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PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 3:39 pm 
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Location: New Jersey
Along with the Lexington parts I ordered, I also received Model Monkey's new USS West Virginia 1941 Superstructure.

Full disclosure: this product was the end result of my query to Model Monkey. I requested it, I shipped him the kit for reference and measurements (the part HAD to fit the kit) and a copy of the Booklet of General Plans. I also e-mailed him many Big 5 class photos given to me by Roger Torgeson. So please take that into account when reading my comments.

This superstructure is meant to replace the resin superstructure in the Blue Water Navy/Yankee Modelworks 1/350 USS West Virginia. As a result of my experience with the thief Gerry Marks, the BWN West Virginia I sold him (that was retrieved and returned by the local constabulary) was heavily damaged, especially the 01 level. The damage was enough that I felt that it needed replacing. Therefore, I asked Model Monkey if he'd tackle the project for me.

Model Monkey used the plans and photos to design this part, which is scaled to fit the Blue Water Navy kit. I can not say if it will fit the Toms Modelworks/Iron Shipwright West Virginia kit. This started out a a straight up replacement for the 01 deck and integrated superstructure, but as MM and I talked, it became apparent that he should just keep going and replace the rest of the superstructure. The superstructure is broken down into three parts, which should help when painting. The entire gun deck of the 01 level is open and compartmentalized, you'll have to source 1/350 5/51 cal guns to go inside the openings. The parts are crisply printed, with some layering visible. Some light sanding or use of an air eraser should take care of this. The windows, splinter shields and bracing really look great. There is even visible planking on the boat deck.

Overall, I'm thrilled with the way this turned out. So, while I may be biased, because I requested this product to be created, I feel that the end result is spectacular. To me, it's saved an expensive resin model from the dustbin. Well done, Model Monkey. As with the Lady Lex island and funnel, part are via Shapeways, courtesy of my (overworked) Visa.
Attachment:
File comment: The parts were well packaged
1941WeeVee01.jpg
1941WeeVee01.jpg [ 1.22 MiB | Viewed 2051 times ]

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1941WeeVee02.jpg
1941WeeVee02.jpg [ 1.46 MiB | Viewed 2051 times ]

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File comment: The largest part
1941WeeVee03.jpg
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File comment: All three parts
1941WeeVee04.jpg
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File comment: Picture without flash
1941WeeVee05.jpg
1941WeeVee05.jpg [ 1006.73 KiB | Viewed 2051 times ]

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File comment: Picture with flash
1941WeeVee06.jpg
1941WeeVee06.jpg [ 999.53 KiB | Viewed 2051 times ]

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PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 3:40 pm 
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Location: New Jersey
More photos...
Attachment:
1941WeeVee07.jpg
1941WeeVee07.jpg [ 803.46 KiB | Viewed 2050 times ]

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1941WeeVee08.jpg
1941WeeVee08.jpg [ 714.71 KiB | Viewed 2050 times ]

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1941WeeVee09.jpg
1941WeeVee09.jpg [ 655.59 KiB | Viewed 2050 times ]

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1941WeeVee10.jpg
1941WeeVee10.jpg [ 1.37 MiB | Viewed 2050 times ]

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PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:06 pm 
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:big_grin: :big_grin: :big_grin:

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PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 4:55 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:16 pm
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Location: Sequim, Washington
Martin I hope you know I am green with envy.


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PostPosted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 8:25 pm 
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All I can say about the Model Monkey superstructure parts I've purchased is, that if this year's Naval (model) Appropriations had been larger, I'd have a lot more of them.

I picked up the AZ superstructure in 1/700, and it absolutely makes the model. Aside from the fact it is infinitely more detailed than the kit parts, it actually went together easier.

My experience with the FUD material was fine, and the texture makes the structure look like what it's supposed to be- welded steel with lots of sharp angles and curves (not super smooth plastic with lots of little radii and parting lines). The impression I get after applying a little primer and paint is that the resulting texture, shading, etc. look far more like the surfaces of a real warship (i.e. Texas, in this case) at an equivalent scale distance than any other material I've assembled.

I guess one can assume I'm in the "It was blue" camp. But, I'm definitely going to get another of these parts just to have the enjoyment of doing the AZ kit again in dark grey.

Maybe I should step up to 1/350...

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PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2017 11:47 am 
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Location: New Jersey
Here are the 3D printed superstructure parts atop the hull of the BWN WeeVee, with turrets dry fitted:
Attachment:
WeeVeewithMMParts01.jpg
WeeVeewithMMParts01.jpg [ 2.03 MiB | Viewed 1820 times ]

Attachment:
WeeVeewithMMParts02.jpg
WeeVeewithMMParts02.jpg [ 1.63 MiB | Viewed 1820 times ]

Must...resist...temptation...to...start...immediately....

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"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

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PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2017 11:55 am 
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Location: New York City
Nice. Somebody's modeling mojo is in gear........


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PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2017 4:17 pm 
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:big_grin: :big_grin: :big_grin:

Here's what's nearly done (80% now) in design that you might like, to be followed by similar turrets for WeeVee:


Attachments:
Model Monkey 14in-50 cal. Tennessee Class Triple Turret at 80% complete.b.jpg
Model Monkey 14in-50 cal. Tennessee Class Triple Turret at 80% complete.b.jpg [ 136.67 KiB | Viewed 1799 times ]
Model Monkey 14in-50 cal. Tennessee Class Triple Turret at 80% complete.a.jpg
Model Monkey 14in-50 cal. Tennessee Class Triple Turret at 80% complete.a.jpg [ 97.98 KiB | Viewed 1799 times ]

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PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2017 10:21 am 
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Location: New Jersey
Spotting tops...we need spotting tops :whistle:

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"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

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PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2017 4:58 pm 
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Hehe, I've spotted them!

Should be done next week, along with Colorado class turrets about the same time (look similar to the Tennessee turrets above).

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 11:23 am 
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As promised, spotting tops are ready!

See: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=163596&p=719711#p719711


Attachments:
1-350 West Virginia Fighting Tops 1941.jpg
1-350 West Virginia Fighting Tops 1941.jpg [ 26.61 KiB | Viewed 1672 times ]
1-350 West Virginia Fighting Tops 1941.a.jpg
1-350 West Virginia Fighting Tops 1941.a.jpg [ 139.23 KiB | Viewed 1672 times ]
1-350 West Virginia Fighting Tops 1941.d.jpg
1-350 West Virginia Fighting Tops 1941.d.jpg [ 168.01 KiB | Viewed 1672 times ]

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 7:53 pm 
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These are awesome. I'm still keeping my hopes up for one of the Big 5's in 1/350 plastic. They're such an honor-worthy class of ships, I just wish some of these model companies would share that opinion.
Anyway, well-done Model Monkey!

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PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 8:29 pm 
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Thanks, Jim!

Turrets coming, too, probably ready in the next week or so.

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Complete catalog: - https://www.model-monkey.com/
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