnel......

With best wishes, Terry (Caravellarella)

[chuck]

Haruna's scheme makes her hull look like it has 19th century ship-of-line style gun ports.

[Dan K]

Terry, will try to review Ishibashi book at some point.

[Dan K]

Interestingly enough, all three of Kongo's sister have the #1 funnel set further back in the original configuration.

[Caravellarella]

Yes Dan, I've seen that too. Apparently Hiei was completed with a raised forefunnel set further back, and then Haruna & Kirishima were completed with raised forefunnels set even further back (see Jentschura, Jung & Mickel). Kongo soon gained a raised forefunnel too, but still set close to the tripod foremast. I find it quite hard to tell Haruna and Kirishima apart at this stage in their careers; does any one agree?

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Caravellarella]

Here is a link to someone who has previously done such a conversion......

http://photo.xuite.net/gf13001nhii/279881

& an image therefrom......

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Dan K]

Looks like a very well done conversion.

[Caravellarella]

The idea of the conversion is very appealing, but at the risk of appearing critical, I'm not totally convinced by the execution......

The replacement deck, masts, small details, bridge and superstructure are excellent. Here is another image from the same conversion......

I don't believe the modeller has attempted to shorten the stern to its original length, the anti-torpedo bulges are still apparent (just blended into the rest of the hull), the foc's'le deck still has cut-outs above each casemate position and the funnels are unconvincing (in my view). Of course, the modeller may have had the same difficulties I've had in obtaining published references to do such a conversion; some compromise is inevitable.

Am I too harsh?

Terry (Caravellarella)

[ADebroux]

According to the HLJ site, Fujimi will be releasing 1/700 scale full-hull versions of Kongo and Haruna later this year (Dec). I would like to get both ships (as well as the other 2 sisters eventually) since I was never able to get Hasegawa's versions.

[djandj]

I just started in on (and have to rave) about the new Fujimi 1/700 Kongo 1944. While this kit was given a great box review, as I go through it I continue to marvel at the level of detail. I purchased the full 11 fret PE set from Flyhawk on it.(though it came with two "f" frets and no "h" fret) and began by looking to see all the things I'd have to cut off to replace with PE (splinter guards etc) I found that certain items like the ammo boxes and some splinter shields are actually so well molded that the risk to the deck scribing and the risk of glue showing isn't worth putting the PE ammo boxes and splinter shields.

They even have details UNDERNEATH the turrets. Completely invisible when assembled, and so tiny I can't photograph them!

Portholes are so crisp and so deeply formed, I don't need to drill them out.
No deck seams (like that damn 3 part deck on the AZ etc)
The secondary AA guns (especially the 127's - or maybe the 25's) are better on the kit than the resin after market parts. Just replace the barrel unit with the PE and you're set.
The admiral's gigs and other secondary boats have raised deck details on them as well and may not need to be replaced with the PE ones that come with the Flyhawk kit (of course mine didn't come with that fret so I may not get a choice)
I've yet to get very far with this kit, but it promises to be quite an adventure.

I plan to pair it with the ridiculously PE infused Aoshima Takao in a Truk harbor diorama. should be pretty nice.

[Dan K]

I hope the new, full hull versions correct the casemates. If so, I would consider buying one and waterlining it. I have the new Fujimi Kongo and agree its fantastic, save for this flaw, which I just cannot ignore.

[Jojo Janolo]

I too own Fujimi's 1/700th Kongo and Haruna, I haven't really dissected the casemate error but just wanted to know if it will be that difficult to do the corrections?

[Felix C]

I did search and cannot find the answers to the below:

1. Weapons fit at the time of Midway campaign. I mean the DP 5" and ligt AA. Location for the these weapons.

2. When were the Dp5" fitted/ was it first four then six or six at the same instance?

3. When was radar fitted? (at the foretop)

4. Major visible changes from 1942 to 1944 aside from Light AA and radar?

[Dan K]

JoJo- casemate error can be fixed with sheet styrene, just a pain to get the angle/intersections right.

Felix - which ship?