Calling all Iowa-class (BB-61) fans

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Guys,
Just started on my Tamiyacon project. The 1/700 BB62 will be built as she appeared in 1983, and will be in a two-ship display. The accompanying ship will be DDG-22 Benjamin Stoddert.
I know you DD Fans/Iowa Fans...another DDG-22?
This time the DDG-22 will be in her 80's config, and not form the early 70's. What can I say? I love the Iowas and the Adams, so why not a have a two-ship display?
This BB will be my third from Tamiya in 1/700 scale. What a great model! In spite of the 3-piece deck; the fit is excellent and the shape accuracy is awesome. It looks like an Iowa!
Lets Rock, Gentlemen!!!
faithfully submitted, Tony Bunch

[Poppop]

I'm starting to order aftermarket "stuff" for the 1/350 USS Missouri.. late WWII. I "assume" that all the Mk51 fire directors can be replaced with L'Arsenal Mk51's?

Tamiya provides several different directors (parts G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6?). Being no expert, I don't know if there is a significant difference or not.

Regards and thanks,

Charlie

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Guys,
Charlie,
The L'Arsenal Mk51's will replace all of Tamiya's kit provided ones. As best I can tell, the "attitude" of the kits' directors is the only difference.
Did you get the L'Arsenal foredeck? The L'Arsenal foredeck is a truly nice
"add-on", but then again all of L'Arsenal's stuff is top notch!
Am I biased? Yes, why do you ask?
Good skill to you on the Missouri build. Share often to keep the thread alive. Same goes for me of course!
faithfully submitted, Tony Bunch

[Anonymous]

Here are some in-progress photos of my scratch-built USS Missouri, 1945
Scale: 1/192 (1/16-inch = 1 foot)
Length: 55-1/2 inches (140.97 cm).

This model is NOT be being built from the vintage Sterling kit.

viewtopic.php?f=59&t=20890&p=219506#p219506

[Anonymous]

Here are some photos I took of the official USS Missouri builders model as it appeared at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington DC in 1987.

The model now rests at the Navy Museum, Washington Navy Yard in Washington DC.

Scale: 1/48
Length: 19 feet (228 inches -or- 5.79 meters)

The model was built by Gibbs and Cox Company in New York and delivered to the Navy on 22 January 1951. See here for more
information about the model: http://www.dt.navy.mil/cnsm/show_01.html

The detail is superb. Her paint scheme is rather unusual in that she is Haze Gray overall with very dark gray decks and interior splinter shields.

[Anonymous]

Here are some photos from NavyNewsStand of USS Wisconsin (BB-64)'s
60th anniversary ceremonies and other recent events.

"The battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64) sits permanently moored at her
final homeport, as a centerpiece exhibit at Norfolk�s Nauticus Naval
Heritage Museum. Sailors assigned to the nuclear powered aircraft carrier
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) man the rails of the battleship, USS
Wisconsin (BB 64) during a 60th anniversary celebration for the historic
battleship in April 2004. Sen. John Warner (R-VA), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-
VA) and Rep. Ed Schrock (R-VA) and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and Carl
Capestrain, president of the USS Wisconsin foundation, joined Rear Adm.
Stephen Turcotte, Commander of the Navy's Mid-Atlantic Region, in
speaking to hundreds of Wisconsin veterans and Hampton Roads citizens
for the celebration. The famous dreadnought, commissioned April 16,
1944, saw action during World War II, Korea and Desert Storm. Today,
Wisconsin is an exhibit of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum on the
downtown Norfolk-Va. waterfront. In the past three years, the ship has
hosted more than a million visitors, offering a glimpse into Navy history."

http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 0B-501.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 0B-505.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 4B-503.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 6A-002.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 6A-001.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 0K-002.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 0K-001.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 4F-003.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 9D-001.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 9D-002.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 3A-002.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 1P-504.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 9L-001.jpg
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 9L-001.jpg

[Poppop]

A couple of months ago I raised a question regarding the covers on the Harpoon missiles and the Chaff Dispensers (I think I incorrectly called them "ECM Dispensers").

During a tour of the USS New Jersey at Camden, I noticed that the ends of the Harpoon tubes and the chaff dispensers were each covered with a red cap. This corresponds with the painting instructions in the Tamiya kit.

However, all of the responses I received recommended Haze Gray for the end covers.

As I started my research into the USS Missouri, I came across the picture of the Harpoon missiles on Page 291 of Stillwell's book. The end caps appear to be a very different color from the Haze Gray tubes. So, my curiosity is raised again.

If anyone has any additional comments, or can shed light, I would appreciate it. I have sent a request to the Docent's on the New Jersey, but no response yet.

As always, it will come down to builders choice!

Regards,

Charlie

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Guys,
Chuck,
I truly appreciate your sentiment, as you gave me a," modeler's warm fuzzy".
I am happy to be of assistance...any time!
I must say that all I have learned is directly or indirectly attached to you guys and this website...our common ground...so to speak
Charlie,
What Missouri are you going to build? WWII or a modern conversion from the Tamiya 1/350th BigJ?
Let's not forgot to share..lots of pics!
I will do my part!
faithfully submitted, Tony Bunch

[ArizonaBB39]

Ok my Iowa class bretheren. Does any of you know the cheapest place to buy the 1/350 scale USS Missouri (WWII fit) model? I just bought one of the Tom's model works conversion sets and now I need the model. Any ideas?

[Tony Bunch]

I'd try searching on Ebay for the Missouri. Just decide what you max bid will be, (including the published shipping cost), and stick to it.
That is how I got the Tamiya 1/350 Enterprise...for $92.
faithfully sibmitted, Tony

[Gervais8]

I see in the picture numbers on the sides of the turrets. How are they numbered (layout) and are the numbers on both sides? Bofors, 20 mm, etc.?http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016302c.jpg

[ModelMonkey]

Yes you are correct, the Bofors and Oerlikons were numbered on Missouri in 1944-45.

During 1944-45, the Bofors mounts were numbered on the sides of the splinter shields, inside and out, 1 through 20. It is clear from photos that the port-side mounts were even-numbered, starboard side were odd-numbered.

Their respective directors have the same number as the mount they directed. The directors are numbered on their tubs.

Here's my read for Bofors numbers from various photos:
Mount 1: top of 16-inch Turret #2. The phrase "Mount #1" appears on the turret roof rather than the mount itself. See: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... k04540.jpg

Mounts 2 & 3: forecastle. These two mounts may not be marked with numbers.

Mounts 4 & 5: base of armored conning tower. See: http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016341c.jpg

Mounts 6 & 7: forward superstructure, just aft and above the bridge. See: http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016341c.jpg

Mounts 8 through 13: triple Bofors towers between the funnels, #8 foremost port-side, number 13 is aftmost starboard side. See: http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016302c.jpg
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... h62696.jpg

Mounts 14 & 15: astride the aft fire control tower. See: http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016302c.jpg
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... h62696.jpg

Mounts 16 & 17: aft-most mounts near the crane. See:
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... k04592.jpg
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... 210636.jpg

Mounts 18 & 19: mounts astride 16-inch Turret #3

Mount 20: top of 16-inch Turret #3

The ten Twin 5-inch/38 cal mounts were also numbered duirng the 1944 shakedown cruise and possibly into 1945. The markings on the gunhouse roofs are white, the gunhouse sides are black. See: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... k04571.jpg
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... k04570.jpg
http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016332b.jpg

At least some of the 20mm Oerlikons were also numbered. Numbers appear on the back of the splinter shield near the mount. Photos of Missouri during the New York Navy Day Open House as shown in Floating Drydock's USS Missouri Plans Book show the markings painted white.

[ModelMonkey]

Alternate possible numbering of 40mm Bofors Mounts 18-20:

Mount 18: top of 16-inch Turret #3
Mounts 19 & 20: astride 16-inch Turret #3

Rationale: the Bofors astride 16-inch Turret #3 were late additions to the plans. Both USS Iowa and USS New Jersey were commissioned with 20mm Oerlikons in these positions which were later replaced by quad Bofors.
See (Iowa): http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/imag ... k00825.jpg
See (New Jersey): http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016253.jpg

[harrier1961]

Hi all.

I just bought the new tamiya New Jersey and it is a great kit. I do have a question however. On all four Iowa class ships, during WWII, the number 1 turret (as well as 2 & 3) has range finders on it. However, in pictures from the 60's on (including today), they are no longer on the number 1 turret. Is there a reason that anybody knows why?

Just curious.

Thanks,

Andy

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Guys,
Andy,
The optical range finding, "ears", were ill effective on turret 1 and were removed shortly after WWII.
They were too close to the water, (it was determined), and all firing were solutions came from elsewhere.
TonyB

[harrier1961]

Thanks Tony. I knew there had to be a logical explaination.

Next question:

I would like to make a model off one of th Iowa's as originally built and one as last commisioned. I would like to stick with Tamiya as I like they's better. However, they don't make the same ship in WWII and current outfits. How difficult would it be to make either a WWII New Jersey out of their WWII Iowa's or change the current New Jersey into either the current MO or Iowa??

Make sense?

Thanks for all the help!
Andy

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Guys,
Andy,
You can call me "quick draw", as I seem to be the first to reply to your queries.......twice!
Here we go.......
If you wish to build the same Iowa Class ship in her original configuration, and in her final configuration, you could do any of these using only Tamiya's current 1/700 offerings:
Tamiya's brand new 1/700 Iowa in her original fit, and then build the Iowa as she appeared during the 80's using, (and converting), the Tamiya Modern New Jersey kit. Explanation to be dealt with separately.

Or......build Tamiya's 1/700 WWII Missouri in her original fit, (and finish), and convert the Modern New Jersey to the Modernized Missouri.

Or.......build Tamiya's Modern New Jersey, and convert the WWII Iowa to the New Jersey.

Or........Build the future release from Tamiya of the Modernized Wisconsin,(so I have heard). and then build the WWII Wisconsin from a converted, (easiest), to the WWII Missouri kit.

I have converted the Modern New Jersey to the Modern Missouri

here is the most noticable difference....which would also need to be done to the Iowa.....

I have built the WWII version of the Missouri...BUT...I did not build the Missouri in her FIRST COLOR SCHEME, (Ms32.....1944), but in her SECOND paint scheme..(Ms22...1945)..easier to paint.

There are a few other untouched differences that I am willing to share with you...after you have decided which ships to build...IF YOU DARE TO FALL HEAD---FIRST INTO THE IOWA PIT uummmwhoooaahhahhh
faithfully submitted, Tony Bunch

[harrier1961]

Tony,

Thanks for the answers.

Since I already have the New Jersey, it would make sense to keep it as such and convert either the Iowa or MO to a WWII NJ. Or would it be easier to stick with one of the WWII as they are molded and convert the NJ to one of them? In other words, is it easier to convert a modern Iowa class to one of the others or to convert a WWII Iowa to another?

Details would be appreciated!! It looks like I have fallen into the Iowa pit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Help me, I've fallen and can't get up!

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Guys,
Andy,
Now that the Tamiya 1/700 "Early" Iowa is available, you can almost build the "earliest" New Jersey out of the same box. Just re-arrange the AAA slightly, and paint her accordingtly.
Remember that New Jersey was commissioned with the exact same bridge arrangement as the Iowa, but only for a little while.

I don't have an exact time line ready, but New Jersey's bridge was enclosed, (in a rounded fashion), soon after her commissioning

and remained this way up until her first overhaul in early 1945 when she then had the bridge enclosure rebuilt to a "squared", enclosed bridge

nearly identical to the Missouri and Wisconsin's as commissioned.
There you go,
Any comments from other Iowa Class Fans is encouraged.
faithfully submitted, Tony Bunch

[harrier1961]

Ok guys, I have received help before, so here goes my latest question. What changes, if any, were made to the New Jersey from the time it was recommisioned in 83/84 to when it was decomissioned in the early '90's?

Thanks,

Andy