Shipbucket

Heads up: Further research seems to indicate that there were concepts made in 1940~1941 of a 15,000 ton cruiser. In other words, this Type Kou isn't as fictional as we originally thought. Now, the design as it is would be made up, but it's "creative interpretations" based on historical concepts.

The ship's anti-aircraft guns were grouped amidships and placed relatively low on the hull. Thus, the guns could not be brought to bear directly forward or aft. Also, the island blocked the forward arcs of the port battery. As a result, the ship was vulnerable to attack by dive bombers. The ship's 12 cm 10th Year Type guns were scheduled to be replaced by more modern 12.7 cm (5.0 in) Type 89 mounts in 1942. The anti-aircraft sponsons were to be raised one deck to allow them some measure of cross-deck fire as was done during Kaga‍ '​s modernization. However, the ship was lost in combat before the upgrade could take place.

There is a nice model in one of the Model Graphix magazines showing an Akagi post Midway upgrade, with quite a few 25mm triple AA (even on the bow and aft IIRC) mounts and the more modern 12.7cm guns - also all the 20.3 cm guns landed.

There is a nice model in one of the Model Graphix magazines showing an Akagi post Midway upgrade, with quite a few 25mm triple AA (even on the bow and aft IIRC) mounts and the more modern 12.7cm guns - also all the 20.3 cm guns landed.

Yes, I do, will try to get some pictures snapped on the weekend for ya.