Pagoda-style structures were a distinguishing feature of Imperial Japanese Navy battleships, and none were as extravagant as those on the Fuso and Ise-class vessels. Originally planned during World War One as a single rank of four hulls, the first two (Fuso and Yamashio) differed from the final pair (Ise and Hyuga), regarded as a separate class. Their development, careers and ... Read morefates are described, combined with good contemporary images, intermingled with artist's impression to highlight differing configurations. Notably, as US Navy airpower devastated Japan's carriers, both Ise-class units would be converted into hybrid carriers battleships, although this was merely a prelude to further modification. Kits and accessory reviews are provided for both classes, from 1/1250 to 1/144 scales (although the latter is just a main twin-gun turret). Almost a third of the book is then devoted to modelling, with examples from a variety of renowned maritime builders, in full hull and waterline configurations, all adorned with scratch-built or after-market detail. Finally, the upgrades and modifications carried out on each vessel during their careers are described in depth, supplemented by superb scale drawings.
(02/01/2017) Show Less