1/200 USS ARIZONA (Trumpeter + Big Ed + Mk1 Design)

[Voyteque]

Hello everyone!

Oh, it was a really long time me being away from MW Forum but now I am back with another great but also common model.

I am planning to build USS Arizona in 1/200 scale with full hull from time just before the attack on Pearl Harbour. In Trumpeter set I will combine two aftermarket sets with detailing parts - Big Ed (7 joined sets of PE parts from Eduard) and dedicated Mk1 Design set.

I hope You will not be bored with another Arizona build

So, this is how it looks at the bench:



I always like to start with structure elements leaving hull for later phases of the build, so I have started with the funnel. Of course, it needs some more small corrections but it is there for now:

[Strategos Augustus]

I hope You will not be bored with another Arizona build

Very much not bored!

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this thing.

[Wedgie01]

I'm doing the same build; with same PE kit. In fact, your funnel looks eerily familiar.

I started on this about two years ago, but had to put a hold due moving house, building house, early retirement and a few other life events. Hoping to get back in and finish it off this year.

Look forward to your posts.

Steve

[ArizonaBB39]

I'm never bored with builds of AZ! Keep the updates coming.

[Voyteque]

Thank You Gentleman. I also admire this ship, both for its dramatic history and its beauty!

After funnel I took to my workshop the mainmast area of the ship and this is how it looks like now. It is mainly finished, some few corrections are needed and few details are missing but still it is there.







I have also started to work on the other mast and control station but the progress is not at the stage worth sharing. What I want to show You though are the flag boxes which comes with the Eduard set. They are made of brass which tempted me so much to replace the stock ones which are rather thick... But after bending them this is what I saw:





It looks like something went wrong in design process and the side walls decreases are going in the wrong direction. I simply broke them off and glued in opposite direction. It looks like the parts are saved! See for yourself:



I need to say that working with two aftermarket PE sets is a nightmare. Especially because of Mk1 Design instructions which are even worse than Pontos ones...

For better understanding of the Arizona design details I have also bought this book. I love to work with them because they give clear view on every detail!

[Joe Simon]

Nice work! I have the book also.

[Voyteque]

Thanks Joe,

Some more progress has been done:









Working with PE parts can be painfull but at the end brings a lot of satisfaction!

Before bending, staight from the fret:



After bending, gluing, filling and sanding:

[SigEp Ziggy]

Very nice work.

[MartinJQuinn]

Nice work - the PE is very crisp

[ArizonaBB39]

Excellent work!

[marijn van gils]

Great work! This will be be quite spectacular when finished...

[Voyteque]

Thank You Gentleman!

Some more progress on painting and weathering.

90cm searchlights:








60cm searchlights:








3,6m rangefinder:






6,0m rangefinder:






Secondary battery director:








Control station element:







Funnel (some corrections still needed):








127mm anti-aircraft guns sets assembled:

[Voyteque]

And here is another gun - 127mm/51 cal secondary battery gun:

[Voyteque]

Some hull jewellery mounted:





Hull is ready for final layer of primer and painting:

[Voyteque]

Now, guns are ready to be mounted (painted and weathered):











I have also made a set (4 pcs) of paravanes:

[Dan K]

Wow. Superb work.

[Voyteque]

Thank You Dan!

Some more progress on painting the hull.

Bottom part was painted primarly with Hull Red, then I have highlighted it with highly diluted two layers of Dull Red and Flat Red. Finally, waterline and the rest was painted with black primer.

[MartinJQuinn]

Really good looking work

[Voyteque]

Thank You Martin!

I have painted the upper part of the hull. I have just one problem with the colour... I have used Navy Blue and highlighted it with a mix (Navy Blue + Intermediate Blue + Flat White) but I think it is just a bit too dark. It will get even darker after varnishing and weathering... What do You think?

[Voyteque]

So, I have highlighted the upper part of the hull with my mix (Navy Blue + Intermediate Blue + Flat White) and finished this stage. Tomorrow I will put the varnish and will go to chipping and weathering.