|
1/700 Build logs a plenty(BB-5, BB30, BB31, BB33, BB36, BB37, BB38, BB41)
Okay, so I went off the deep end. This all started with my BB-33 Arkansas. I got sick and had to stop for a good while. Back on an older post I had also acquired BB-36 Nevada and BB-30 Florida. Since then, I managed to find a substantial collection of older resin kits, many of them in stunningly great shape for their age. I couldn’t just pass them up knowing I have access to modern 3d printing.
First and foremost all these ships will be in their late war appearance(minus Florida and Utah) from 1944 onwards. The grand plan is to have a representative from each class of battleship that served in the USN, which was almost impossible 25 years ago.
The first on the slipway is an 90% complete pre-war Saratoga that needs a little TLC. It was part of lot that I purchased from the collection of the late model maker John Werler. She needs her mainmast repaired, safety nets replaced and most importantly a small air wing. Fortunately that’s a quick fix.
As for the Battleships, the Dragon Pennsylvania(1944) is waiting on parts but will be built together with TMW Nevada(1944). Most of the superstructure on these ships is all 3D printed…however I still have to fit and install lots of photoetch. I’ve already started on the replacing all the guns with brass barrels.
The Niko Florida/Utah are wildcards. You see there is a bit of weirdness with the Niko Florida kit. It is neither Florida or Utah. It’s a weird hybrid that makes no sense. Not to worry, as some scratch building(lots of Magic Sculpt)and prototype 3d parts will sort that out. Unfortunately the torpedo blisters are way out of scale, which will require surgery. Since I have two of these kits, de-blistering the ship to a convincing shape will at least be attempted. Keep in mind that no US Navy plans of this exist, so I’m eyeballing it. Oh and there are only like 8 photos to work from. This is where my TMW Arkansas kit will be used as a rough guide. If the correction works and looks good, it will be done to both hulls and we’ll end up with BB-30 Florida and AG-16 Utah.
In all the confusion I ended up with a 2nd Nevada class hull from Classic Warships(that old yes..) , which will likely be built as Oklahoma. It’s an old casting but again…3d printing for the win! The same thing goes for BB-41 Mississippi(also ClassicWarships)….it's ancient but 3d printing saves the day again. The main issue with those kits isn’t their age but the old school “white metal” fittings need to go.
So the timetable is.
CV-3, gets refurbished first.
Then Pennsylvania and Oklahoma should follow quickly. “Flor-tah” is up next along with Arkansas. Mississippi comes later and Oklahoma will be a long term project, since I never intended to build her.
Then we have the last oddity before I go for the Big five rebuilds. The oddity is BB-5 Kearsarge. I’ve never built a pre-dreadnaught before but the kit is looks to be excellent. It was cast by IronShipwrights and is from way back in the day.
|
|
Login
Register
FAQ
