ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
I've always been impressed with the punishment the Shokaku class took IRL. I'm not convinced the game stats models that, but I guess CA-comparable Belt/Deck armor values is OK.
It's also mind boggling to me why Japan built Unryus and not just more Shokakus. There has to be a rational reason (treaty limits? shortage of materials? what?) - does anybody know?
At the risk of hijacking this thread, you should look at this 2010 thread which factually discussed Japanese shipbuilding capabilities.
tm.asp?m=2599283&mpage=1&key=Japanese%2 ... g�
Pay particular attention to posts:
6, 9, 11, 19, 20 (important), 27 (important), 30,32 and 36.
Alfred