Ok folks, I’ve decided to start framing a hull in 1/200 scale. I had started Takao last year, but the hull was destroyed in my move from NJ to WI.
As a result, I’ll be starting another one pretty soon.
Will it be a Myoko Class or Takao Class in 1/200 scale?? You choose. I’ll build both eventually… [:D]
Myoko Class (IJN Haguro in 1936)
Takao Class (IJN Takao in 1938)
I’m torn, as I really want to do both at the same time…ugh.
Jeff
id go for the Takao class…i like the super structure layout over the Myoko class cruisers.thats a hard choice…i think the true answer from a ship builder is “BOTH”.build both and you can’t go wrong.[^]
Im getting my grubby hands on the Ise…great model to build…
I like the looks of the Myoko class. The way the IJN raked their funnels always looks sexy to me. Are there any reviews of this kit?
That’s a tough choice Jeff. My first response would be Both. But I’d say go with the Takao first. Since you’ve already started one the first part should go rather quickly.
Yea, right!!!
Well both … sure … but I’d start with Myoko. It’s the funnel thing like Raverdave said … so very Nipponese. They are otherwise quite similar …
Sigh, still no definitive choice…
Raverdave, these aren’t kits…these will be scratchbuilt. Right now, just a set of plans and a big stack of plastic sheet and brass rod.
The fittings for these models will most likely be resin knock-offs of 1/200 fittings from the Nichimo Kagero and Akizuki Class DDs, and the 1/200 Yamato, all of which I have in the collection. The balance of parts will most likely come from Konishi in Japan, including some of the photoetch. What I can’t get, I’ll scratchbuild or etch myself.
Jeff
Takao class would be my choice.
Mi-yoh-ko
I guess the superstructure feels a bit less chunky…
You are gonna keep a log here on the steps as you build aren’t you?
I am sure everyone would love to tag along and see the steps to a scratch build.
Of course Umi, besides, you’ll be needing something to escort those LSTs, right?? 
I think at this point I’m going to Takao…just because I have everything in hand already with regards to research materials.
Jeff
Well … you can still do that raked forward stack becasue Takao was rebuilt in 1940 and not only got the sexy stack, the bridge was hardened into an angular armored shell with a very distinctive profile. With further upgrades, by 1944 she was also loaded with sixty 25 mm pom poms and a suite of twin DP 5-inchers.
I know…but at this point, I’m thinking either Maya as an AA cruiser, or Chokai 1938.
As far as Myoko is concerned, it’s most likely going to be Nachi at the time of her loss.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff.
Everyone loves to see how easy scratch building can really be.
And I actually already have escorts for the LST, Just nothing as big as the Takao…
http://groups.msn.com/ModelersAndHobbyForum/japaneset103lstbuildup.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=857
[:D]
well jeff it has been a while since this post started how far have you gotten in the last 3 months
Looking at the pics again, I have to say that the IJN didn’t really believe in having a lot of freeboard.
Well, Takao has been framed, and the frames for Myoko have been cut but not assembled. I got a catalog from Konishi in Japan with all sorts of 1/200 fittings, so I have to place an order with them so I actually outfit these two beauties.
FSM projects have gotten into the way, along with several house-projects, so I haven’t had much tiome to actually work on them, but I’m hoping these long, cold Wisconsin winters will give me some time to get caught up.
Jeff
Man, it must suck when work interferes with your hobby[(-D]
I have to build models for work too, but they are of concrete form strippers, boat trailers, and cement hoppers, not exactly what I have in mind for exciting topics to build.
Why is it that I can paint a 25’x45’ garage in one afternoon but it takes me two weeks to put one coat grey on a 1/350 battleship? Ah, homeownership.
The garage looks great, all white, but I had to be carefull and resist not adding blue stripes and making it a dazzle scheme.
Best wishes on getting some time this winter.
Scott
Jeff:
I would do the one that is the hardest, and that will take a ton of time!! I hope that helps[}:)]
Yoyr buddy and fellow N.Y’er
Dick Wood
Takao Jeff,Takao Jeff.Digger
[:D]
Oh man that makes me laugh ! I am currently having a new home built and only the other day caught myself wondering what a boot stripe would look like on the brickwork.[:D][:D]
Takao class as Chokai.Chokai has history as a killer-four heavy cruisers in quick time at short range on Aug 9 1942 in an action that was worse than Matapan.Go with the winner.