1/700 USS Idaho BB-42 (Dragon/Trumpeter kitbash)

This is what happens when you decide one day you really like cage masts and there aren't kits out there of the right ships in the right time frame to scratch that itch. This project was a lot more work than I expected and I admit it has turned out a bit rough around the edges, with many accuracy compromises, but I wanted to share it just to demonstrate that willpower and a sharp knife are a powerful combination.

Initially I was just planning to do a straight up backdate of Dragon's 1941 Arizona kit but I shelved the project when I realised the thickness of the hull plastic made cutting out accurate slots for the casemates prohibitive. After a different mix-and-match project though I ended up with a bunch of spare parts from a Trumpeter Maryland kit (including the hull) and one bow transplant later I had revived this project as a New Mexico class battleship. While not really accurate, I would say she is a closest match to USS Idaho in the early 1920s.

Unfortunately work proceeded quite swiftly from there (at that point I just wanted it finished) and I took no progress pictures. I chopped up various superstructure parts from the donor kits and threw them together until it looked about right, and here she is! I hope you'll excuse her flaws and be inspired to try something a bit wacky like this yourself!

Gallery updated 5/23/2016

© ModelWarships.com