WI Amagi survives the Kanto earthquake

Just a fairly minor naval WI. Let's suppose Amagi is not damaged beyond repair in 1923 during the Kanto earthquake. What's the most plausible way to achieve this, building it at another shipyard, or something they could have done at Yokosuka?

So Amagi is converted to a CV together with Akagi. Probably the funnel arrangements are same as Kaga's initially. The 1930s reconstruction should cost significantly less and should also take less time (no need to replace machinery and lengthen the hull), maybe freeing up enough funds to finish Akagi's refit quicker, and also fit Akagi too with 12,7cm guns? Not sure if they will keep all ten 20cm gun on it like on Kaga, or have it reduced to six like on Akagi.

Downside is likely Amagi only has twelve 12,7cm AA guns, and carry 9 aircraft less compared to Kaga. However it can hit 31 kts compared to Kaga's 28.

As to what effect it might have in WW2, perhaps Amagi shallower draft would avoid it scrapping coral at Palau and needing repairs, so it takes part in C-sakusen. At Midway, it's faster and a bit more maneuverable compared to Kaga. Old sources list how Nagumo was heading at 30kts toward the americans, obviously not possible as Kaga could only do 28! But in this ATL, he might as well do close to that, so he might be 5 miles closer to the americans, which may or may not have have incalculable consquences on the american attacks.

So what else could be different?
 
Top