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Book opinions wanted!

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Thursday, 7 December 2000, at 11:53 p.m.

Any comments on the following ones:
1) Warship´s Data Special: Fleet Subs of WW Two/Walkowiak
2) Warship Perspectives: Flower Class Corvettes
3) as above but on Fletcher, Sumner and Gearing classes
4) Steam at Sea/Griffiths

Re: Book opinions proffered!

Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Friday, 8 December 2000, at 7:25 a.m.

In Response To: Book opinions wanted! (Jukka Juutinen)

I have but 3 of the four books you ask about:
1)Walkowiak's monograph on Fleet Subs is quite good and well worth the money. Good pictures and concise overview of the different types.
2)Being a later Warship Perspective in the series, this tome on the Flowers is authored by noted authority John Lambert. As such, the information is very well researched and much new information is presented. The drawings are good, but I would've liked to have seen more photographs. Very detailed but not as good a value for the contents compared to #1, as these books are pricey.
3) The first in the series of Warship Perspectives. The photo reproduction is pixelated in some places, and IMO, the author tried to cover too much information between the covers, so treatment is not as thorough as a modeler would like. Other books treat similar ground more thoroughly, (albeit at a higher price).

Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: Matthew Greer <Furher@qwest.net>
Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2000, at 9:44 p.m.

I just picked up an old copy of The Imperial Japanese Navy by A.J.Watts & B.G.Gordon after I found it listed on John Parshalls website in his biblography. I am wondering if any one knows if there are any good books abt IJN & IJA Maru ships? Also I would like to thank John Parshall for his recommending the above book. Also I would like to say if you have the chance to lay your hands on a copy of the above book try to do so, in my opinion it is an excelent resourse!
If any one has any info though on Maru ships or on a book in english please let me know.

Re: Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: Yutaka Iwasaki <navy_yard-iwa@mbj.sphere.ne.jp>
Date: Sunday, 26 November 2000, at 8:25 a.m.

In Response To: Books on Maru Ships? (Matthew Greer)

"JAPANESE PASSENGER SHIPS IN HISTORY VOL.1 1868-1945"
is available at
http://www.ships-net.co.jp/backs/kyakusene.html
The convoy that not one of the ships made it home was HI-88J departed Singapore 19 Mar 1945.
And more famous ill-fated convoy was HI-86 departed Saigon 9 Jan 1945, 4 tankers and 6 cargo ships with 6 escorts. Only 3 escorts survived.

Re: Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: Paul Richards <c2water@vianet.net.au>
Date: Friday, 24 November 2000, at 3:32 p.m.

In Response To: Books on Maru Ships? (Matthew Greer)

'The Japanese Merchant Marine in World War II' by Mark Parillo gives an overview of the Maru ships. The book describes the build up of the Japanese Merchant Marine before the war and the destruction of it during the war. Few ships are mentioned by name and only a few convoys are mentioned, such as HI-88 because not one of the ships made it home.
The book is out of print but can be sourced out through the internet second hand book vendors.

Re: Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: Ron Wolford
Date: Friday, 24 November 2000, at 10:27 a.m.

In Response To: Books on Maru Ships? (Matthew Greer)

I have been looking for books on WWII Japanese Merchant Ships for over 20 years and in all that time I only found a couple. "JAPANESE PASSENGER SHIPS IN HISTORY VOL.1 1868-1945"(Good Pics ,Ships names in english but text in Japanese)and "JAPANESE MERCHANT SHIPS RECOGNITION MANUAL ONI-208J REVISED" This is the bible for the Japanese Merchant fleet over 1300 ships listed with photos and line drawings for most along with other info.
The Passenger Ship book I think is still available from Pacific Front Hobbies. I got my photo copy of the Recognition Manual from the Naval Historical Society in Washington D.C. I hope this help you out and good luck finding info on Maru's

Re: Thanks for the tip, But?

Posted By: Matthew Greer <Furher@qwest.net>
Date: Monday, 27 November 2000, at 12:31 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Books on Maru Ships? (Ron Wolford)

This is Matthew I am very interested in finding out abt ONI-208J. First is this a book simmlar to the one printed by the Naval institute press authored by A.D.BakerIII? If not then what type of book is it. And if it is a published book do you know where I can obtain a copy. Ever since you mentioned it I have tried finding it online and have come up empty handed. Also I would like to thank you and ever one else who has contributed. The reason I would like to lay my hands on a copy of ONI's 208J document chart is that I would like to see some pictures or even diagrams of Japanes merchant ships so I can make modifications to the models I have and the ones I will be getting. My mouth is starting to water, So please if you can help me to get a copy I would be forever in your debt.

Re: Thanks for the tip, But?

Posted By: William Blado <wblad@msn.com>
Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2000, at 10:16 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Thanks for the tip, But? (Matthew Greer)

ONI-208J, Vol. 1, is currently available. It is on cd-rom and can be ordered (and some sample pages viewed) from Scale Specialties. Their website is at: www.ss-sms.com/daysconten.html. They plan on publishing the other volumes in the ONI series on cd-rom.

Re: Another Book on Maru Ships

Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Sunday, 26 November 2000, at 4:21 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Books on Maru Ships? (Ron Wolford)

Another source or history is "The Japanese Merchant Marine in World War II" by Mark P. Parillo and published by USNI in 1993. The ISBN is 1-55750-677-9. Although not too detailed on specific ships, it gives a good overall strategic look at the use of the Marus during War Deuce.

Re: Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: Al Peters <dsr017@attglobal.net>
Date: Thursday, 23 November 2000, at 1:26 p.m.

In Response To: Books on Maru Ships? (Matthew Greer)

I have a copy of "Pacific Stratgic Intelligence Section 100-1" date 1 Feb. 1945, 2nd Edition. It is a list of "Japanese Merchant Ships" of 50 tons or more which bear the suffix "Maru". It records data in the following format:
Japanese characters of the name of the vessel
Romaji Name (English name)
Int'l Call sign
Gross tons
Year laruched
Type and Number (japanese number)
Speed
Lgth, Beam, Draft
Construction of Hull
Sources (based on over 20 different sources)
Remarks (mainly as to fate)
I have entered this data into one of my databases and it topped out at 8512 individual records.
Question, does anyone who is famaliar with this document have an opionin as to the quality of this data.

Re: Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: Allan <Wildcat42@AOL.com>
Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2000, at 11:02 p.m.

In Response To: Books on Maru Ships? (Matthew Greer)

While the book that you have is good, it does not have the IJA Merchant ships that were under the Ship Transport Command (GDC). I have been trying to find a like book of Army Transports for over 30 years, and I've given up hope on it. I wish you luck........

Re: Books on Maru Ships?

Posted By: J. Ed Low <jlow@bignet.com>
Date: Wednesday, 22 November 2000, at 7:05 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Books on Maru Ships? (Allan)

I have an extensive although by no means comprehensive listing of books on the IJN at my website. The URL is http://www.ijn.dreamhost.com. The site has both listing and images of the books you may be interested in.

YAMATO REPRINT

Posted By: Larry Evans <Lae519@aol.com>
Date: Monday, 20 November 2000, at 10:47 a.m.

For those of you who do not know the Anatomy of the Ship Yamato, has been reprinted and is available. Below is an E:mail from Conway Maritime;
Subj: RE: [maritime] NEW TITLES FROM CONWAY MARITIME PRESS
Date: 11/20/00 10:03:25 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: jreynolds@chrysalisbooks.co.uk (Jo Reynolds)
To: LAE519@aol.com
The Yamato reprint is now in stock, and your email has made me realise it has not yet been put up on the site. I will send the information up over the next day or so. The Battleship Yamato is priced at £30.00 (£25.50 for bookclub members). The following three titles are being revised and will be available around May or June next year:
The 24 Gun Frigate Pandora
The Armed Transport Bounty
Captain Cook's Endeavour
So.. wait a few days, don't bid on E:bay, and you can get it direct, I'm not sure if it has been revised.

Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Thursday, 13 July 2000, at 2:29 a.m.

good? How much tech. info it has (as the subtitle is "Strategy, Tactics and Technology")?

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Jon Parshall <jonp@combinedfleet.com>
Date: Monday, 17 July 2000, at 11:45 a.m.

In Response To: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Jukka Juutinen)

I'm biased, because I illustrated much of "Kaigun" (as well as all of Peattie's forthcoming book on IJN naval aviation), but I think it is an excellent work. Regarding the technical information, I disagree with another reviewers view that the technical information is derivitive of Jentschura--Evans and Peattie used a great many Japanese sources as well to construct their arguments. You won't find infomation in Jentschura, for instance, on things like boiler temperatures and steam pressures--you have to dig into Japanese sources like "Nihon no Kokubokan" to get at that stuff. All in all, if you're into the IJN, ya gotta have this book.

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Monday, 17 July 2000, at 2:30 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Jon Parshall)

My apologies. Of course you’re right. It was not my intention to put this excellent work down but to make it clear to Jukka that he would not find the specialised machinery details he is looking for in this book. However, I must admit that my statement on Jentschura was overly simplistic.
P.S. nice drawings, I’m looking forward to the JNAF work.

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Jon Parshall <jonp@combinedfleet.com>
Date: Monday, 17 July 2000, at 3:00 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Frido Kip)

You're gonna like it. Basically, when USNI Press agreed to publish "Kaigun" they were concerned by the length of the manuscript and asked David and Mark to remove the chapters on naval air and publish them separately. So what's in "Kaigun" on naval aviation is pretty much the "Readers Digest" version. In addition, there were some unfortunate errors on carrier operations, like mistakenly stating that the Japanese didn't use crash barriers, and things like that.
Since David's untimely death last summer, Mark has gone back and made substantial revisions to the manuscript, and has drawn in additional Japanese expertise as well. The new work expands on the topic, and corrects the errors in Kaigun. It is also going to be well illustrated by yours truly, and I have to say that I am rather proud of some of the forthcoming drawings. Hopefully it will be out sometime in spring 2001.
I understand your comments regarding machinery, though -- LaCroix is a much better source for hardcore "where did the turbine blades fit" kinda engineering details. A pity that only the cruisers have been examined in such detail--I'd like to see similar detail on their carriers and battleships.

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Dave Pluth <dave@j-aircraft.com>
Date: Monday, 17 July 2000, at 4:25 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Jon Parshall)

Is this book still available? What type of price would one expect to pay for it?

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Jon Parshall <jonp@combinedfleet.com>
Date: Tuesday, 18 July 2000, at 6:59 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Dave Pluth)

As it happens, it's $49.95 at Amazon, but a mere $31.50 at Barnes&Noble at the moment. Well worth the nab.

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Saturday, 15 July 2000, at 12:32 p.m.

In Response To: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Jukka Juutinen)

This is probably not a book for you, considering your special interest in machinery.
Personally, I consider it to be one of the most valuable books in my collection. It is very thorough in its description of Japanese strategy and tactics and fills a very important gap in my knowledge and understanding of the IJN. It is well written and easy to understand. I loved it from the moment I got my hands on it.
However, technical details have been largely based on Jentschura and are superficial only. This suits the book perfectly and helps the reader to understand why certain developments were followed and what their influence was on IJN’s tactics and overal strategy. Probably the only details it provides on machinery is the emphasise the Japanese placed on speed.

Re: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie..

Posted By: Randy <r.stone.eal@juno.com>
Date: Friday, 14 July 2000, at 8:40 p.m.

In Response To: Is the USNI book "Kaigun" by Peattie.. (Jukka Juutinen)

Hi: Maybe the technical information is scant or not to your detail but the book is fabulous in all respects as a prewar summary of the IJN and its' strategies, tactics and thought. An excellent book; it will lead you to other books which are as useful by way of it's notes and bibliography.

Frido, have you seen...

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Sunday, 9 July 2000, at 11:35 p.m.

Siegfried Breyer´s small (50 pages, A4) booklets describing various German classes? English versions are by Schiffer and I believe originals are by Podzun-Pallas Verlag. Any comments?
Second question, AFAIK Friedman´s Design History on US Subs pre-1945 has an appendix about submarine diesels. How long and detailed that appendix is anyway?

Re: Frido, have you seen...

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Saturday, 15 July 2000, at 12:30 p.m.

In Response To: Frido, have you seen... (Jukka Juutinen)

I’m back from my short holiday and again glued to my computer. Yes, I know the Breyer booklets. I don’t have them myself, but I will check them out next week. Any particular one in mind?
The other question, submarine diesels hm? Let’s see... You’re right, there’s an 11-page appendix on Submarine Propulsion at the end of the book. It’s basically a description of the submarine’s machinery development in the U.S. Much talk about manufacturers and the machinery’s growing capabilities, but technical details are scarse, only horsepower, revolutions and cycles are given. Again, its more a description of what was designed by whom, why and how, and if it was tried by any submarine or adopted for series production. The single table contains the aforementioned details plus size of the cylinders, that’s all. The remainder of the chapter is used to describe the batteries in a similar fashion.

Re: Frido, have you seen...

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Sunday, 16 July 2000, at 11:49 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Frido, have you seen... (Frido Kip)

I found only one version of the Breyer booklets. It was the German Podzun-Pallas Verlag version on the K class cruisers. I can therefore not confirm that these are the same as the Schiffer versions, but because of the similarity in titles my guess is that they are identical. The small booklet contained a short summary on the ships, followed by some drawings, including several transverse views. The main part is a pictorial review of the ships, showing their entire career. The last few pages were filled with some small articles on different subjects, which suggest that these booklets are actually a kind of periodical. There is no technical data, apart from the usual short ship data tables as can be found in Conway’s All the Worlds Fighting Ships etc. Descriptions on machinery and armament are rudimentary, if any comments are given at all. That’s all.

Re: Frido, have you seen...

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Monday, 10 July 2000, at 10:44 p.m.

In Response To: Frido, have you seen... (Jukka Juutinen)

A better book on US subs (and a bit more limited in scope) would be THE FLEET SUBMARINE IN THE US NAVY - A DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION HISTORY (John D. Alden) (1979) ISBN 0-87021-187-0.
Some appendices: "Machinery Arrangements and Details," "Some Technical Details of Hull Construction."

Jim, it´s out of...

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Tuesday, 11 July 2000, at 12:12 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Frido, have you seen... (Jim Broshot)

print, so it is not of much help to me (I live in a country where second hand bookstores are very unlikely to carry such items and ordering overseas would kill my budget (not to mention I have no credit card) as the "rarity factor" increases to price beyond any reason).

Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Saturday, 24 June 2000, at 5:37 a.m.

I need to know a few things about the above series:
1) Is it printed on good guality paper (at least the Axis volume of the Dulin et al series is printed on lousy paper)?
2)Is the layout dense enough (the Dulin et al volume I have (I got it last Thursday) has lot of wasted empty space and too large print)?
And I´d also like to know which books are best TECHNICAL accounts of the PT Boats (e.g. is Lambert&Ross´s Allied Coastal Forces good)?
Thanks for the folks who provided remarkable response to my previous questions!

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Sunday, 25 June 2000, at 2:23 a.m.

In Response To: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Jukka Juutinen)

As my copy of Axis Battleships is printed on good quality paper I find it difficult to decide if the Friedman series is any better, maybe our standards differ. Anyway, to me the Friedman series looks fine, paper quality is good and the graphic design is much better, more compact (every page is entirely covered with text, photo's and drawings), better quality photographs and better layout. For instance, although the U.S. Small Combatants (including PT-boats!) book is thinner than the Axis Battleships volume it actually has the same number of pages and contains up to 2 times as much information.
I would again like to point out to you that Friedman's series is a design rationale, discussing the reasons why what was chosen and built. You will not find extensive propulsion data etc here, but on the other hand the reason why a particular kind of machinery was chosen for a particular kind of vessel is discussed quite thoroughly, including test results etc.
Unfortunately, I can't remember what Lambert&Ross' book was like because I didn't buy it after having seen it. However, I know at least one interesting book for you on PT-boats: Mike Whitley's 'German Coastal Forces of World War Two', published by Arms and Armour Press (1-85409-085-2). This book is quite thorough on German S-boat developments and also discusses their operational history and consequent developments such as the midget submarines. Mike has also written books on German capital ships (battleships and aircraft carriers), cruisers and destroyers, which are better than his well-known encyclopedic World War Two battleship, cruiser and destroyer books.

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Tuesday, 27 June 2000, at 4:30 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Frido Kip)

Thanks Frido and Jim! I have one more question. I know slightly off-topic, but do you have any comments on Koop&Scmolke´s "Pocket Battleships of the Deutschland Class"? Does it have info on it´s machinery?

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Tuesday, 27 June 2000, at 12:48 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Jukka Juutinen)

I know the series you are referring to, published by Conway Maritime Press. However, I never bought one so I can only tell you what I remember. Moreover, this was the volume on the Scharnhorst class so it may differ, although I don't think so as the authors are the same.
It is not very thick, approximately 5mm with a soft cover. If I remember correctly a large number of photographs and drawings were used, but none of them were out of the ordinary. It was my distinct impression that the booklet was aimed at the layman as the text was not very extensive. Therefore, I don't think that the description of the machinery will be very elaborate. However, I must point out to you that it has been at least two years since I've seen the volume, so my description may not be entirely correct.

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Wednesday, 28 June 2000, at 4:17 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Frido Kip)

Frido, I did not mean the "Conway Maritime Modellers" series. I mean the recently published (early 2000 by USNI in the USA and Greenhill in the UK) 200+ page hardback book by the same authors. It is a translation of Bernard&Graefe Verlag´s "Panzerschiffe der Deutschland Klass" in their Schiffstypen der Kriegsmarine series. See the description at both publisher´s sites. Unfortunately the description aren´t much good. So, if you have seen it, or have a chance to see it, please let me know what it looks like!

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Wednesday, 28 June 2000, at 10:34 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Jukka Juutinen)

That one is new to me, let me see what I can dig up. If I find anything I will let you now.

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Friday, 30 June 2000, at 12:06 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Frido Kip)

Found it.
The book was smaller than I expected. In short, it opens with a description of German developments, followed by chapters on Deutschland’s armour scheme, armament, machinery etc. This is followed by a very extensive photograph section, which makes the book an absolute must for modelers. Refits are given and the history of each ship. The book ends with a short conclusion an every aspect of the vessels (an entire page is devoted to the machinery).
It is typical German in its approach, providing almost all information in tables and summaries with limited explanatory text. A reasonable number of drawings is provided, including camouflage schemes. I was annoyed by the reproduction of the transfers and internal plan views which were so small that I could not read the legenda’s, and I have good eyes! The description of the machinery uses 4 pages and includes a drawing on its layout. Text is scarse, but the pages are filled with summaries, which you may or may not find interesting. It’s my impression that Lacroix’s Cruiser book is more extensive, but I like to know the reasons behind why something was used etc.
All in all it is a reasonable book, had it been on a Japanese battleship I would have bought it.

Re: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Saturday, 24 June 2000, at 2:26 p.m.

In Response To: Friedman´s Design Histories&Best PT boat books (Jukka Juutinen)

As for PT boats (and S boats, too) but its probably long out of print:
FAST FIGHTING BOATS 1870-1945 THEIR DESIGN CONSTRUCTION AND USE (Harald Fock). My copy was published 1978 (ISBN 0-87021-820-4)
It was first published in German in 1973 by Koehlers Verlagsgesellschaft mbH.

Used maritime used bookstore in Tokyo

Posted By: J. Ed Low <lowj@tir.com>
Date: Friday, 16 June 2000, at 9:03 p.m.

I will be visiting Tokyo and Mishima in November and would love to have a chance to visit some used bookstores to check out used books on IJN ships. Does anyone know of any ? Much appreciated for any help ahead of time.

Re: Used maritime used bookstore in Tokyo

Posted By: V. Tapasanan <tvidya@hotmail.com>
Date: Saturday, 17 June 2000, at 3:52 a.m.

In Response To: Used maritime used bookstore in Tokyo (J. Ed Low)

I suggest you'd better go to Jimbocho area (not far from Kanda) on Yasukuni-dori ave., this is the used book stores area. There are at least two bookstores which sell used military, air, naval books (mostly in Japanese with some of them in English) with very resonable price. Unfortunately, I did not know the name (and very difficult to givr you exact location) but you may ask for direction from any bookstores (ther's a map of all bookstores in that area in Japanese and you can ask from any of them).

Re: Used maritime used bookstore in Tokyo

Posted By: Yutaka Iwasaki <navy_yard-iwa@mbj.sphere.ne.jp>
Date: Saturday, 17 June 2000, at 10:26 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Used maritime used bookstore in Tokyo (V. Tapasanan)

Perhaps one of the bookstores is BUNKADO SHOTEN, Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku.
See this page(shop appearance photo include) .
http://www.book-kanda.or.jp/kosyo/1069/1069-01.htm
Copy and bring this page
http://www.book-kanda.or.jp/map/b_03.html
and ask station staff at Jimbocho subway satation.
Jimbocho station is on HANZOMON LINE,
about 15 mininutes, costs 160 yen from SHINKANSEN-TOKYO sation,
need to change once at OTEMACHI sation on MARUNOUCHI LINED
subway map
http://www.tokyometro.go.jp/metnet/3600e.html
or
http://www.tokyometro.go.jp/metnet/em2.html
Or you'd better use taxi from TOKYO station,
it may be cost about 1000 - 1500 yen.

Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Tuesday, 13 June 2000, at 4:34 a.m.

What do you think of this book? I am looking for design&technical info.

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Mark E. Horan <mhoran@snet.net>
Date: Monday, 19 June 2000, at 11:48 a.m.

In Response To: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Jukka Juutinen)

While the book in question contains much good information, there are several glaring errors, at least with the German & Italian ships with which I am much more familiar. In several cases information on operational & battle information , including dates, is simply incorrect.

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Tuesday, 13 June 2000, at 2:03 p.m.

In Response To: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Jukka Juutinen)

Whether this book is an interesting buy or not probably depends on you.
It’s quite a large book, 525 pages of which only 85 are dedicated to the Yamato class (at least I assume that’s your main interest). The remainder is used to describe German (Scharnhorst, Bismarck, H, O) and Italian (Vittorio Veneto) battleships. The older Japanese battleships are not dealt with.
Norman Friedman once said of the companion volume on US battleships that it was ‘padded, grossly overpriced for the material it provides. There is ... considerable new material, but it is submerged beneath layers of repetition and operational accounts better left in war histories’. I shall not repeat what he said about the graphic design, but he was far from pleased by it.
Garzke and Dulin start with an extensive coverage on the design evolution of the Yamato class. This is followed by operational histories and then by the technical aspects of the class (the logic in this order is beyond me), including the conversion of Shinano into an aircraft carrier. They also deal with the Super Yamato and B-65 battlecruiser designs. Several interesting drawings are provided, although they are now outdated by Skulski’s book. There are no detail photographs. Moreover, many shots are blurry and all of them are well known.
Personally, I like the many paintings of unusual Japanese battleships such as No. 13, Super Yamato, Hiraga and Fujimoto designs and the B-65 battlecruisers. The authors provide much technical information, apparently scraped together from many different sources, but nonetheless very interesting. Moreover, its rather easy reading, despite the fact that the authors are naval architects.
If it is not too expensive, and if you’re not yet an expert on the Yamato class this may be a nice book.

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2000, at 4:37 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Frido Kip)

My apologies for not specifying my needs accurately. First, I am interested in all of those ships included,
not just Yamato. Second, I am seeking information similar to provided by the Jap Cruisers book by Lacroix&Wells (I am not a modeller. My interest is purely technical). Third, as Mr. Friedman has himself written a volume on US battleships (which I may buy as it is lot cheaper and thicker than the Garzke et al volume), he may have a subjective bias? What I have heard of Garzke et al´s US volume is that those who deal with technical issues are very happy with it.
As my interest is primarily technical, does the book provide detailed descriptions of ships machinery? Especially Scharnhorts´s and Bismarck´s machinery would be very interesting.
BTW, thanks for mentioning the content as usually catalogues do not mention that!

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2000, at 2:02 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Jukka Juutinen)

Ah, that changes things a bit.
I’m not Norman Friedman, so I don’t know how much he was influenced, but I noted that his battleship volume was published in the same year, so at least he had personal research experience to base his comments on. How subjective they are, well who knowns...
For comparison, Friedman’s book, as far as I remember, is mainly concerned with design rationale. He discusses quite thoroughly the development of American battleship designs, presenting many proposals that led to the final designs adopted and the reasons why changes were made later in their careers. However, he does not really deal with technical data, although extensive data tables are provided in the appendices.
Garzke and Dulin on the other hand spent much attention to technical features and numbers and less to the overal reasoning behind them. The description of machinery is a little less extensive than in the Japanese Cruisers book but it is close. As I already stated, the authors are naval architects and facts and technical aspects are clearly their main interest. For instance, the discription of Bismarck’s machinery takes more than two pages and almost another one with figures.
I own both series and I’ve never regretted buying them.

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2000, at 5:32 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Frido Kip)

I have only one of Garzke & Dulin's books and should probably get the rest (I went to high school with Richard Allison, who did some of the paintings, like the Montana class at sea in the US Battleships volume. We used to draw ships together in 9th grade, he was A LOT BETTER than I was).
Whitley's series on German warships has some machinery detail and a good discussion in the DESTROYER volume on the problems the Kriegsmarine had with its high pressure steam system.

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Mitch Williamson <askari@westlink.net.au>
Date: Tuesday, 13 June 2000, at 11:05 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Frido Kip)

In the reply to the above post you mention:
'Several interesting drawings are provided, although they are now outdated by Skulski’s book.'
As a happy owner of the Garzke & Dulin three battleshhip volumes-for some time-I would be delighted know more about this new 'Skulski book' to add to my collection. Can you please give any more info. on his book.

Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two"

Posted By: Frido Kip <frido.kip@hetnet.nl>
Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2000, at 2:00 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Garzke&Dulin´s "Axis Battleships of WW Two" (Mitch Williamson)

I'm referring to the Anatomy of the Ship Series published by the Conway Maritime Press (also available from Naval Institute Press). Janusz Skulski has produced three books of which the first one is 'The Battleship Yamato'. The other two are 'The Heavy Cruiser Takao' and 'The Battleship Fusô'. If you're looking for extensive detailed drawings these are the place to be, there is nothing like these books. The Yamato book was actually published three years after the Axis edition of Garzke and Dulin and is therefore already old and may be a little hard to get.
In case you haven't heard of these books, there is a relative short introduction with history and technical data, a photo gallery (especially the Fusô edition is fascinating as most pictures are little known) and then numerous pages with drawings: inside (for as far as is still known) and outside, plans, profiles, changes made, armour schemes, rigging layout, details of armament, seaplanes, etc. No serious modeller should be without!

Model Art No.561

Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Tuesday, 9 May 2000, at 9:17 p.m.

I recently got a hold of Model Art No.561 "Warship Colour." The text is entirely in Japanese, but it has 7 colour chips (Yokosuka, Sasebo, Kure, and Maizuru Naval Arsenals, Type 21 and 22 camouflage colours used on carriers late in war, and linoleum).
It also contains interesting sideview and top view drawings of IJN warships camouflage schemes, such as those of the carriers late in the war (including the Shinano!) and Nagato and Myoko at the end of the war.
It also covers IJN ships as far back as late 19th century, and present day JMSDF ships. It also touches briefly on camouflage schemes of US, Royal, and German navies.
According to the ads in the book, in the near future, Gunze will be releasing new paints for Kure, Sasebo, and Maizuru Arsenal colours (apparently their IJN warship colour is a close match to that of Yokosuka arsenal colour), type 21 and 22 camouflage colours, and linoleum colour.
Like I said, the text is in English, but pictures are worth a thousand words. Highly recommended!

Re: Model Art No.561-ooops!

Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Tuesday, 9 May 2000, at 9:49 p.m.

In Response To: Model Art No.561 (Tennessee Katsuta)

Oooops, I meant text is NOT in English! But it's still highly recommended. If any one of you want some translations, please let me know (but not the entire text, please).

Re: Model Art No.561-ooops!

Posted By: Jared Zichek <jzichek@hotmail.com>
Date: Wednesday, 10 May 2000, at 10:07 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Model Art No.561-ooops! (Tennessee Katsuta)

Thanks for the review; I ordered the book sight unseen from HLJ, and it is good to know that it's worth it. I've only recently become interested in ships (primarily those that carried catapult seaplanes, as well as aircraft carriers), and I have a question. I see that Snyder and Short has produced a color chip chart for the IJN. Is it worth picking this up? How do the chips compare to those that are in the Model Art Special?

Re: Model Art No.561-ooops!

Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Wednesday, 10 May 2000, at 11:19 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Model Art No.561-ooops! (Jared Zichek)

I haven't seen the Snyder and Short colour chips so I can't comment on their accuracy, let alone compare them with those in Model Art. All I can say is that the author of the Model Art book has been writing monthly articles for the Model Art magazine for over twenty years and in my humble opinion he's one of the leading authorities in IJN ships in Japan, so I trust that his colour chips are close as you can get to the origional colours.
My advice is wait for your copy of the Model Art book, look at the colour chips before you get any other colour chips. I think the 7 colour chips in the book is more than enough (at least for a part-time 1/700 ship modeler like myself) since there weren't too many camouflaged IJN ships compared to ships of other Navy's, anyways.

Re: Model Art No.561-ooops!

Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Thursday, 11 May 2000, at 9:53 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Model Art No.561-ooops! (Tennessee Katsuta)

I have the S & S IJN color chips but not the New Model Art volume (which I just ordered) so I'm unable to make a comparison. However, I have communicated with John Snyder of S & S and and he maintains that all the colors were sourced from original pigments in Japan. The chips look right and S & S has done an exquisitely researched job on all their other naval chips released to date. I've been using their IJN chips as my guide and am quite satisfied. The only possible qualifier that I have is that the S & S chip for "deck tan" (a perfect match for Tamiya's "Deck Tan" paint) represents only what I believe is the hinoki cypress used for the Yamato(s) as built. I would love for someone to release a color match for wooden decks constructed of cedar/teak.

Books

Posted By: Kamarul Hairi <jpn001@heitech.com.my>
Date: Monday, 3 April 2000, at 5:15 a.m.

Need some help on some books. Can anybody give any idea on how good is the books below
1. Jane's Fighting Ships of World War II
2. Jane's Battleships of the 20th Century
3. Battleships of the Bismarck Class : Bismarck and Tirpitz : Culmination and Finale of German Battleship Construction
And lastly can anyone recommend me any books on the bismarck or tirpitz either as an additional information or details information for modelers.

Re: Books

Posted By: Bill Davis <wydavis@prodigy.net>
Date: Saturday, 8 April 2000, at 10:27 p.m.

In Response To: Books (Kamarul Hairi)

Although I can't comment on the Bismark/Tirpitz book you mention, I have seen the first two books you asked about. The Jane's Fighting Ships of world War II is essentially a reprint of the Jane's books which were published during the war years. I have seen one of the original books (1942 edition) and the reprint that is now out and they are for all practical purposes one and the same. This means that the current book has the same inaccuracies and sketchy coverage of the IJN as the original did. Although, the IJN warship construction of the 20's and early 30's is well covered, most of the modern units of the IJN are covered sketchily at best with drawings instead of actual photographs of the subject vessels. Photographs are pretty grainy also. Class specifications were also based on speculation of the time rather than hard fact. Bottom line- If I were looking for highly accurate details and photographs of IJN vessels, particularly late 30's and war construction I would look in other references. If you are looking for a reference showing the state of knowledge of allied officers during the war about the IJN ships- it may be your book. The Battleships of the 20th Century is a nice book- Good photos, drawings etc, but probably doesn't have the kind of attention to detail that an expert modeler needs. A good overview on the subject though. Hope this is helpful.

Re: Books

Posted By: Aldert Gritter <agritter@inn.nl>
Date: Tuesday, 4 April 2000, at 3:14 p.m.

In Response To: Books (Kamarul Hairi)

Of the books you mentioned I know "Jane's Fighting" only. It offers good general reference, but most pictures aren't good enough for modellers. Yet it has this delicious list of translations of Japanese destroyer names!
On Bismarck/Tirpitz I recommend for the historical aspect:
"Battleship Bismarck, the report of a survivor" by B. baron von Müllenheim-Rechberg, highest-ranking surviving officer; it simply is indispensable.
"Pursuit" by L. Kennedy, a very good account from the British side.
"H.M.S. Electra" by T.J. Cain; the destroyer Electra escorted H.M.S. Hood and saved her three survivors. Later on, she served in the Pacific theatre, escorting H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse (again saving survivors) and finally was sunk in the Java Sea battle. Again a very good personal account.
And for the "modellological" aspect (do take a deep breath now):
"Schlachtschiff BISMARCK, eine technikgeschichtliche Dokumentation" (pant, pant) by S. Breyer and G. Koop. This is not only a magnificient bit of German language (I don't know whether it's translated in English), but a magnificient book as well. It offers dozens of fantastic pictures (broadsides, on-deck views, many details) and a very detailed design and building history of the Bismarck. It has a nice section on H.M.S. Hood as well. By the way, Breyer is also the author of the well-known standard reference book "Battleships and Battlecruisers 1905 - 1970".

Re: Books

Posted By: Dave Pluth <info@j-aircraft.com>
Date: Tuesday, 4 April 2000, at 11:13 a.m.

In Response To: Books (Kamarul Hairi)

I've got the Jane's Ships of WWII. It's ok. There are some general type descriptions of many of the ships and some lists etc. I picked it up at a used book store here for 50% off, it was worth that, but I don't know that I'd pay full price for it as it doesn't have the depth I'm looking for in a reference.
If you are looking for a single book that covers a little bit of everything, then it's pretty good.

Re: Books

Posted By: Kamarul Hairi <jpn001@heitech.com.my>
Date: Thursday, 6 April 2000, at 9:26 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Books (Dave Pluth)

Thanks for the information
I've found some of this books at the Barner & Nobles website, can you guys comment on this books:
1. Battleship Musashi:The Making and Sinking of the World's Largesr Battleship
Akhira Yoshimura, Vincent Murphy (translator)
2. Iowa Class Battleships:Their Design, Weapons and Equipment
Rober T. Sumrall, Tom Walkowiak
Also, do you guys know any website that do a review on this kind of books?

Re: Books

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Thursday, 6 April 2000, at 10:28 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Books (Kamarul Hairi)

I have a copy of the Yoshimura book as
BUILD THE MUSASHI! THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST BATTLESHIP
(Vincent Murphy is the translator)
Kodansha International, 1991 (ISBN 4-7700-1579-8)
Has appendix entitled "Japanese Technical Drawings" reproduced from DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE YAMATO AND MUSASHI (Tokyo: Haga Shoten, 1971).
Book is worth owning (especially when combined with REQUIEM FOR BATTLESHIP YAMATO and SHINANO! THE SINKING OF JAPAN'S SECRET SUPERSHIP).

Re: Books

Posted By: Kamarul Hairi <jpn001@heitech.com.my>
Date: Friday, 7 April 2000, at 3:07 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Books (Jim Broshot)

You've mentioned that you have a copy of Yoshimura book as "Build The Musashi! The Birth and Death of the World's Greatest Battleship" (Vincent Murphy is the translator) from Kodansha America, Inc. ISBN-4770015798.
Now, I've search the book at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles website, but according to the the book is out of publish. Now the fun part is that, I've found another book with the same author and publisher and the title is a bit different - "Battleship Musashi:The Making and Sinking of the World's Largest Battleship", the ISBN number is also different - 4770024002.
Are both book is the same or different. If it is different can you tell me where can I obtain the book that is same as your copy.

Re: Books

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Saturday, 8 April 2000, at 10:00 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Books (Kamarul Hairi)

As another poster noted I think it is the same book.
I received a copy of THE SCHOLARS BOOKSHELF spring catalog today which has a softcover edition listed. The price is $12.95 and the number is 5TPWR
at www.scholarsbookshelf.com

Re: Books

Posted By: Mike Namba <miknamba@pol.net>
Date: Friday, 7 April 2000, at 11:29 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Books (Kamarul Hairi)

I recently bought the book "Battleship Musashi: The making and sinking of the World's Largest Battleship." I read that it is an exact reprint of the out of print version so you can save yourself some time and money by ordering it from who ever has the best price on the Net. I think I got mine from Barnes and Noble, but it might have been Amazon. In any event, its a great book (although a little thin since the ship really didn't have much of a battle record). The details of the construction were pretty interesting though.

Yamato references

Posted By: Matt <nitflegal@aol.com>
Date: Wednesday, 23 February 2000, at 1:01 p.m.

Tax refund came in and I'm salivating over the Nichimo 1/200 Yamato again (only ~$250 at HLJ) and am trying to gather references. I have a request in at Rainbow 10 for the Model Graphix special, and have had no luck whatsoever finding the Anatomy of the Ship book at the on-line used book finders.
At HLJ there are listings for 3 Gakken books, one $40 dollar one and then two, $18 ones (volume 1&2). There is also a fact-files on the Yamato and other BBs.
If anyone can critique these (and the Gakken ones sound good based on what is on the list about other volumes, but I'm wondering what the difference is between the various volumes) or recommend other, AVAILABLE references, that would be great!

Re: Yamato references

Posted By: Rick Marelius <rcmarelius@earthlink.net>
Date: Thursday, 24 February 2000, at 9:11 a.m.

In Response To: Yamato references (Matt)

Word was posted on SMML the other day that the Anatomy of the Ship book is slated for reprinting next month. This comes from a Chrysalis Books catalog, the successor publisher to Conway who released it originally. I don't know if it will be available through Naval Institute Press here in the states or not - they were the US publishers for Conway's books.

Yamato

Posted By: Kamarul Hairi <jpn001@heitech.com.my>
Date: Wednesday, 16 February 2000, at 7:21 p.m.

Does anyone know where can I obtain a copy of The Battleship Yamato by Janusz Skulski, either published by Conway or Naval Institute Press, also it can be from any publisher as long as it is the same book. As far as I know this book is already been out of print.

Re: Yamato

Posted By: Jeff McGuire <jmcguire@j-aircraft.com>
Date: Saturday, 19 February 2000, at 1:09 p.m.

In Response To: Yamato (Kamarul Hairi)

Try this.
Link: http://www.sonic.net/~bstone/aardvarkbooks/

Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue

Posted By: Richard Wolff <rrwolff@bpa.gov>
Date: Monday, 17 January 2000, at 5:20 p.m.

Anyone have a copy of the Gakken issue covering Shinano & Taiho? I've had a copy on order for nearly 2 months and I'd sure like to know if there is anything "interesting" in there.
Based on other issues of this series, I would expect coverage of crew members. I've been on the hunt for the name of Taiho's Navigator for some time. One source lists him as Cdr. Kazuma but there are a couple of issues that make that name suspect.

Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue

Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Tuesday, 18 January 2000, at 10:04 a.m.

In Response To: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue (Richard Wolff)

I received my copy about two months ago. "Interesting" is open to personal interpetation; as a long time Taiho devotee, I certainly think so. To reprise some comments that I posted at that time (11/5): "... The Taiho model is a beautiful 1/500 rendition of what appears to be a kit that I've seen advertised in some of the Model-Art publications. The photos are pretty much limited to an extended sequence of photos taken at the Tawi Tawi anchorage prior to the battle of the Phillipine Sea, 6/44. The photos are taken at sea level, port and starboard, as well as an aerial shot from above. For those of you who have seen one or two of these shots, this is the same sequence that shows the Shokaku and Nagato in the background. However, the principal shot is much clearer then any previously published. There are enlarged croppings and digitized but grainy enhancements. There's also a grainy overhead shot from another perspective that shows the Zuikaku. The model itself is beautiful, but differs in some significant detail from the familiar Tamiya 1/700 model as well as most line drawings. The departures have to do with the detail of the enclosed bow and the boat storage along the aft, starboard side. There also seems to be debate/discrepancies with the deck markings and the white funnel band." I would add that the modeler has done some excellent work with regard to the elevators and shafts.
Unfortunately, I don't read Japanese but there is the usual Gakken text/picture sections that deal with personnel. Hope this helps. Now, just as important, I understand there's a new Gakken issue devoted to the Akizuki's. Anybody got it?

Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue

Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Tuesday, 18 January 2000, at 7:05 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue (Dan Kaplan)

I checked the Gakken issue on Taiho&Shinano for Taiho's navigator, but they did not have it... They had Shinano's navigator, though!
Taiho's navigator according to a Japanese site, is Commander Kazuma Kuratomi (Kuratomi is the last name).
As for Gakken's book on Akizuki, I've been waiting for HobbyLink Japan to stock it, but they haven't! I heard the book is pretty good.

Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue

Posted By: JOHNHOLZHAUER <johnholzhauer@yahoo.co>
Date: Wednesday, 19 January 2000, at 3:46 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue (Tennessee Katsuta)

HI, WHICH ONES ARE AVIALABLE AND WHERE CAN I GET THEM-THANX

Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue

Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Friday, 21 January 2000, at 11:02 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Looking for Gakken "Taiho" issue (JOHNHOLZHAUER)

Try Hobbylink Japan at www.hlj.com or, in the U.S., try Pacific Front Hobbies @www.pacificfront.com or try one of the Japanese bookstore chains. Vols. 1-22 are in print, though I've no idea about availability. Vols 1-10, 12 are campaign related while Vols. 13, 13-22 are ship class related.

Yamato Books

Posted By: jay everett <jaynbeth@ticnet.com>
Date: Thursday, 30 December 1999, at 11:39 p.m.

Please comment on the following. I currently have possession of the following books on the Yamato:
YAMATO, by Skulski
Model Art Super Illustrated #414, Battleship YAMATO
Maru Mechanic #52, Battleship YAMATO
I have seen the 3 different titles listed by GEKKAN on the Hobby Link Japan website. Please advise if these three books show enough added/new information to be worth the prices being charged. Also, what is the turn-around on surface shipments from Japan to US?
Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Re: Yamato Books

Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Friday, 31 December 1999, at 11:24 a.m.

In Response To: Yamato Books (jay everett)

I have the Skulski book and all the original Maru specials that pertain to the Yamato class. I also have both Gakken issues, # 11 & # 20 on the Yamato class. I would highly reccomend purchases of the Gakkens as a necessary supplement to your resources. The Gakkens provide an excellent perspective thru the exquisite 1/100 models that they feature. Additional information abounds in the way of previously unknown (to me, anyway), enlarged and uncropped photos. There are additional outlines, line drawings,scale plans, etc.
You might even consider the deluxe issue volume devoted to the 1/100 scale model. I just received the vol. on the Zuikaku and am very impressed. The volume has 3 sections focusing on the model itself, the building of the model, and photos of the real thing. I assume the vol. on the Yamato is similar. It's hardbound and the same size as the Anatomy of the Ship series books.
Service via HLJ depends on availability in stock. My last order took approx. 3.5 weeks to deliver, as I waited on everything purposely.

Any information/opinions on this book?

Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Wednesday, 17 November 1999, at 5:00 p.m.

I may have a chance of buying the following book:
WARSHIPS OF TH E IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY 1869-1945
Peter Michael, Dieter Jung, Hansgeorg Jentscima
1970
Is it a good book- and how about any ideas on value if possible?

Re: Any information/opinions on this book?

Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Thursday, 18 November 1999, at 5:56 a.m.

In Response To: Any information/opinions on this book? (Dan Salamone)

This is one to buy -- a good reference work covering a variety of classes. I have used it and it's predecessor volume (originally published in German) for over 20 years now. $ worth I cannot say, but I would check to make sure it is the English release (published by USNI), and not the German release (unless you read German, of course!). FWLIW.

Re: Any information/opinions on this book?

Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Thursday, 18 November 1999, at 8:54 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Any information/opinions on this book? (Mike Quan)

Absolutely get it! Do not hesitate, do not pass Go. It is the fundamental and comprehensive encylopedia listing and reference, with dates, specs and line drawings, for all IJN and auxiliary ships. Highly superior to the AJ Watts editions.

Gakken book on Shokaku class

Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Friday, 5 November 1999, at 3:18 p.m.

I received from HLJ the Gakken book on the above mentioned ships. The book spotlights a wonderful 1/100 model of Zuikaku that has to be seen to believed as well as some black and white photos, schematics of ship equipment, as well as color artwork and drawings of the ships' island. There is a fair amount of text (all in Japanese), and what appears to be some information on various people who served on the ships(?) that appears very interesting, like of an IJN sailor "rubbing noses" with what appears to be a native person from the Aleutians. If you're into these ships, you'll like this book (Gakken #13).

Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class

Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Friday, 5 November 1999, at 4:15 p.m.

In Response To: Gakken book on Shokaku class (Dan Salamone)

In case you're interested, that sailor (rubbing his nose with a native woman) is Lt. Commander Kakuichi Takahashi, who lead the dive bomber group for the carrier Shokaku. The photo was taken in 1928, and that woman is a native in New Zealand.
The Gakken books are excellent references for ship builders. I just ordered their "Shinano & Taiho" issue, and I can't wait to lay my hot little hands on it! Apparently their newest issue on the Akizuki class destroyers are available in Japan (hopefully HobbyLink Japan will get it soon), and is well received by the Japanese ship enthusiasts.

Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class

Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Friday, 5 November 1999, at 7:49 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class (Tennessee Katsuta)

Thanks for the reply.... I knew I was going out on a limb as far as where the person with Takahashi came from, the headband is very interesting.... As far as the book goes I was thrilled with many things in it including the camouflage scheme of the deck circa later in the war. I'm also waiting for "Carrier Strike Force" also from Gakken but it's out of stock currently at HLJ.
These books may make me build 1/700 ships again!

Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class

Posted By: Dan Guernsey <drguer2@pop.uky.edu>
Date: Thursday, 11 November 1999, at 9:26 a.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class (Dan Salamone)

I concur; the Gakken Shokaku book is indeed great. And, like you, I eagerly await to receive "Carrier Strike Force" from HLJ. I also got a copy of the book covering in detail the 1/100 model of the Zuikaku, some of which, as you noted, are reproduced in the Shokaku-class book; it is pricy, but worth the bucks. If you have not seen the book, its incredible! I believe that the Japanese gentelman made it mostly from wood, done in the supurb tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.

Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class

Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Thursday, 11 November 1999, at 4:47 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class (Dan Guernsey)

After taking a really close look at the model in the book I am more impressed. I can't believe that was the work of a single person- what an incredible inverstment of time and love to make such a replica

Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class

Posted By: Dan Kaplan <dboykap@aol.com>
Date: Friday, 5 November 1999, at 4:36 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken book on Shokaku class (Tennessee Katsuta)

I have #s 11 thru #22, including both the Shokaku and new Taiho/Shinano book. They are the best visual
references I've yet come across. I'm using the Shokaku book as a reference for a 1/700 Zuikaku, circa June, 1944 now under construction. I have a few questions that I'd like to solicit opinions on but those will come in a later post. The Taiho model is a beautiful 1/500 rendition of what appears to be a kit that I've seen advertised in some of the Model-Art publications. The photos are pretty much limited to an extended sequence of photos taken at the Tawi Tawi anchorage prior to the battle of the Phillipine Sea, 6/44. The photos are taken at sea level, port and starboard, as well as an aerial shot from above. For those of you who have seen one or two of these shots, this is the same sequence that shows the Shokaku and Nagato in the background. However, the principal shot is much clearer then any previously published. There are enlarged croppings and digitized but grainy enhancements. There's also a grainy overhead shot from another perspective that shows the Zuikaku. The model itself is beautiful, but differs in some significant detail from the familiar Tamiya 1/700 model as well as most line drawings. The departures have to do with the detail of the enclosed bow and the boat storage along the aft, starboard side. There also seems to be debate/discrepancies with the deck markings and the white funnel band. I'll be interested in Tennessee's and others comments.

opinions on some books wanted

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <Jukka.Juutinen@ps1.pspt.fi>
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 1999, at 5:28 a.m.

Could you fellows out there comment on these books:
1) Axis and Neutral Battleships of WW Two by Dulin&Garzke (does it cover machinery and seaworthiness issues and does it cover other IJN classes than Yamato?)
2) U.S. Battleships (Illustrated Design History by Friedman) Any comments?
3) The other volumes in the Illustrated Design History series?
Do the above books present similar detail than Lacroix&Wells´s Japanese Cruisers book?

Re: opinions on some books wanted

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 1999, at 10:46 p.m.

In Response To: opinions on some books wanted (Jukka Juutinen)

As to (1) I believe it covers only WW1 era designs. Selfish note: I went to high school with the fellow who did the cover painting (Richard Allison).
(2) don't have this one but see below
(3) Friedman is good on DESIGN HISTORY and that is the focus of his books. I have the ones on US Carriers, US Cruisers and US Destroyers. They do not have the detail on armaments, radar and operational deployment that you find in Lacroix and Wells. An author named Tschwerwitz (or something like that) has books out on US Carriers that cover operational deployment and aircraft complement that fit well with Friedman's Carrier book. I believe that he (the fellow whose name I can't spell) has one out on US Cruisers.

Re: opinions on some books wanted

Posted By: Mike Quan <MnkQuan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Friday, 15 October 1999, at 5:55 a.m.

In Response To: Re: opinions on some books wanted (Jim Broshot)

I believe the author you are referring to is "Stefan Terzibaschitcsch". I recall seeing his Aircraft Carrier tome at one time, but I don't recall ever hearing about a Cruiser tome.

Re: opinions on some books wanted

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Friday, 15 October 1999, at 10:03 p.m.

In Response To: Re: opinions on some books wanted (Mike Quan)

Thanks for the correct spelling. I have seen his cruiser tome advertised in military book catalogs. Note that there are TWO carrier tomes: one on CVs and the other on escort carriers and aviation support ships (and that these books cover the post WW2 period also).

Re: opinions on some books wanted

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 1999, at 10:48 p.m.

In Response To: Re: opinions on some books wanted (Jim Broshot)

Oops for "WWI era" read "WWII era" Sorry

New Gakken book

Posted By: V. Tapasanan <tvidya@hotmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, 7 September 1999, at 2:37 a.m.

The new Gakken book of IJN warship series, no. 23 was just released. It deals with DD Akizuki (AA Destroyer) with very nice 1/100 model and some good photos

Re: New Gakken book

Posted By: V.Tapasanan <tvidya@hotmail.com>
Date: Wednesday, 24 November 1999, at 3:45 p.m.

In Response To: Re: New Gakken book (frank halbe)

I guess you have to wait until Hobby Link Japan have the book in stock or you should writ to HLJ directly. To order the book from the publisherin Japan may cause you a lot of problem and trouble.

Gakken series of books on IJN ships

Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 1999, at 9:27 p.m.

I just saw some of these books from Gakken listed on the HLJ website, and was wondering about content, etc. Anybody has has seen these please let me know... Thanks in advance as always!

Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships

Posted By: Tom Hall <hall41@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 1999, at 11:00 p.m.

In Response To: Gakken series of books on IJN ships (Dan Salamone)

THAT's the one I've seen, not the Zuikaku book. I got
confused a few weeks ago and Dr. Katsuta got it sorted
out.
The book you've posted is softbound, B5 paper size, and
has some nice color photos of a truly spectacular model
of Shoukaku in about 1/200th scale, as I recall. There
is a volume on Yamato/Musashi, I think.

Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships

Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Thursday, 12 August 1999, at 3:47 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships (Tom Hall)

Thanks for the reply... So then there are no photos of the actual ship, just the model, correct? I saw the Zuikaku book as well, I seem to recall that model at 1/100 scale.

Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships

Posted By: Tom Hall <hall41@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Thursday, 12 August 1999, at 6:11 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships (Dan Salamone)

It has been about two years since I saw the book
and I don't recall it clearly, but I'm pretty
sure there are photos of the real ship and some
diagrams and some history. I decided to pass on
it even though she's probably my favorite carrier.
That tells me I probably didn't see a lot of new
material other than the model.

Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships

Posted By: V. Tapasanan <tvidya@hotmail.com>
Date: Thursday, 12 August 1999, at 4:40 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gakken series of books on IJN ships (Dan Salamone)

Just for more information related to Gakken IJN ships series, there are 22 books already on sale, i.e. Yamato (of course), Heavy Cruisers, Light Cruiser, DD (Akitzuki, Yukikaze)< Submarines (I-400). The latest one (no.22) dealing with Taiho & Shinano. The booksdoes does not have only very nice model (mostlt 1/200) but also very good pictures as well (the newest book has many close-up pictures of Taiho). Price in Japan is 1800 yen but unfortunately the text is Japanese.

opinion on a few books wanted

Posted By: Jukka Juutinen <jjuutin@orion.pspt.fi>
Date: Tuesday, 29 June 1999, at 9:24 p.m.

Hi! Opinions welcome on next few books:
1) Battleship Fuso by Skulski (Anatome of the Ship) Does this offer details of machinery like the Lacroix&Wells job on the cruisers?
2) Warships of the imperial japanese navy by Jentschura et al

Re: opinion on a few books wanted

Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@socket.net>
Date: Monday, 12 July 1999, at 8:40 p.m.

In Response To: opinion on a few books wanted (Jukka Juutinen)

THE BATTLESHIP FUSO Has deck plans and transverse sections, less detailed than JAPANESE CRUISERS OF THE PACIFIC WAR but still interesting (and somewhat less detailed than those of the same author's TAKAO book).
I second the opinion expressed as to Jentschura. Very useful but you have to cross check with other sources.

Re: opinion on a few books wanted

Posted By: casey greene <cgreene@rosenberg-library.org>
Date: Wednesday, 30 June 1999, at 5:03 a.m.

In Response To: opinion on a few books wanted (Jukka Juutinen)

Warships of the IJN is a translated and revised version of _Die Japanischen Kriegschiffe_ (published 1970), which Jentschura and others also authored. The latter book has many mistakes, such as claiming that SHIMAKAZE (DD; commissioned 1943) had X mount removed. Aerial photographs of her loss at Ormoc Bay on November 11, 1944, show that she retained all of her 5" mounts. The section on standard merchant ships built during the in both books is particularly inaccurate. The authors list vessels that were not part of the standard merchant vessel program. For a a relatively complete list of these vessels, see the National Archives document 48f(6), ALPHABETIC LISTING OF JAPANESE MERCHANT SHIPS, 1931-45.
So, my recommendation to you is to be aware of inaccuracies and compare these books to other available sources.

Re: opinion on a few books wanted

Posted By: casey greene <cgreene@rosenberg-library.org>
Date: Wednesday, 31 May 2000, at 1:57 p.m.

In Response To: Re: opinion on a few books wanted (casey greene)

Aerial photos of KASUMI at the time of the YAMATO sortie, April 7, 1945, clearly show the aft
superfiring turret removed and replaced with additional AA, if her identification is correct. The KAGEROS that survived into 1944-45 had this configuration as well as the ASASHIOs.

Re: opinion on a few books wanted

Posted By: Randy <r.stone.eal@juno.com>
Date: Tuesday, 30 May 2000, at 5:28 p.m.

In Response To: Re: opinion on a few books wanted (casey greene)

My advice is to buy them both and enjoy. They are a big help. The comments regarding Shimakaze are correct; three photos that I have seen are
proof that not only she was not modified the way we have been led to believe but also the entire Yugumo class was not modified the way we were told, and
for the same reasons. In other words, it seems as though only the Asashio
and prior classes had their (middle or 'Q')turrets removed to provide the additional 25mm mountings. And I am coming to the conclusion that the Asashio's were not modified by removing these turrets. Comments anyone?

books on IJN ships by Kojinsha

Posted By: Tennessee Katsuta <Kinson-garments@on.aibn.com>
Date: Wednesday, 2 June 1999, at 4:40 a.m.

A while ago, somebody was asking about the books on IJN ships by Kojinsha (publishing company responsible for those fabulous Maru Mechahnics), which are available through HobbyLinks Japan. During my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to flip through the pages of these books. They are basically reissues of the old Maru Special(ship equivalent to Famous Airplanes of the World). If you don't have the original Maru Special, it's worth getting these. The only draw back is that the new issues are significantly smaller in size than the old Maru Special(about 2/3 in size?), making the photos smaller and less clear.

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