1/350 USS New Orleans CA-32 (1945)

[Phil R]

After looking at that ,I`m taking up Knitting!!Stupendous build!!Well done sir.

[J. Soca]

Looks like one sparkling jewel she is one of the most cleanest buildups i've seen around here Dave.


Jose

[MartinJQuinn]

I'll second what Tony said. She is a beauty, Dave!!

[Dave Hill]

Ohhh...here she is!!!...my appologies to the Mods ...thanks guys for the comments they are very much appreciated!!!...Although I didn't get to work on her as much as I wanted to I had alot of fun with this one...I plan to take more pics and send 'em in for the gallery soon!...Happy modeling everyone

Dave

[Cadman]

We look forward to it Dave. Take lots of close ups so we can enjoy the fine detailing you added.

[pbudzik]

You�ve built an absolutely gorgeous model Dave.
Congratulations

Paul

[nick]

Your "Show Boat" and New Orleans look fabulous!

Can't wait to see more of your skills unfold!



Nick

[Dave Hill]

Hi all!

Finaly started this weekend building the display case for my model...I purchased a sheet of clear plexiglass and a pc of 1x4" White Oak. After determining the dimentions of the case I cut the Oak pcs on my table saw. On my router table I milled the slots and grooves needed for the clear plexi pcs. and the decorative edge detail on the top frame.





All the pcs dry-fitted...just some finish sanding needed.


Dave

[Dave Hill]

Hi All!

After a final finish sanding it was time to put a finish on the case pcs...after staining the Oak and letting it dry overnight I applied 2 coats of semi-gloss Acrylic polyurathane...when the polyurathane dried it was time to cut the clear plexi pcs which were cut on my table saw...when the plexi pcs. were cut they were installed in the assembled case frame and glued in with slow set clear epoxy.


All the pcs. dry and ready for the polyurathane.


The plexi pcs. installed while the slow set epoxy cures.


Done!!!!!!!!!!

Dave

[Cliffy B]

Man, how did I miss this build?! I remember seeing it when you started it but I somehow missed pages 2-8 Superb build sir, superb! This should be stickied as a scratch building tutorial in my opinion.

[Dmac37]

Hello Dave,
Just starting this build. Have wanted to build the NO Boat as my father flew aircraft of her in the Pacific.
Converting San Fran to NO as you did.
Would you mind if I contact you for some pointers if I get stuck.

BTW - the New Orleans reunion group was able to get her 17th star finally awarded after all these years. Unfortunately - it doesn't get much press being 60+ years past due.

Thanks so much and love your work!
Dave Mac

[Dave Hill]

No problem!...I'd be happy to help if I can!


Dave

[sirpaul]

David two thumbs up to you . Your builds are so clean it looks like they are built out of this world. As a matter of fact, I used your build of Big Mami to build my Massachusetts. And i live Mass. Great work!

[Dmac37]

Hello Dave,
Ditto to last post - awesome build. Found you in the New Orleans class cruisers book - I was blown away.
The authors kept mentioning how you did this alone out in the "wilderness"....like that was an issue...haha! I think solitude can be one of the best ways to build!
Anyway - thanks so much for your offer of assistance. I have not done much scratch building and will need to do quite a bit, as you did, to convert the SanFran to the NO Boat. Your entries are very detailed - an terrific log of your build.
Golly - even the case is a work of art!!!
Take care and Happy Thanksgiving weekend...for the next few hours.
Dave Mac

[Dave Hill]

Hi Dave,

Mr. Abby sent me an autographed copy of the book and I got quite a chuckle out of it...I may be wrong but I think the "alone" and "wilderness" refers to the fact I live approx. 125 miles north of Detroit in a small community of about 600 people. The nearest IPMS chapter is about than an hour away which I think he believed would make it difficult for me to interact with fellow modelers. Fortunately the Internet has shrunk the world and I learned very much from others on this and other forums that it's like having a IPMS chapter next door.

Thank you for your comments and if needed I have the areas required for the NO conversion reduced from 1/192 drawings to 1/350 scale.

Dave

[Dmac37]

Hi Dave,
Absolutely - I sure could use the diagrams if that is OK.
I was in the process of purchasing the 44 but thought I should check my stores - I did purchase a 42 San Fran when they first came out (imagine forgetting what is in a model inventory...haha). I was sidetracked with a couple of other house projects which put model building on the back burner for awhile.
I guess my question is - will starting with a 42 prove to be an issue or no more so than the 44 to the best of your knowledge?
What I was going to do was to build a full model and then evenutally another (after getting the experience) as she looked after the battle at Tassafaronga in Tulagi harbor.
I am still in touch with the New Orleans Reunion group and would like to share it with them when I get it done.
Do you need my email to send the diagrams?
Sincerest thanks,
Dave Mac

[Dave Hill]

Hi Dave,

I'd assume the '42 kit would work as both superstructures need to be completely rebuilt for the New Orleans conversion, I just happened to purchase the '44 Frisco but then decided to build it into the '45 New Orleans.

Send me your mailing address and I can send you paper copies of the drawings.

Dave

[Dmac37]

Thanks Dave -
Should I send my address in this forum? I am new here and did not know if that is OK.

Dave Mac

[Dave Hill]

Just send me a PM or e-mail

Dave

[Timmy C]

Mr. Mac won't be able to do that unless he registers. Once he does that, he will be able to see and click the Email button at the bottom of Mr. Hill's posts and contact him that way.