For those converting the 1:200 Trumpeter ARIZONA to PENNSYLVANIA:I have drawn up plans for building the Main Mast and Platforms for PENNSYLVANIA in her PRE-WAR (post 1935 refit) configuration. Before we go any further I wish to point out a couple important items and details:
1) My only references for these drawings are the available photos from various sources (incl. Hi-Res photos from Mare Island, 1942) and Alan B. Chesley's 1986 rendering of PENNSY as of her 1935 refit.
2) Modelers use these drawings at their own discretion -
I take absolutely no responsibility for their accuracy or your results based on your modeling abilities and skills.
3) These drawings are based singularly on my interpretation of the above mentioned references and are thus subject to "best guesstimate" reasoning - i.e., one has to be able to accept that with limited information, accuracy cannot be verified 100%.
OK, having stated the above, I would also like to note a couple observations regarding differences between ARIZONA and PENNSYLVANIA:
1) According to the Chesley plans, PENNSY had slightly higher masts than did ARIZONA - Therefore, the kit mast legs will not work; the modeler will need to purchase either styrene rod or tube (or brass...whatever
) to use for replacement legs. The kit leg diameters (being metric, not in inches) work out to 3/16" dia. and I used 5/32" diameter on my prototype. These drawings indicate both sizes although the drawing is done for 3/16" legs. I think the 5/32" dia. styrene rod works out better when all the parts are assembled.
2) The main deck of PENNSY did not have the same clutter of antenna trunks and extended deck house from the fwd. main deck past the break to the lower main deck just fwd of Turret #3. This area was clear and I have removed all molded superstructure up to the break on my build.
3) The fwd. two legs of PENNSY's Main Mast are located on the main deck just after the break in the deck, inboard of the boat crane kingsposts on either side. This in another reason the kit legs don't work. NOTE: These legs need to be sized
after the central leg is located and the lower two platforms are in place.
4) PENNSYs Platforms are shaped differently than ARIZONA's, thus the kit platforms won't work. However, they will provide an idea of the proper location of the openings from platform to platform for the ladders. PE from the kit and Eduard need to be somewhat modified to use. I have included the platform structural support steel locations (as I interpret the reference material) for layout of these items. The drawings list the Eduard PE sheets that could be purchased for the various fittings needed on the masts.
DRAWINGS:
I actually created 4 CAD drawings, but have only included the 2 necessary drawings for modelers to create their mast legs and platforms. The other two drawings are simply used for layout and design. NOTE: for those building 1:700 scale models, I have included the scaled platforms for 1:700 on Sheet #3.
Attachment:
BB-38 Main Mast Platforms Sh. 3. resized.jpg [ 170.44 KiB | Viewed 4067 times ]
Attachment:
BB-38 Main Mast Platforms Sh. 4 resized.jpg [ 182.05 KiB | Viewed 4067 times ]
Once again, these .jpg files are NOT to scale. Anyone desiring a .pdf that is printable to scale just PM me and I'll email you a copy.
One further comment - these drawings represent the Main Mast in PENNSY's Pre-Pearl Harbor Configuration, without the 50 cal. MG mount on top of the Fire Control Top. They also do not include the 50 cal. MG tubs added to the searchlight platform as shown in the Mare Island 1942 photos. As always, comments are more than welcome, good or bad!
Hope these help and Happy Modeling!