What about the float planes?

The project is almost done. The pictures represent the final "dry fit" and the only incomplete work is some minor trim painting. I am assembling a "square bridge" option using the MM 3D components. I am slightly modifying these to fit the kit as an alternate so either bridge can be used for display. I will post the two side by side when done. I chose the hull number since the model is really a "never was" and also for a reason noted later. What follows is the list of "after market" components I used with comments on assembly.

1. The 6"/47 turrets and the two after barbettes are 3D from MM (Steve Larsen). Steve developed the barbettes specifically for this scale and project.

2. The 5"/38 twin mounts are 3D from MM with barrels made available by Steve from his single 5" mounts. Alas my 78 year old eyes and the carpet monster won the battle of using the 3D barrels so I substituted 700 scale 8" barrels from the Trumpeter Astoria kit. Thus my choice of the "90" hull number. I added my "soda straw" handling rooms to simplify installation and allow rotation. No one makes brass barrels for these in 1/500 scale.

3. The Mk 37 directors are 3D from MM. Steve Larsen almost succeeded in getting Shapeways to print the dish antennas for them but it was not to be thus the model is short any radars on the directors. I choose the option of not using the kit directors since they are rather plain and really did not look good on the model.

4. The 3"/50 twins are resin from Starfighter. I added a thin wafer of plastic to stand them up a bit off the deck plus plastic rod to allow rotation.

5. The Mk 56 directors are also resin from Starfighter.

6. The decals are from Alliance Model Works.

To assist in the layout of the after 6" mounts Paul sent me some scanned shots from the USS Miami plans in a format that I could work with.

Finally Steve Larsen worked with me trading ideas and developing components that made this "almost OOB" project possible. Steve brings to the modeling community a skill and dedication that is extraordinary! In his words what I did was just monkey around and have fun.

http://imgur.com/GkM6CLh

http://imgur.com/Q2Ny2sx

http://imgur.com/4Mcbpky

http://imgur.com/1wEbP3a

http://imgur.com/DgmGsPX

An aerial view of USS MANCHESTER (CL-83) shortly after she was upgraded with 3-in RFG mounts. She was upgraded with twin 3-in RFG mounts in late 1952.



She was the last of the All-Gun CLEVELAND class to see active service and the only one still active at the start of the Korea War.

An overhead view of USS MANCHESTER (CL-83) on 11 June 1953 during her last tour off Korea.