Maybe a strange question, but does anyone know when exactly we saw this model of the Shanghai JNCX shipyard first? I remember it was long before any meaningful work was done there, but I want to be sure when this exhibition was! And even more is there a better image available?
Yes, it was 2008 when they announced that they were moving to new site on Changxin island. The old site of the shipyard was to be built for 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
The image in #1101 above by Deino was posted by me a long long time ago when a demo module of a section of aircraft carrier (supposely 002) was sighted on Changxin yard.
What happened to China's railgun project. I think there was a ship based test almost 6 years ago. No update since then? Is it a failure just like US railgun attempt?
You have to keep this in mind: in 2008 the layout of CV-18 Fujian/003 CATOBAR was already roughly defined. So 16 years before the first shipyard test drive!