Calling all Iowa-class (BB-61) fans

[Fliger747]

Missouri has the same issue with the upper works. The position at Pearl makes it a real attraction but an unfortunate climate preservation wise. The exterior bridge work on the 08 level conn has holes developing as the deck has rusted through such that you can see pinholes of sky. Yep these ships need a large deck force and lots of slave labor. At least Missouri seems to have enough funds to keep after the wood decking with an ongoing replacement program.

Keep up the good work! T

[RandyM]

Built the breakwater and started on the forward 40mm tubs. The breakwater actually kicked my butt for awhile: it curves along two axes, plus has to account for the deck camber. To make matters worse, I have no real dimensions - only the overhead view on the plans; plus a few very good photos of present-day (and I assume this area hasn't changed over the years/decades). I'm pretty sure the ends are not correct, but I have other issues to deal with at the moment, so this will have to do for now.

[Fliger747]

Randy:

Will see if I have any photos of the breakwater. I don't remember lightening holes in the support brackets, but could be wrong.

Cheers: Tom

[Cliffy B]

There are definitely lightening holes in them. Look through the photos I have on my Photobucket as I have some of Wisky's breakwater. I can take some more tomorrow as well if you'd like.

[RandyM]

This is the best photo I've found of Missouri's breakwater: of course it is contemporary and I don't know what - if anything - of the basic structure has changed over the years. And I keep forgetting to look through Cliffy's photo collection.

[Fliger747]

Yep that's it, I don't know if my photo is better or not, probably taken from the stbd side. About the only difference is in the placement of the mushroom vents side to side.

Cheers. Tom

[Fliger747]

Not any better but aditional info, hope it helps a bit.

Tom

[RandyM]

Curiously, the FDD plans call out two different-sized vents for this area (24- and 28-inch).

[James M]

Her's a 1940's photo of the breakwater on the Iowa.



James

[Fliger747]

Love those 40's photos for the clarity and tonal depth. Probably taken on 4x5 pan X.

Thanks. T

[RandyM]

Awesome photo - thanks.

I think I'm getting there. Building - virtually - the 40mm tubs and directors this evening.

http://www.nulspace.com/hobbies/missouri/111014a.JPG

[Cliffy B]

Curiously, the FDD plans call out two different-sized vents for this area (24- and 28-inch).

Funny you mention that as I've been meaning to measure ours. Noticed the other day that they weren't exactly symmetrical in relation to the breakwater itself. As if they were different sizes or one was closer to the breakwater than the other. Thought it was simply the way we have them sealed but now that you mention the plans you have me thinking One is simply wrapped at the bottom and resembles a bucket vent. The other has a flare near the bottom before it meets the deck that winds up covering part of one of the support brackets on the breakwater.

I'll take some photos and measurements tomorrow and see if I can find the main deck sheet in our plans we have aboard and consult that as well providing I have time

[RandyM]

Amazing resource - thanks Cliff. The plans call for the port vent to be 24" mushroom, approx. 13-feet off centerline at frame ~ 45.8, and the stbd side vent to be 28" mushroom 16-feet 5-1/2" off centerline at same frame location.

[RandyM]

Here's the current state of this area (this view shows only the maindeck subassembly)... the angle and camber of the deck cause real problems for me - as evidenced by the floating pedestals for the director tubs and the entry areas to the 40mm tubs (look closely and you'll see what I mean).

I've been thinking about how to model the waterway: when I built the hull loft I didn't know it was there (still hadn't found my way around the plans). I assume the feature is created simply by the wood deck laying on top of the steel structure - is this correct? In other words, in areas where there is no wood overlay (ie., in the bow) there is no waterway?

http://www.nulspace.com/hobbies/missouri/111014b.JPG

EDIT: ok, here's one more that I personally think is pretty cool. The 3d model is now so large that this level of rendering takes over an hour. James: I have corrected the grab rails on the 5-inch mounts per your suggestion: thank you.

http://www.nulspace.com/hobbies/missouri/110814a.jpg

[Fliger747]

Looking good!

in the spirit of everyone's mileage may vary, it appears that at least on Mo that turret one has no grab rail on the back of the turret. It may be that early in the war that Mo had no grab rails on top of turret one though they are certainly on the sides before Korea. They may be missing from turret three early in her career as well.

More nit lid detail!

Cheers. Tom

[Guest]

I've been thinking about how to model the waterway: when I built the hull loft I didn't know it was there (still hadn't found my way around the plans). I assume the feature is created simply by the wood deck laying on top of the steel structure - is this correct? In other words, in areas where there is no wood overlay (ie., in the bow) there is no waterway?

Correct! Along the outer edge of the wood there is a thin strip of metal acting as a frame. We just had our portside waterways completely restored back to bare metal and repainted so I'll get some photos before we put the snaking back up.

Also, there is a short section along the forward BOTH sides of the superstructure where they planked the deck all the way to the deck edge for some reason. Do your plans show that at all? Anyone have any idea as to why they did that?

Photos to follow tonight gentlemen!

-Cliffy

[BB62vet]

Cliffy B wrote:

Also, there is a short section along the forward BOTH sides of the superstructure where they planked the deck all the way to the deck edge for some reason. Do your plans show that at all? Anyone have any idea as to why they did that?

Is this along the sides of the main deck up near where the 01 Level begins to taper towards Turret #2 Barbett? I'll look at my refs. tonight and see if there is anything on NJ that would fit your description. The pictures will certainly help figuring this out.

My only off-the-wall answer would be possibly that they decked the area that way for use as a "Quarterdeck" area - receiving guests, etc. The fwd. brow was usually the officer's gangway, the after brow for enlisted.

Your pix may give a clue.

Hank

[Cliffy B]

Actually I meant the main deck. Sorry was typing fast this morning. Didn't have time to take any photos today. We had a rainy yet busy Veteran's Day. I'll get the photos/measurements this week, don't worry.

Did take a few of Old Glory though. We broke out our number 3 for the day

[RandyM]

Added some additional shielding, ladders, ready service lockers and other items.

Tom: thanks - I'll take a look at the photos I have and modify as noted.

http://www.nulspace.com/hobbies/missouri/111114a.JPG

[Fliger747]

There also appears to be a short section midships both sides. Amazingly enough this is on my model! So long ago I did this planking (many years) I have no recollection.

Cheers. Tom