Attachment:
File comment: Photo courtesy of Navsource.org
Tucson SSN 770 resized.jpg [ 183.57 KiB | Viewed 1299 times ]
Hi everyone,
Welcome to my latest project thread. Submarine fans may have read my earlier post in which I mentioned building a model of the USS Guitarro for a former shipmate. Afterwards, my friend asked me to build models of the USS Tucson, SSN-770 and the USS Arizona, SSN-803 for display at his local SubVets chapter.
Not knowing anything about 688 models, I picked up the HobbyBoss kit, which is a ‘3 in 1’ kit with parts to finish the model as either an early 688 Class or 688 VLS or 688I. From what I can tell, this build should be pretty straightforward, with one exception: while doing some initial research on the ship, I learned from the submarines forum that the Tucson has a ring around her screw (propeller.) The HobbyBoss kit doesn’t include this, so I’m pursuing trying to obtain a resin ringed screw, but more on that later.
The Tucson is an improved ship of the SSN-688 Los Angeles Class, know as a 688I, and was laid down on 15 August 1991 at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newport News, VA. She was launched on 19 March 1994, and commissioned as USS Tucson (SSN-770) on 18 August 1995. Some of Tucson’s specifications include a displacement of 6,000 tons surfaced and 6,927 tons submerged. Her dimensions are length 360 feet, beam 33 feet, and draft 29 feet. Maximum speed is 25 kts surfaced, 30+ kts submerged. Her depth limit is 950 feet. Crew complement is 129. Armament includes MK-48 torpedoes in four 21 inch torpedo tubes aft of bow (amidships,) with the capability to launch Harpoon and Tomahawk ASM/LAM missiles from 12 VLS tubes.
The Tuscon currently has SHT (Special Hull Treatment,) but I am not going to try to replicate this on the model. I plan to finish the model as USS Tucson appeared shortly after commissioning, which is red lower hull, black upper hull and black sonar dome.
I will begin work on this model shortly, but in the meantime, if you have any experience with building this kit, including tips and critiques, I hope you will post your comments. Any input will be greatly appreciated!
John
