Here is the start of a new project. While both of these ships took part in the diversionary Aleutians campaign, they operated in separate forces. The IJN CVL Ryujo within the Second Strike Carrier force along with the Junyo, and the IJN CL Abukuma within the Attu Occupation Force. I'm taking my chances that these two ships sailed together at some point in the Aleutians campaign.

Tha Ryujo is the old Fujimi kit, this is the upgrade model with the P.E. set and the newer generic sprues for aircraft and equipment. As I have limited reference on this carrier, I'll build her up mainly OOB with the dedicated P.E. and some Tom's railings. The model required alot of sanding to clean up her lines and to remove the horribly accentuated raised lines on the flight deck. The Abukuma is the new Tamiya offering, and it's a splendid little model, again this model will get some P.E. from a Tom's IJN light cruiser set and possibly some new LionRoar P.E.

Ahoy Frank!

Nice looking project(s), mate, it pleases me to no end to see the enthusiasm that you are experiencing once again for the hobby, my friend!

Your talents are well portrayed in your builds, and we'll be watching and following along with your progress with these two fine subjects...thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing, Frank. I'm interested in the Abukuma and it's nice to see it in pics. The degaussing cable is what really caught my eye. Very crisp. Gotta get myself one of these!

Hi Frank

You should have waited for the Model Art Nº27 - it has an extensive built article on the Ryujo... Although you have the PE deck which is a relief!!!
As for the Abukuma, the latest releases of waterline series, independently of the maker, are great models
Keep us posted
Rui

Great stuff Frank.

Gator

Thanks for the encouragement folks,




Hi Rui,

It's a shame you can't read my mind!

Frank