I will start out by saying this project was one of my most enjoyable and one of my most detailed projects to date. It was very well detailed with the correct hull shape and length compared to other manufactures. It was relatively easy to assemble with only minor problems. The slot for the aft mast needed some adjustment as it was not big enough to attach the bottom to as well as adding the 40mm bofors to the platform on the aft main battery director structure.
So for accuracy on the overall model: there are actually several insistence that scratchbuilding and modification was needed to be accurate to the true South Dakota.
1. It is missing the forward 20mm location behind the 40mm Bofors at the bow of the model.
2. The kit is completely missing the yardarms so had to scratch build them.
3. The are around the officer quarters (where the missing 5" would be located) actually is not accurate in the sense that the 40mm 'overhang' is to low and should be a level higher.
5. A wall should be just behind the 20mm which was the officer quarters rather then it being empty space.
6. Missing platform extending out from the director structure towards the aft mast.
7. Spot light overhang is to high and needs to be lowered slightly.
8. 40mm director platform on the main battery director structure is to large and needs to be shortened
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Complete:
1/700 USS California BB-44 (Trumpeter)1/700 USS South Dakota BB-57 (Trumpeter)in progress:
1/700 USS Montana BB-67
1/700 USS Houston CL-81
Waiting Drydock
1/700 USS Guam CB-2
1/700 Sigourney DD-643
1/700 USS South Dakota BB-49