Japanese Heavy Cruiser Ibuki 1945 [1:400] - Page 4

**Lex** · #31 08-20-2021, 02:12 AM

The aft superstructure consists of a MG and director platform for four triple 25mm installations, and also a rear rangefinder/command station together with a further two triple MG platform. Their construction are simple. The bridge window is replaced by PE, and the printed deck is replaced by textured brass - it was a pain to paint these, I'd rather not have to do it.

**Lex** · #32 08-20-2021, 02:30 AM

Switching to detail, the single and triple MGs.

Perhaps I mentioned before, Japan never liked these AA weapons. All variants of the Japanese 25mm type 96 machine guns suffer from small magazine (normally only one of the three barrels is firing at any given point time) and huge vibration affecting accuracy. Lacking better choice, they nonetheless littered the deck of every late-war IJN vessel.

I used 1/350 brass barrels for a better effect. In retrospect I could also go full PE or 3D print for the entire installations, but I valued the experience, at least if I only do it once. Additional detailing for the gunsight and handles are added using spare PE pieces, these hold a right angle well compared to copper wire and flat surfaces are easier to glue.

The single mounts actually is more difficult than the triples, as there are many tiny detailing that is required for a good overall effect. The single mounts are made by layering paper, the overall effect, once paints, is okay unless one takes a very close look. All single mounts are detachable, bolted to the deck when necessary. There are two variants to this, I selected the one with a round base plate (the other variant is square). The base plate is laser-etched to add the anti-slip texturing. In all, there are 8 triple mounts and 28 single mounts, totaling 52 barrels.

**Lex** · #33 08-20-2021, 02:44 AM

Next, the 40mm Bofors. Now, before you ask...

The problem with the 25mm type 96 was known to all. Japan was as desperate as anyone else for a medium-range AA weapon to fill the gap between the 25mm guns and the 5 inch AA artillery. The 40mm Bofors was an excellent weapon for this job, and Japan captured a few examples in Singapore.

Realising their potential, Japan promptly proceeded to copy these weapon. There were a few prototypes in construction which the American technical mission investigated post-war. The construction was subpar but apparently the muzzle velocity was okay. The ceiling was 3km rather than the usual 5.5km with the American investigators citing 'defective fuse' as the reason for the short range.

If Ibuki was in service between 1945 and 1946, it is fully imaginable that these would find their way onto the ship. Therefore this model included four twin installations on the deck. Again, 1/350 barrels were used.

**Lex** · #34 08-20-2021, 02:50 AM

The main turrets. Like her predecessors, Ibuki sports 5 twin 203mm turrets. There are rangefinders on the two superfiring turrets (C and D), while in typical Mogami fashion the guns on turret B need to be elevated in the stowed position.

The guns are 1/350 brass barrels, and in another nod to plastic models I have asked a friend to create 3D printed blast bags. This is a perk to plastic model barrels that they don't normally include the length within the blast bags and are thus shorter than those intended for cardmodels.

Other details added include handrails on the turret top and access ladders on the sides and turret face.

**Lex** · #35 08-20-2021, 03:05 AM

Now, the forward superstructure, bridge, and forward mast.

This is a handful. The bridge is build on top of the foremost boiler and hugs the forward section of the funnel. It is built around a few columns, two of which are visible from outside. Behind the bridge are platforms including flag deck and boiler air intake vents.

The main mast also straddles the funnel and is made as one piece with the superstructure. There is a radar or radio operator room on the bottom of the mast.

PE is used as replacement for the bridge window. The mast is constructed using ABS rods for the thicker columns and brass rods for the thinner ones. The walking line and handrail are general-purpose PE. Detailing includes many pairs of binoculars, as well as signal lamps, ladders and railings. The mast received additional detailing using 1/350 IJN Mast/Radar equipment PE set. This includes a mattress-type radar (type 13?), finder antennas and a pair of horn-type radar (type 21? I'm too lazy to look up their proper names...), wind direction and windspeed sensors. To top it off, I added flags assigning Ibuki a fictional fleet ID of 'JLSA'.

**Lex** · #36 08-20-2021, 03:17 AM

The catapult on the Ibuki is of the standard variant on later IJN ships. Help arrived as the much-anticipated custom PE. The catapult can be made with the PE parts now, internally there are three gas canisters as additional detail. The aircraft handling facility used standard IJN deck cart rail PE.

The rear mast, being inverted from its location on Mogami, is identical to the Takao-class cruisers. It contained the crane for the seaplane handling and the crane operator's platform, a column-type air radar, formation lights, high-powered lights, spotter's post, signalling platform, as well as support for the long-wave cables. The upper section of the rear mast is painted black for its location behind the funnel

The PE also contained parts for the rear mast and crane, and are made with much reduced but still considerable effort. The huge number of additional details including radar, ladders, handrails, cables, formation lights and engine power indicators, are all general-purpose IJN PE sets. ABS and brass rods are used when appropriate.

**Lex** · #37 08-20-2021, 03:24 AM

Detail at the bow. The anchor chain is locked in place using four sets of arresting hooks, which are general-purpose PE. The chain itself is also a widely available accessory. Other details included the PE anchor platform in the stowed position, bollards, and the Crythanthemum seal.

**Don Boose** · #38 08-20-2021, 06:37 AM

This is a real masterpiece, Lex!

Superb attention to detail.

Don

**PAPER FAN** · #39 08-20-2021, 09:05 AM

Lex, fantastic detail, especially in 1/400.

**Michael Mash** · #40 08-20-2021, 11:18 AM

Nice to see your work again Lex.
I must admit, I think this is the first time I have seen 3D printed “blast bags”.
Looks like you painted them to get a good appearance. Blast bags are very difficult, but yours look good.
The superstructure looks great. Interesting to watch you work with the photo-etch catapult. Saves a lot of cutting.
I agree with Don: Your cruiser is a masterpiece.
Mike