I am wondering how hard it would be to convert a Fujimi Shokaku into the later year Zuikaku. I ordered my Shokaku prior to the release of the Zuikaku and I don't want to have to buy a second expensive kit.

You would have a lot of work to do. The Japanese built their Sisterships to operate in tandem. Shokaku and Zuikaku, Hiryu and Soryu, Kaga and Akagi. These Sisters were build with their Respective Islands on either side of the Flightdeck. This was done so that they could conduct Air Operations in tandem.....Cheers Mark

Uh, not exactly. Akagi/Kaga and Soryu/Hiryu did have opposing islands, but by the time Shokaku and Zuikaku were built the Japanese had abandoned this idea; both of the "crane" sisters had their islands on the starboard side.

Still, converting an early war Shokaku into a late war Zuikaku would involve a bit of work adding antiaircraft mounts and radars. Nothing too extensive, though.

good luck with it!

Tim

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll give it a shot.