Although I had this kit in my basement "stash" for a number of years, I hadn't planned on building it until a gentleman asked me to build his South Dakota kit for him.  So I decided to build both models at the same time reasoning that combining some common tasks would save a little construction time.

My basic references were Leeward Publications' "Ships Data 8, U.S.S. Massachusetts (BB-59)"; Shoker's "U.S.S. Massachusetts Technical Reference 2" and the accompanying 1/350 scale Walkowiak drawing; and Floating Drydocks 1/192 scale U.S.S. Massachusetts 2nd Superstructure Deck (reduced to 1/350 scale).

Fitting the two hull sections took considerable time.  The over-pour on both sections had to be removed ; and, additional time was required because the hull bottom was asymmetrical. As a side note, in the corresponding South Dakota kit, the hull sections had no over-pour and matched perfectly--must be a matter of mold used during production.  3-M Arcyl-Blue Glazing Putty and Dupli-Color Filler Primer filled the seam and prepared the hull for final painting.

Using the referenced books'  photos and the 2nd deck drawing, the superstructure was modified--the square bridge converted to a rounded version; tower 40mm gun tubs reduced in size with front platforms added; tower platforms reconfigured; and aft superstructure sections removed to create a symmetrical shape with new 40mm gun tubs added.  A major item was the main mast tripod base.  This was constructed by soldering super gluing some 25 brass rod/tubing pieces to match the photo configuration--a 35 hour task.  The main mast, tower mast, and tower yardarms were also scratch-built from brass.

Another issue was the location of the 20mm mounts, searchlights, and Mk 44 directors.  When I closely reviewed photos purportedly taken at the same time, I discovered these items were relocated or changed: i.e., bow 20mm guns increased from 5 to 7; single 20mm tubs changed to twin tubs; Mk 44 directors and searchlights interchanged; etc.  I assume after each shake-down cruise/trial that the yard made overnight changes. I finally selected one photo and worked to match that configuration.  Rigging (.002", -.004" dia. fishing line) and the mid-ship cranes and boat "stacks" also required quite a bit of time.  Other scratch-built items were the ship's whistle and siren, 12" and 24" searchlights, o-4 deck admiral chairs, searchlight platforms, target designators, etc.

I replaced the good kit barrels with Mr. Nuttall' 16" brass barrels (outstanding!!).  L'Arsenal's 5" brass barrels, 40mm mounts (6), paravanes, whale boats, and square life rafts and GMM's Missouri catapults and aircraft handling crane were substituted for the perfectly acceptable kit-provided items.  WEM Kingfisher aircraft were also used.  20mm (32) guns were a combination of kit and L'Arsenal parts.

I painted the model in Measure 12M using the referenced photos for the pattern.  Poly Scale 5-N navy grey, 5-O ocean grey, 5-H haze grey, and 20B deck blue were air- and hand-brushed for the hull/superstructure with Model Masters Acryl anti-fouling red and boot top black for the hull bottom.

I started this model in March 2005 and finished in September.  I kept an actual log of the time spent on this build; and, it totaled 456 hours. My original estimate was 500 hours so I guess I saved some time with this dual kit construction.  By-the-way, the South Dakota is still under construction with about 275 work hours expended (another 2-3 months to completion.

This kit was awarded Best Ship at the September West Central Missouri IPMS show in Kansas City