By Tom Wilson
1/350 USS Iowa 1944 (Tamiya)
BB-61 USS Iowa
By Tom Wilson
1/350 USS Iowa 1944 (Tamiya)
Introduction: This conversion of the Tamiya 1/350 U.S.S. Missouri was constructed between December 1997 and January, 2003. I'd like to thank Classic Warships, Gold Medal Models, and Pacific Front Hobbies for their support and assistance.Methods and Materials: -Gold Medal Models' 1/350 U.S.S. Missouri photoetch, with extra ladders, doors, hatches, and stairs -Floquil Marine Paints, custom blended for scale color -Classic Warships Iowa Conversion set (I constructed the masters for this set, then used the resin parts) -Cut away the bridge and miscellaneous platforms on the funnels and superstructures -Scratchbuilt parts of the mainmast -Modified searchlights by adding reflective film cut with the sharpened mouth of a ball-point pen -Cut away all 20 mm barrels and replaced them with smaller diameter barrels -Drilled portholes and scuppers throughout the superstructure and hull -Carefully glued and sanded the deck pieces, then rescribed the planks using a straightedge and knife blade (this actually lifts the adjacent plastic, restoring the raised detail of the planks) -Used fine wire for rigging
Results and Conclusions: This project took just over five years to complete since I took long breaks throughout. I'm glad that I stuck it out, and I'm pleased how it looks next to my Tamiya Yamato!
References: Stern, R. (1984) U.S. Battleships In Action Part 2. Carrollton: Squadron Signal Publ.
Sumrall, R.F. (1986) U.S.S. Iowa. Warships Data #3. Missoula: Pictorial Histories Publ. Co.
Sumrall, R.F. (1988) Iowa Class Battleships. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press.
Walkowiak, T.F. (1994) U.S.S. Missouri Plan Book: Sept. 2, 1945. Kresgeville: The Floating Drydock.
