Calling all IJN escort (Shimushu, Mikura, Ukuru etc.) fans

[AdrianoMarelli]

Hello. Did anyone get a 1/350 Ukuru-type DE from PitRoad? I would like to discuss a couple of painting and naming issues)

[Dan K]

I have a kit in my stash..................

[AdrianoMarelli]

Sorry for my iPhone painting

• I think those areas with perpendicular stripes across the deck should be linoleum (in brown)?
  The platform panels of the aft dual 5" gun � looks like wood to me.
  I will name the ship Ikuno and maybe get the ??? letters on its sides
  I also wonder if there were any camouflages on the DE's. I remember seeing a b/w picture of some bigger IJN ship with the camo on superstructure. Maybe I will do some 'what if' camo

[Dan K]

I think those areas with perpendicular stripes across the deck should be linoleum (in brown)?

Yes, the stripes are brass tie down strips for the linoleum. See photo below.

The platform panels of the aft dual 5" gun � looks like wood to me.

Correct. Footing for the gun crew.

maybe get the ??? letters on its sides

Historically, that would not be correct for a late war ship. But, it's your model, so do as you please.

[AdrianoMarelli]

Thanks. I will have a plenty of time to make a decision as to the painting and marking, as I fear this step very much. Haven't painted anything with an airbrush for over 25 years. And I used to do it with the nitro paints, not acrylic ones)

[Dan K]

Unfortunately, I haven't found an overhead view of that aft gun position and its footing, but I did find a side view. Doesn't tell you much, other than it was there.

[Heaven One]

Hi, just asking if anyone has any idea about the specific configuration of Ukuru class escort Okinawa.

I am aware through combined fleet that in her final configuration she had 5 25mm single mounts, which I was going to follow the configuration shown on the picture of IJN Yaku (attached) regarding their placement.

If anyone knows whether this would be accurate or of any other differences specific of Okinawa setting her apart from the base Ukuru design that would be helpful.

It is so damn difficult finding information on specific vessels so I am just combining the features I can see from the collection of photos of various members of this class but if anyone has a more accurate approach let me know.

I have also attached a profile of Okinawa from Mark Stille's book on IJN escorts but I suspect it is largely inaccurate so I haven't given it much review.

Thanks.

[Dan K]

I'm not aware of any documentation, or photo, of Okinawa.

That colorized pic is of Yaku, Oct 1944.That is just about the only one I know of with the additional 25mmAA singles shown. It's reasonable to assume that her configuration was close to the standard configuration.

[ussvf17]

These are the only photos I have of Okinawa

[ussvf17]

Port side of Transport #9

[ussvf17]

Aft

[Dan K]

Huh. Didn't realize that was Okinawa alongside T-9. Good to know.
Date is Sept. 1944.

[Heaven One]

Wow I had no idea any photos of her existed. Already spotted a few inaccuracies i have made on my 1/350 pitroad Ukuru which I'll have to correct.

Also a good picture of the depth charge stern area so its answered the questions I was gonna ask regarding that

The dating makes sense, as it states on combined fleet she received her 5 single 25mms in October 1944.

I'll follow this image and just use the picture of the Yaku as my single AA config guideline.

Appreciate the images.

[ussvf17]

Some part of the Pitroad kit were pure fiction.

If you have Twitter, I suggest you follow ?? ????????????? https://twitter.com/ijnkirishima

We exchanged data on Ukuru class ships. You can use his 1/100 Ukuru model as a guide for your model.

[Hen]

full version is on WW2DB

55e536d5ca287.jpg

The cargo ship to the right looks like a 1K Ore carrier to me - I could only find HIDA MARU http://www.combinedfleet.com/Hida_t.htm in Hong Kong harbor, but she was bombed there in Dec.1944 already and grounded. Attacked again on 16/1/45.
YAMASACHI MARU http://www.combinedfleet.com/Yamasachi_t.htm would also be a candidate (but seems to have too many kingposts?!) - she was sunk 16/1/45 during Operation Gratitude.