1:200 USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) 68-69 (Trumpeter MISSOURI kit)

[Cliffy B]

Ooooo my ribbons look awesome!!!

This build is really shaping up!!!

[BB62vet]

CliffyB wrote:

Ooooo my ribbons look awesome!!!

Yes, indeedy!!! I have the small emblem in place on the after deckhouse, but I need to paste another copy over it - I got it sort of smudged when I put in in place. I should have a picture next week.

I also think I now have my Nikon back into shape - had to slap it around a bit, you know - let it know who was BOSS!!!

And, thanks for the kind remarks, CB!!

Hank

[Mgunns]

Hello Hank:

This is coming along nicely. The ribbons certainly are a nice touch and the directors by Model Monkey, definitely a show stopper there. The antenna's to the antenna trunks look great as well. Outstanding workmanship all around Hank. I am looking forward to the next update.

[BB62vet]

Mark,

Thanks so much - it's really nice to have your comments. It's only AFTER one posts a photo that you see something that needs attention - a bent railing, missing this or that. Always something!

Hank

[Channell]

Looking good Hank!

[Fliger747]

Hank

Continued good progress! I know what you mean about the photos picking out every discrepancy!

Cheers. Tom

[BB62vet]

Jason, Tom -

Thanks, so much!!

The lower radio antenna on the main mast is somewhat of a puzzle - it was a unique array that I haven't found on any other ships - at least laid out the way it was. It's a bit more complicated than the photos show and that's where the problem lies - I really wish I could find out once and for all if there are detail drawings at NARA that captured this equipment.

Hank

[Brett M]

Keep up the great work on this ship! I like seeing all the differences between your build and the more modern build I'm doing. Keeps me checking references when I see yours.

Thanks for sharing

[BB62vet]

Brett,

I really appreciate the comments. I'll have to check out your build, as well. While external differences are plentiful, interior ones are usually not part of the model. Of course, your advantage is a possible visit - something time has stolen from me!!

Hank

[Cliffy B]

Hank do you know the designation for the antenna on the mainmast you mention as being weird?

[BB62vet]

Cliffy B,

The only designation of the antenna mounted on the back two legs of the main mast was "LF Antenna" (Low Frequency) - that is from her sheer plan in the 1968 Booklet of General Plans. I have a copy of Shipboard Antennas (Law), but there is no mention of it there. I believe it was a One Off creation by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as they were responsible for her reactivation at that time (1967-68). I'll look that drawing over again and see if there isn't something else. I also may have a photo of it at my shop to include in the post.

Hank

Mon. edit - CliffyB - I was wrong - the BoGP (1968) calls out 2 antenna mounted on the Main Mast - the lower one is called "LPD VHF Antenna" and the one to either side of the access platform is called "LPD UHF Antenna". This is a very small triangular antenna on each side of the platform.

Hank

[tko24]

Hank, where did you find the SPG-25 antenna for the MK.37 directors? I can't find those anywhere including Shapeways. I need some for my 1956-1957 Wisconsin.

[BB62vet]

TKO,

You mean the Mk. 25 radar assembly above the Mk. 37 FC Director - the ones on my model currently are ones I made from scratch and are, well...not exactly what I would like to have. CURRENTLY, there are no commercially available ones out there for 1:200 or any other scale that I know of (short of 1/96 scale). However, this little problem is being worked on at the present time; that's all I can tell you. We'll see what develops!

FYI - You probably would need to contact Kim @ PontosHelp regarding a 1967/68 version of the Pontos IOWA class wood decking set which would work better than the 1945 version (if you haven't done so already).

Hope this helps,

Hank

[tko24]

Hi Hank, it's Tom, maybe you don't remember but we exchanged quite a few emails last year, you sent me a pdf file of line drawings for 1956 USS Wisconsin and some radar. My build is on hold for now, one of our Shapeways guys may be able to help me with parts for my 56-57 Wisconsin. I've tried the wooden decks on some other builds, I've decided I prefer to paint my decks and weather them with washes. I do wish an after market producer would produce a 1/200 photo etch modern radar set similar to GMM's 1/350 set.

[BB62vet]

Tom,

Oh, I haven't forgotten you or our correspondence last year. I hope your project gets the green light soon!!

As for the wood decks - if you decide that something other than your painting is in order, then refer back to this exchange of posts.

Radar PE Sets - Yes, it would be nice if the PE suppliers would add to their product line a sheet of U.S.N. radars common to the warships of the 1950's, 1960's, 1970s and include ALL the variations of those units. Will that happen? I wouldn't count on it, even though it seems that the late 40's - 70's are catching on with modelers so I would think that might be a good market area - just MHO.

Later,

Hank

[ModelMonkey]

TKO,

You mean the Mk. 25 radar assembly above the Mk. 37 FC Director...CURRENTLY, there are no commercially available ones out there for 1:200 or any other scale that I know of (short of 1/96 scale). However, this little problem is being worked on at the present time; that's all I can tell you. We'll see what develops!Hank

Almost ready.

In order to get the detail in 1/200, it may be beyond Shapeways capabilities. We may have to ask another designer-printer using a different technology to print it. Perhaps Carl Allsop at 3DModelparts.com would do it. I could send him the file.

[BB62vet]

Steve,

You 'D Man!!! Excellent work! I'll keep my fingers crossed for a successful interaction with your contact.

Thanks for all the time/effort on this item - I think if it can be printed, it will really go over well.

Hank

[ModelMonkey]

Hank, the designs are done (open dish and solid dish) and ready for printing.

Carl Allsop of 3DModelparts.com has agreed to print these in 1/200 - details being worked out.

As we used to say over the radio in the Army, "More to follow."

[BB62vet]

OH, YEAH!!! YOU 'D MAN!!! (I've emailed you, as well)

Hank

[tko24]

Hank, the designs are done (open dish and solid dish) and ready for printing.

Carl Allsop of 3DModelparts.com has agreed to print these in 1/200 - details being worked out.

As we used to say over the radio in the Army, "More to follow."

Wow, that's great news! Now I can check off one item that I still need for my 1/200 1956 USS Wisconsin.