Calling all Iowa-class (BB-61) fans

[Fliger747]

Missouri has the comm tubes slanted as above. The vents you picture above are either covered or plated over at present on the ship.

T.

[Fliger747]

Here is the current state of Missouri! The vents grill is there but I didn't remember it as it is plated over from behind.

I have no information when and where these were closed off.

[Cliffy B]

BB-64 has them angled as well. Look through my photobucket for some shots of that area inside and out. Those vent grills are the fresh air intakes for Fireroom #1. We have them unsealed as well.

[BB62vet]

The X Bracing above the dual oval openings shown in Chuck's photo does not exist in NEW JERSEY. Her construction was different (as are all 4 ships) - above the dual oval openings was a solid bulkhead. This didn't change thru the 67-69 commission. So, for all practical purposes, I may alter the lower director comm. tube if I can find info. on whether hers was angled or not (I'm guessing it was).

From photos of the 4 ships, it appears that there was no common layout & directive for the way and type of X-bracing that was constructed. All appear to have been constructed as the shipyard directed.

[Fliger747]

Missouri has the solid bulkhead but originally had the X bracing. Either the solid bulkhead was more solid support or some use was found for a compartment here. On BB 63 the wt doors are of a size and type suggesting splinter protection.

T

[Fliger747]

Possibly an error in the HNSA general plans, which show NJ with the cross bracing.

T

[Cliffy B]

Alright I feel like I'm missing something very obvious here but what are these braces you guys are talking about?

[Fliger747]

On the 04 level just below the round director base (midships Mk 37) it appears the ships all had an open sided area here with a prominent X brace. Some such as the BB63 have this plated in, currently. NJ was commissioned with the X brace.

T

[James M]

All four Iowas where built with the X brace over the oval holes director foundation.
This is the structure:


All of them have the angled director tube. It angles outboard and forward.


A small piece of it actually extends through the bulkhead.


The New Jersey was the first to have the X brace removed and the space plated over. The space is a auxiliary radio room.
It was done at the end of WWII when she went to Pugit Sound for a major overhaul.


The Iowa stayed the same
It looks like the Missouri and Wisconsin got it in the 80's modernization.

James

[chuck]

Based on photos at Navsource, New Jersey had her cross braces under the mk37 directors plated over during the May-june 1945 refit in puget sound. The cross braces were still there in March 1945, gone in June 1945.

Missouri had hers plated over during the 1980s reactivation. The cross braces were still there in 1954, just before she was decommissioned in 1955, but were played over when she was recommissioned in 1985.

Wisconsin also had hers plated over during reactivation in 1987. The cross braces were still there when she was decommissioned in 1958, gone when was recommissioned in 1987.

Iowa still has her cross braces today, having never had hers plated over.

[BB62vet]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the dates, etc. on NEW JERSEY's X Brace removal. Also, the fine pictures!!!

Hank

[Cliffy B]

Yet another random little eccentricity of the four sisters. Thanks guys

[BB62vet]

I was looking at NavSource yesterday and the 4 IOWAs were varied all over the place. Just about as much deviation from the "official" plans as in 1794 when CONSTITUTION, PRESIDENT, and UNITED STATES were constructed - "sister" ships, NOT Well, perhaps not THAT much deviation! I still maintain that it was due to 1) steel shortages at various yards 2) local shipyard engineering design coming up with solutions due to No. 1.

Hank

[Fliger747]

Time crush could be a factor as well, senior yardbird A has an idea how to do it faster or better. The prospective CO's also had some input.

T.

[Cliffy B]

Feel like we should come up with a master list of differences for the different eras. Let me know if you guys think this is a bad idea

[RandyM]

I for one think this is an outstanding idea and would be a fantastic resource.

I can envision a database (whether it be an actual database, a word/excel file or ??? who cares for now?) which tracks a feature from build to present for each of the four ships: ie., "Midship 5-inch director supports" with four columns (one for each ship) and row entries which record a relevant change for which ship on such and such a date. Links to photos, comments, etc.

A separate table for each tracked feature.

Or ????

[anj4de]

Hi Randy

That would be one huge spread sheet!

I would like to thank everybody for this wonderful thread...the number one source if someone is interested in or want's to build an IOWA class ship. I have 3 in my stock...1982 New Jersey, 1991 Missouri and a 1945 Missouri that is getting overhauled (very slowly) after the young man I once was butcherd it together the year the kit first appeared. (All Tamiya).
On my wish list...a 1991 Missouri/Wisconsin from Dragon in the quality of their Gearing class...and 1/200 if possible!

thanks a lot everbody...

cheers
Uwe

[navydavesof]

On my wish list...a 1991 Missouri/Wisconsin from Dragon in the quality of their Gearing class...and 1/200 if possible!

You're not kidding. That would be beast. I would buy one right off the bat!

[BB62vet]

An IOWA Class database - not a bad idea. Excel spreadsheet would be pretty inclusive. A few years back I created one for MSW forum on the John Fox Papers (1807) giving various scantling dimensions for the various frigates, brigs, schooners, etc. that comprised the USN of that time. It was a JOB - one I will NOT undertake again. While I'm comfortable w/Word, Excel is NOT my forte'.

But, this is a project that someone who is GOOD at Excel could turn into a real piece of useful information.

Just my 2 cents worth...

Hank

[chuck]

Hi Randy


On my wish list...a 1991 Missouri/Wisconsin from Dragon in the quality of their Gearing class...and 1/200 if possible!


cheers
Uwe

I will settle for a Gearing in 1/200.