Calling all Virginia-class (CGN-38) fans

[carr]

That's a big, impressive model! Thanks for posting the photos. It appears to have the CIWS weapons fit and SPS-40 but without the centerline ?antenna? platform.

Thanks,
Bob

[NukeMM]

Did USS Viriginia, herself, ever have an SPS-49 radar? All of the photos that I have including Ray D. Bean's DVD, show her with SPS-40 in a timeframe of 1976-1992. Navsource.org doesn' have any pics showing an SPS-49.

Navsource.org has a pic of USS Mississippi in 1990 with an SPS-49 radar.
http://www.navsource.org/archives/04/1140/04014016.jpg

USS Arkansas CGN-41 had an SPS-49 in 1992.
http://www.navsource.org/archives/04/1141/04014121.jpg

I'm wondering what I should use on my DML Virginia model. The kit comes with an ugly rendition of an SPS-49 so, I'll definately use a GMM replacement radar.

Another confusing feature of the model are the red warning line decals on the superstructure around the fire control radar arrays. In my photo collection, I see no red warning lines in these areas except for a hint of them in one undated photo and in a 1989 photo.

I'm trying to keep to DML's intent for how the model is to go together and look (which requires some self discipline) so, I've applied the red warning lines to these superstructure areas.

[carr]

I concur. None of my photos show Virginia with anything but the -40. I guess she was retired prior to receiving that upgrade. I've attached a photo of Virginia (the larger photo that this was cropped from shows her number on the bow) that clearly shows portions of warning lines around the forward SPG-60 but I can't see any around the aft SPG-51's. And, of course, all the deck level weapons have warning circles. Hope this helps.

Virginia.jpg

Regards,
Bob

[NukeMM]

I concur. None of my photos show Virginia with anything but the -40. I guess she was retired prior to receiving that upgrade. I've attached a photo of Virginia (the larger photo that this was cropped from shows her number on the bow) that clearly shows portions of warning lines around the forward SPG-60 but I can't see any around the aft SPG-51's. And, of course, all the deck level weapons have warning circles. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Bob

Bob,

I knew it would be you to reply to this, first. Thanks for the co-confirmation.

I, too, have that pic and I noticed the "arc" type of warning lines on the platform of the SPG-60.

I'm leaning towards using an SPS-40 for my model of the Virginia.

Can others share their thoughts on this issue, for us?

[carr]

As an aside, I don't know what Dragon provides in the 1/700 Virginia kit in the way of radars but Lion Roar makes a very nice 1/700 PE set of Cold War era US Navy radars. It's got one of everything including the -40 and -49. I got mine at Freetime Hobbies for an unrelated project.

Please post pictures as you build. I'd love to see it.

Thanks,
Bob

[NukeMM]

As an aside, I don't know what Dragon provides in the 1/700 Virginia kit in the way of radars but Lion Roar makes a very nice 1/700 PE set of Cold War era US Navy radars. It's got one of everything including the -40 and -49. I got mine at Freetime Hobbies for an unrelated project.

Please post pictures as you build. I'd love to see it.

Thanks,
Bob

Thank you for the Lion Roat lead, Bob. Actually, I've got a Gold Medal Models SPS-40 that I'm going to use.

I post updates on this build and my other 1/700 Post WWII USN projects on this thread.......
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=37305&p=349088#p349088

[navydavesof]

I think you're all crazy. Nuke, you should make the Aegis version.

[NukeMM]

I think you're all crazy. Nuke, you should make the Aegis version.

Dave,

I'm not into the Whifs. And I really can't grasp the fasination with all of the "What if....." questions around here.

I think that its my general ignorance of the technical aspects of ships and naval warfare that keep me from getting interested in Whifs. And then add to that ignorance my laziness to study such an in depth subject I can't see myself ever getting into Whifs.

If there was an Aegis version of a CGN already in production, I'd probably want to build it. Real or not.

I do, however, admire the knowledge and ambition of those of you who contemplate and build the Whifs.

[carr]

Dave,

I'm not into the Whifs. ...

Carl,
I said exactly the same thing several months ago (and fully meant it) and now I've been sucked into the dark side of modelling (WIF's). It was all the fault of some evil, twisted modelling maniac who corrupted me and lured from the path of true modelling. I won't say who it was but he's clearly trying to capture another soul. It's too late for me but save yourself!

Regards,
Bob "The Fallen" Carr

[NukeMM]

Dave,

I'm not into the Whifs. ...

Carl,
I said exactly the same thing several months ago (and fully meant it) and now I've been sucked into the dark side of modelling (WIF's). It was all the fault of some evil, twisted modelling maniac who corrupted me and lured from the path of true modelling. I won't say who it was but he's clearly trying to capture another soul. It's too late for me but save yourself!

Regards,
Bob "The Fallen" Carr

[Russ2146]

Yeah. well there's also spmeone on here who lures others into doing models of an obscure class of auxilliary, but I won't mention any names.

[navydavesof]

It was all the fault of some evil, twisted modelling maniac...I won't say who it was but he's clearly trying to capture another soul...

There's free candy inside the van.

[HvyCgn9]

I have started construction of an RC 1/72 scale USS California CGN-36 was going 2 do a USS Texas CGN-39 but liked the longer and leaner looking lines of the earlier design. At the moment I am still getting hull frames ready 2 start gluing she will be a plank on frame build with a f/glass coat inside and out. No good pic's yet but should have some in next couple of weeks!
Then I may start a WIFF USS California post!!

Cheers Bruce

[NukeMM]

One quick question...........What is the designation of the square radar array on the foremast of the Virginia? Please forgive my ignorance on this one.

[navydavesof]

One quick question...........What is the designation of the square radar array on the foremast of the Virginia? Please forgive my ignorance on this one.

That would be the SPS-48E long range 3D radar.

[NukeMM]

One quick question...........What is the designation of the square radar array on the foremast of the Virginia? Please forgive my ignorance on this one.

That would be the SPS-48E long range 3D radar.

Thanks, Dave!

Hopefully, I'll remember that in the future and won't have to ask again.

[Russ2146]

Have you guys seen this? http://www.seaforces.org/usnships/cgn/C ... rginia.htm

[carr]

Russ,

Very nice site. I like the chronological presentation of the photos. Thanks for the heads up!

Regards,
Bob

[Robin]

One quick question...........What is the designation of the square radar array on the foremast of the Virginia? Please forgive my ignorance on this one.

That would be the SPS-48E long range 3D radar.

For the time frame of Carl's build it was the SPS-48C. SPS-48E was for ships that got the NTU upgrade. The Virginia class all only got a partial upgrade on NTU not full upgrade. Which is a shame.
Robin

[navydavesof]

The Virginia class all only got a partial upgrade on NTU not full upgrade. Which is a shame.

There were not a lot of componenets to the upgrade. What did they leave out?