Posted by Sean McDermott (via Matty) on January 18, 2015, 13:49:57 Edited by board administrator January 18, 2015, 15:01:39
--Originally Posted 1/18/15--
U.S.S. MISSOURI Guided-Missile Fast BattleShip
Click on Image for FULL RES Tamiya 1:350 by Sean McDermott
"I just finished...the new Tamiya...1/350 scale USS Missouri 1991 kit and thought I would share some of my photos...(along with) a brief description of the build:
Click on Image for FULL-RES
I used the Pontos Detail-Up set...(which) is expensive, but is an awesome detail set and sometimes overwhelming. The amount of brass pieces and photo-etch is amazing...and it includes the wooden deck as well. Also, it comes with resin replacements for the Phalanx CIWS guns, the Tomahawk box launchers, the gun directors, 5 inch gun turrets and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. It also includes two beautiful resin SH-60 Seahawk helicopters...(and so) provides almost everything you need...
The Pontos set is really what sold me on buying the Missouri kit in the first place. The tail wagged the dog in this case...(even after discovering) it is designed to convert the Tamiya New Jersey and is not made for the new Tamiya Missouri...(for which) Tamiya completely re-engineered the rear deck and therefore, the photo-etched deck sections provided by Pontos didn't fit. I had to cut all the deck details off and then reattach them.
For such a large detailed kit, I did relatively little scratch building...(including) the Pioneer RPV containers and the small deck house on the rear deck behind turret # 3. I scribed the hull plates and used styrene punched discs for the details along side the hull. I got that idea from a model of the New Jersey I saw on Modelwarships.com.
I decided not to use (Pontos') photo-etched superstructure pieces and added my own details instead. The horseshoe vent pipes are stretched sprue and the bridge windows were made from the clear plastic on file folder tabs (I used the green ones). I also used the Eduard photo-etched set for the New Jersey since it included details that the Pontos set omitted.
Just as I was putting on the finishing touches, I broke the (fore) mast, including the rigging. So, I had to re-do both funnels and funnel caps, the photo-etched mast platform and the rigging...Set backs (like this) cause me to lose focus...(but) in the end, the re-dos turned out better than what I originally had done. I got lucky...
It took me 13 months to build (this model) and I enjoyed it...(and realized), to keep from being overwhelmed, I had to break it down into small sections and build one at a time...(In this way,) I work on many, many models, but finish very few...(so) it’s been a while since I submitted anything, but I get on (ModelFleet) periodically to see what’s happening...
(Also,) I find I am better at building models than I am at photographing them..."
[Editor's Note: Your pictures are excellent, Sean - but you're right: you are an even better model-builder - and that is Really Saying Something, particularly with this spectacular build, buddy! - Ed.]
Thanks for the kind words. When I showed the finished model to my wife, she said it was "cute." Not sure what that meant, but I took it as a compliment. Just as I said I was finished and was moving on, I found myself scratch building two boat trailers so that I could add two more motor launches to the kit. I am also working on a CH-53E to replace the CH-46 on the helo deck. After that, I am calling it a day. My next project is going to be the USS North Carolina.
Now I've noted several, remarkably-complex builds in 1:350 scale - especially IJN WWII battle-cruisers - but none of them come even close to the level of detail you've put (absolutely beautifully) into this one, Sean! Looking at your pics (which I don't really get the chance to do closely, until posting them here), I got that same feeling as viewing those "Where's Waldo"-type posters: something new to discover, in every square inch. With more than a few remarkable items - like (especially) your SeaHawks - being true, little gems unto themselves.
And the rest of the Pontos Set: windshield wipers for the bridge windows?!! Just Off the F-ing Hook! And then, over every tidbit - every last one of the above details, whether accessorized or scratched - your weathering is absolutely drop-dead, spot-on gorgeous, Sean: I can feel the salt, the grime and the rust, from here!
If this is what "I finish very few" models looks like - then, let me tell you: I'm All For It, buddy!
Bravo-Zulu on a GREAT build, and a landmark submission to ModelFleet, Sean!
Cheers,
- Matty
The best modern battleship build I've seen - ANYWHERE
Every build I see looks a bit weak and spartan but you've nailed everything about the 80's Iowa's in one build. They were cluttered ships with stuff packed everywhere and you've hit the nail on the head.
The colors are great and the helo deck area came out great as well. I myself have the modern New Jersey to do when I retire (not many years to go!!) and I guess it looks like I'll be getting the Pontos set for it. Killer build my friend.