davidwaples wrote:
ssn705 wrote:
There are so many things I love when looking at this kit, but the bow is completely throwing me. The overall shape of the bow looks off and the arrangement of the VLS tubes and VPTs and surrounding areas just seems to miss,. I need to take a longer look, but there are so many things that they seemed to absolutely nail.
Dave
Oto and I poured over every detail. I have the final drawings. The shape of the bow is correct. The VLS/VPT door covers have the proper angle to them. They are not 90 degrees to the center line. The depression around the VLS/VPT area was carefully studied and reproduced. The towed array cover for the Block III was also carefully studied as well as the stern planes and sensors. We also made some minor changes to the sail to reflect Block III. What you don't see here is that Oto also has created all the masts including the photonics. Also included with a high quality photo etch set are proper hull markings (not numbers and names). You can buy the kit complete and printed, or you can get the print file and Oto will send you the photo etch, decals, and plans separately. You won't be disappointed.
Like I said in my first comment, I love the fact that you got so many things right and have so much detail. Some things just stood out to me. The big thing that appears off is the shape of the bow. It may perfectly match your drawing, but I would then question the drawing. On the kit, by the pictures that are posted, the VLS/VPT area appears to be perfectly horizontal (meaning the hull is constant diameter through this area). On the real thing, the diameter of the hull starts to decrease just forward of the "boot" (the fairing at the bottom forward edge of the sail) making the entire VLS/VPT area slope down (at a slightly increasing rate) as you move towards the bow.
What I am seeing could just be a function of the pictures that are posted, but I don't think so.
Other minor comments I would make... the Blk I appears to show the forward OTAAs for WSQ-9 but not the aft ones on the sternplanes like the Blk III. It is all four or none. Blk Is had it back fit so early = none, now = 4. And the "backfit" forward ones are in a different spot from "as built" ones.
Blk I port stem plane doesn't show a towed array tube (you have it on the Blk III)
Dihedrals fair in to the hull like the curve of the sail "boot" but the kit has a 45 degree straight angle
You only give the upper access cover for the starboard external launcher, while port is missing ( your bottom detail here is correct though)
Overall, I think it is a beautiful kit that needs some love for the bow. I am highly impressed by the level of detail across the boat from stem to stern. I'll likely order one myself.
Dave