My what if fleet.........1/700 (pic heavy)

SigfanUSAF · August 29, 2009, 12:34:10 PM

Hi All! This is my whif's I had posted on Modelwarships.com, so forive me for "cut and pasting" my other post. I'll add to this later, as I've progressed further on some of these models, and am nearly ready to start painting my USS Washington BBH conversion.

So, what if the Soviet naval threat escalated out of hand in the 50s. Things remained stable unil the 80s, when Reagan announced the 600 ship navy. The USSR responded with a 600 ship fleet of its own, which prompted modernization programs in addition to new construction.

USS Hancock CVT-19
Upgraded with the Antietam CV-36 in the early 80s as all around training and qualification carriers. The sponsons will receive CIWS and SeaSparrow launchers, for weapons quals.

A couple more of the Hancock (ca 1989) as the CVT, on the rarely photographed Sea of Poolcover. Starboard side needs work yet..... The hurricane bow was a pain, made mostly from Acraglass Gel.

USS South Dakota BB-57
My second attempt to modernize a Hasegawa SD class.

USS Kentucky BBH-5
USS Washington, USS indiana, and USS Kentucky were converted into BBHs in the early 60s in response to the USSRs Moskva class of helo cruisers. I also have started a model of BBH-2 USS Washington.

USS Baltimore CA-68 and USS Portland CG-15:
CA rebuild program targeted the Baltimore class CAs that weren't upgraded previously to CGs. Conversions on the 10 ships took place ca 1968 to 1973.
CG-15 reflects an upgrade to the Portland/Northampton class in the early 50s, and modernized in 1982-1983.

Not yet ready to show off is my USS Princeton, LPH-5. The 3 Essex LPH conversions were also deemed important in 72 and underwent an extensive overhaul in 76-77. Too many spare parts I guess

I apologize for any inaccuries, I went to the Navy recruiter 12 years ago, but he couldn't guarentee I could get on a ship. Out of spite, I walked across the hall and enlisted in the USAF.

SigfanUSAF · August 29, 2009, 12:41:29 PM

CGX "heavy cruiser" based on a lengthened Ticonderoga class hull:

Modernized Fletcher class converted to an ASW frigate:

Taiidantomcat · August 29, 2009, 01:06:30 PM

Wow

that is a nice Fleet!! Thanks for sharing

Welcome aboard

anthonyp · August 29, 2009, 01:28:36 PM

Very nice! Makes me want to get back to finishing up my fleet.

Sauragnmon · August 29, 2009, 03:26:49 PM

Thanks for bringing the stuff over here - I figured the boys would love it, Sig.

Didn't see the 350 stuff before, though - that CAG looks pretty interesting, and that Fletcher is just... well... inspired is a good word to start with.

Wyrmshadow · August 30, 2009, 01:05:24 AM

I love ships.
1 nit to pick. Since tomcats were too big for the Midway class, I'm pretty sure they'd be too large for Essex as well.

SigfanUSAF · August 30, 2009, 05:23:30 AM

Quote from: Wyrmshadow on August 30, 2009, 01:05:24 AM
I love ships.
1 nit to pick. Since tomcats were too big for the Midway class, I'm pretty sure they'd be too large for Essex as well.

Thanks for that note- I had no idea about Tomcats on the Midways.

dy031101 · August 30, 2009, 06:15:49 AM

No angled deck, no Harriers...... but I still like the BBH-5 a lot and can't wait to see it finished!

ChernayaAkula · August 30, 2009, 08:38:10 AM

Nice stuff!

Love the BBH and the ASW Fletcher!

Sauragnmon · August 30, 2009, 09:28:47 AM

If I recall correctly, even Phantoms were too big for the Essexes - part of what got them relegated to lesser duties.

Cliffy B · August 30, 2009, 02:10:18 PM

Quote from: Sauragnmon on August 30, 2009, 09:28:47 AM
If I recall correctly, even Phantoms were too big for the Essexes - part of what got them relegated to lesser duties.

I think it had to do more with weight. I always found it funny that the Essexes could carry A-3 Skywarriors but not F-4s.

SigfanUSAF · August 30, 2009, 02:53:14 PM

Well, thanks for the positive and informative responses! I have stripped my airwing off, and used them to populate some of my other actual supercarriers. The Hancock will stick with A4s, A7s, and maybe I can find some affordable F8s & KA-3s....

A neat exerpt from Wikis page on the Essex class airwing evolution:

QuoteBy the mid to late 1960s, the attack air wing had evolved. Oriskany deployed with two squadrons of F-8J Crusaders, three squadrons of A-4E Skyhawks, E-1 Tracers, EKA-3B Skywarriors, and RF-8G photo Crusaders. In 1970, the three A-4 squadrons were replaced by two squadrons of A-7A Corsair IIs.[16] The F-4 Phantom II was considered too heavy to operate from Essexes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_class_aircraft_carrier

Thorvic · August 31, 2009, 02:42:47 AM

Look up the Phantom HL, it was a development of the Spey powered F-4 for the UK with a larger wing and tail to improve performance for use on the smaller British carriers. McDD also quoted the USN having a requirement for the same aircraft so perhaps that would have been for refitted Essex class with the steel decks as per Oriskany.

Geoff

Brian da Basher · September 01, 2009, 02:59:12 PM

You're probably tired of hearing this, Sigfan, but that carrier is awesome!!!!

What an indroduction! Welcome to Whiff-World!

Brian da Basher

SigfanUSAF · September 02, 2009, 05:10:04 AM

Thanks Brian!!!

Quote from: Brian da Basher on September 01, 2009, 02:59:12 PM
You're probably tired of hearing this, Sigfan, but that carrier is awesome!!!!

What an indroduction! Welcome to Whiff-World!

Brian da Basher