USS Columbus SSN-762
by Paul Helfrich

1/350 USS Columbus SSN-762 (DML)

Here's my latest submarine: the USS Columbus, SSN 762, a 2nd generation Los Angeles (688 improved) class, in the 1/350 kit from Shanghai Dragon.

The kit is marketed as USS Hampton, but it can be built as any boat in the Los Angeles class, the early ones or the "improved" class. The kit is the USS Dallas from DML's old "Dallas vs. Alfa" kit, with a "D" sprue containing extra parts to build subs in the 688 improved class. The main differences are the propeller, and bow planes instead of the sail planes found in the earlier boats.

The kit is airbrushed with Polly Scale acrylics. I took kind of a "kitchen sink" approach, using all the provided parts, including all six Tomahawk cruise missiles, all flags, etc.

The USS Columbus serves as part of the Pacific Fleet submarine force. Unfortunately, the boat was in the news earlier this year for some discipline problems that ultimately resulted in the dismissal of the commanding officer.