So, I've decided I definitely want to build the HIJMS Tone. I'm curious to get your guys' opinions on the weapons layout. As she was armed with 8-20.3cm (8") guns in 4 turrets all forward of the superstructure, conventional cruiser wisdom isn't going to apply on how I lay my guns out. I've got a couple of ideas, and am interested in other people's opinions on how they'd lay it out if they had decided to do something different. Option A) dual bow guns in B turret firing straight forward or up to 15 degrees off either side. Option B) single bow guns one in "A" and one in "B", angled 15 degrees off opposite bows. Option C) C and D turrets armed with single STERN guns, angled out 15 degrees off either side (obviously necessary to avoid the superstructure) (note, C and D turrets point aft when aligned in fore and aft mode, so these make the most natural aft pointing guns) Option D) other ideas? Right now I am seriously considering option C, but am interested in feedback on what other people think. There's only been one small gun Tone built that I've ever heard of (and I heard rumors it was WAY illegal with 4 units) so everything is theory craft right now.
Mike, I'll have to look at the turret layout when I get home. What I need to look at is what turrets are raised or higher and what turrets are deck level.
Only B turret is raised. A, C and D are all deck level. A points forward, C and D point towards the superstructure.
Are you making her with the 6 inch or 8 inch guns. She was layed down as planned with 6 inch guns, and during construction, when Japan did not sign the second London Naval treaty, the barbettes were modified to accept the 8 inch turrets.
I'm building her as the 8" ship, as completed. While I am glad that treaty allows people who like them to build hypos, for the most part, I have no interest in them.
Are you sure the geometry of the ship will allow for arming option "C" ? My impression was that the real ships could not bear its guns that far aft, due to suppersturcture getting in the way.
Hey Mike, I was looking at Tone and arming the high turret would give that boat some very interesting angles for line of fire. It might almost be like a sidemount on a BB.
They look great. That should be a fun winter project, and I am looking forward to seeing Tone and Suzuya on the water together.
" Are you sure the geometry of the ship will allow for arming option "C"" You might be right there Specialist, I was just kicking some ideas around. After watching one of Bob A's old videos (IRCWCC 86 fall regionals I think it was) I've decided to go with two bow guns angled off 15 degrees on either side. The video he had featured IJN Myoko and MN Zara vs 3 allied BBs and a pair of CAs (Baltimore and Pensacola) and they shreddded the allied fleet...a lot of it with bow guns.
Mike Conway's gives the Tone class 35 knots, so I would say just go with the cannons facing forwards, and have at it. I think it would also be an easy build, as all of the propulsion gear would be aft, and all of the cannon gear could be forward. Very interesting ship with some interesting history too. Mikey
