The Ship Model Forum

The fourth build. "Big Mamie", November 1944.

Main components:
- Kit 1/700 USS Massachusetts; Trumpeter #5761
- Deck; Artwox #20021.
- Barrels USN 16''/45 Mark 6; Master #SM-700-036
- Barrels USN 5''/38 Mark 12; Master #SM-350-017
- Turrets 5''/38 Mark 28; 3D Model Parts #U711
- PE Uppgade set USS Massachusetts; Five Star Model #FS700017
- Mk 38 Directors; Model Monkey
- Mk 37 Directors (Square Back); Model Monkey
- Quadruple 40-mm Bofors Autocannons; 3D Model Parts #U706
- Single 20-mm Oerlikon Cannons - Pedestal Mount; 3D Model Parts #U701
- 24'' searchlights; Shelf Oddity
- 36'' searchlights; Shelf Oddity
- USN life rafts; Shelf Oddity
- USN hawseholes; Shelf Oddity
- USN paravanes; Shelf Oddity

The kit actually represents Massachusetts in her post-war 1946 refit. As such, it has been backdated to November 1944. The main difference is the addition of two bow Bofors nests, a modified foremast with the SK radar and a different mainmast. And some other little things.

Main references:
- U.S. Battleships - An Illustrated Design History; Norman Friedman
- Walkaround photos
- And of course NavSource

_________________
- David
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Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

The current state of the build. The core is finished and I just installed the secondary battery, the Mk 37 sights, most of the Bofors and some other details.

More to come.

_________________
- David
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Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

That looks sharp!

_________________
Martin

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday." John Wayne

Ship Model Gallery

Very crisp construction!

Best regards: Tom

Crisp is the right word! I will follow this thread with interest as 1946 version is not something I want, but I do have this kit and 1944 sounds about perfect!

You kept the original kit 16in gun houses?

_________________
- @Shipific on IG
my gallery

Thank you for your kind words

Pavel, the backdating / scratchbuilding basically includes the following:
- Slightly different emplacements for Oerlikons on the bow
- Two Bofors quads on the bow
- A Bofors quad on a top of the Turret 2
- Boxy stations for Mk 51 directors on a top of Turrets 2 and 3
- An uncovered bridge in front of the conning tower
- An Mk 27 radar and a rangefinder on a top of the conning tower
- Different arrangements of the forward superstructure front side
- A different or custom bracing / supports all around the forward superstructure and the foremast
- An SK radar
- A different mainmast including the top arrangement
- A custom bracing / supports of the mainmast
- A third flag locker in front of the rear superstructure
- A platform hanging from the rear superstructure

I might forget something though.

And yes, I used the original 16in turrets. In fact I was not aware of the dicrepancies. Had I knew before, I would probably switched them for Model Monkey's. Too late now (facepalm).

_________________
- David
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Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

Great job. I especially like the dirt details on the hull.
I have done the Uss Alabama with some variations. I have to complete it with several figures to complete the ship that looks somewhat empty.

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On workbench:
LCS-4 Coronado 1/350
IJN Yamato 1/700 Tamiya
Plan Type 039 Yuan Class 1/350

Shipyard:
LCS-4 Coronado


My Galery:
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html
Instagram: Tamboshipsmodels

Hello, i also make a Massachusetts some years ago,
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=154578

Nice

Some small stuff added - most of Oerlikons, Mk 51 directors, Carley floats etc. are in place now.

More to come.

_________________
- David
------------
Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

The washes around portholes on superstructure pyramid up top look a little too exaggerated and stick out as if the ship is carrying badges or something. I just thought I point it out as level here is pretty damn high, please dont take it the wrong way.

_________________
- @Shipific on IG
my gallery

You are damn right, Pavel! However, I don't know if I am able to subtle the effect a bit without messing all around as they are already under a coat of the flat varnish. I try to figure out something... and if to no avail, at least I will be more careful next time.

_________________
- David
------------
Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

The entire AA battery is in place including ammo boxes for Oerlikons and Mk 51 directors for Bofors quads.

More to come.

_________________
- David
------------
Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

A lot of DAP's (Dinky, as parts) there! What I want to know is where you get those 6" long match sticks for comparisons? Scratch built? Very nice building at a small scale!

Best regards: Tom

Wow. Looking really nice now.

Yes, she looks sharp. I always thought these were the best looking USN fast battleships. They certainly looked the part.

_________________
Martin

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday." John Wayne

Ship Model Gallery

Thank you very much, really appreciate it!

Tom:

A core of the rear crane placed. More importantly, I tried to apply a bit of dry-brushing for the first time and fortunately it went quite nicely.
In addition, this build brought me among the members of the "scale effect" gang and I am definitely staying there. I added approx. 25 % white to the 5-N, 20-B and black paints and the overall feeling is much better when compared to using non-lightened paints. As much as I was happy with the Washington build, I cannot say it anymore. I will post a couple of comparing photos and the BB-59 is a winner of these by a mile.

More to come.

_________________
- David
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Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

I try to scale all my builds, sometimes it works better than others, but overall I concur - when scaled things look a lot more realistic. Your BB59 looks super crisp. I will try to copy as much as you did with yours (minus wooden deck, because i like to torture myself) and hope it comes out nearly as nice. I too am not that thrilled on my Washington these days.

For those wondering about scaling talk, there was an excellent bit by Peter Beischeim here, where you really see the logic of it and how well it works. Those dark german greys never are same afterwards... http://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck_c ... heim2.html

_________________
- @Shipific on IG
my gallery

This has been the psychological core of my modeling problem. I avoid the subjects I’m really interested in because I want to practice on something that won’t upset me. I then get bored and work on another hobby and never touch the thing that got me interested in the first place.

Hehe, I understand you just perfectly.

There is the comparison. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the Washington's camo, the 5-N and 20-B just seem way too dark for me and the contrast is too intense for my taste. Massachusetts just feels more "natural." However, it's a purely subjective point-of-view, of course.

I decided to "expend" the previous build (USS California) to find out whether this situation can be remedied. I was somehow able to subtle the overall darkness with a coat of very thinned 5-H all over the ship and applied some drybrushing then. I screwed only the port halyards so the price is rather low. I will build her once again in the future probably, however.

_________________
- David
------------
Almost completed: BB-44 ('45), BB-56 ('42), BB-59 ('44)
Just building:

Very nice work!
I think you lightened the camouflage colours just to the right degree.
Very crisp details everywhere and subtle weathering make this model stand out.
The older ones are good as well, but one can surely notice your skills developing.