by Wolfgang Kring
1/350 USS Alabama BB-8 (Iron Shipwright)
The USS Alabama BB-8 was the first of the three-ship Illinois class of 1898.
The ships of the Illinois class were the only US Navy ships to have their funnels side-by-side athwarships rather than the more conventional fore and aft layout.
The main armament consisted of 4 x 13 in set in two twin turrets, which featured the latest innovation; the Royal Navy inspired slanted forward turret faces. The hitherto usual standard secondary armament of 8 in guns were supplanted by 14 x 6in .
Alabama carried four boatcranes rather than the two that her sisterships carried, which was main visual difference in the class
Alabama served in the Atlantic Fleet. In 1904 she had a refit and took part in the ‚Great White Fleet’ cruise, however technical problems meant the new USS Nebraska BB14 replaced her in this role.
In 1909 she was modernised and was fitted with cage masts and was commissioned back into active service in 1912 as a training ship.
She was taken out of service in 1919 sold to the "War Department" and was expended on September 27 1921 as a target ship. Her hulk was finally broken up in 1924
This 1/350 kit was made by Iron Shipwright as the USS Illinois
Ted Paris of ISW sent me the two additional boatcranes I required to convert her to the Alabama very speedily-and without charge- excellent service!
All in all an interesting model of an interesting ship.
