USS Kentucky, BBG-66

Joe C-P · January 03, 2011, 07:49:29 PM

My interpretation of how the Iowa class battleship USS Kentucky could have been finished as a BBG.
I need to finish it up with little painting details, rigging and antennae, and a final coat of flat to even the finish.

It's a combination of the Revell 1/525 Iowa, Monogram 1/500 Chicago, and a photo etch set.

Captain Canada · January 03, 2011, 07:52:47 PM

Now that certainly changes the look of her...and I like it ! Great job, Joe.

anthonyp · January 03, 2011, 08:45:40 PM

Whoa! Macks. Interesting.

So, basically, she's got the Long Beach's missile battery with 16" guns? Nice!

proditor · January 03, 2011, 10:44:53 PM

SHIP PORN!!

Cliffy B · January 03, 2011, 10:47:48 PM

YES!!!!

Thorvic · January 04, 2011, 12:01:49 AM

Looking good Joe the rigging should nicely finish it off

With the Cyberhobby Long Beach and the Alabany due this year, it should make these type of conversions more vaible in 1/700 now (not cheap - just viable

)

NARSES2 · January 04, 2011, 06:31:42 AM

Like that Joe, has a very clean look about her

anthonyp · January 04, 2011, 07:33:05 PM

I've got some insane ideas forming on how to take those macks and superstructure and punish a 1/700 hull with them. Still thinking about it, though. Maybe one of my export Iowas... Or, better yet, get myself another Bismark and have at it!

BTW, I just noticed you plated over most of the deck, with wood on the superstructure and extreme aft. Nice touch!

sandiego89 · January 04, 2011, 07:50:51 PM

Excellent Joe, love it. Very logical.

1980's version would be excellent too , with VLS replacing the Talos, CIWS, SH-60 etc.

Joe C-P · January 04, 2011, 08:01:34 PM

Quote from: Thorvic on January 04, 2011, 12:01:49 AM
Looking good Joe the rigging should nicely finish it off

With the Cyberhobby Long Beach and the Alabany due this year, it should make these type of conversions more vaible in 1/700 now (not cheap - just viable )

I'm looking forward to the Long Beach. I've built a resin version as her in the mid-1980s, but I've also wanted to do an upgrade with VLS forward, new guns, radar and electronics, and remove the Tomahawks to allow for a second helicopter.

I've done an alternate Illinois, too, using a Fujimi Iowa and parts from incomplete Tamiya KGV and Rodney/Nelson, the story being the RN obtains the partially-complete Illinois and finishes it as HMS Virginia, a nod to both the US state and the Virgin Queen. I think I've posted images?
I also built a 1/800 Nichimo USS New Jersey "Faces II" (they meant Phase II) with the V/STOL ramps. A terrible model, but useful as a general representation of the idea.

For the future I'm considering the 1950s assault/commando version, and the 1980s VLS and helo deck aft.

anthonyp · January 04, 2011, 08:39:25 PM

Quote from: JoeP on January 04, 2011, 08:01:34 PM
Quote from: Thorvic on January 04, 2011, 12:01:49 AM
Looking good Joe the rigging should nicely finish it off

With the Cyberhobby Long Beach and the Alabany due this year, it should make these type of conversions more vaible in 1/700 now (not cheap - just viable )

I'm looking forward to the Long Beach. I've built a resin version as her in the mid-1980s, but I've also wanted to do an upgrade with VLS forward, new guns, radar and electronics, and remove the Tomahawks to allow for a second helicopter.

I've done an alternate Illinois, too, using a Fujimi Iowa and parts from incomplete Tamiya KGV and Rodney/Nelson, the story being the RN obtains the partially-complete Illinois and finishes it as HMS Virginia, a nod to both the US state and the Virgin Queen. I think I've posted images?
I also built a 1/800 Nichimo USS New Jersey "Faces II" (they meant Phase II) with the V/STOL ramps. A terrible model, but useful as a general representation of the idea.

For the future I'm considering the 1950s assault/commando version, and the 1980s VLS and helo deck aft.

The Long Beach is a nice model. They have the superstructure all separate from the hull. I've got it and the JAG resin one. I needs me more Cyber-models Long Beachs.

If you want to redo the Phase II Iowa, I'd suggest removing the flight deck from that Nichimo thing and put it on a SoDak. It fits almost perfectly against the superstructure. Makes an ideal BBH. Here's a few views of my Reagan 600-ship fleet SoDak.

As for your HMS Virginia, I don't recall ever seeing pics of it (hint, hint).

Taiidantomcat · January 05, 2011, 08:44:41 AM

The Kentucky looks great

That kit is a pain too! One of the few ships I have built and it almost sent me into retirement!

Joe C-P · January 05, 2011, 06:59:07 PM

Hacking these two models together, I think I nearly lost my mind. First a lot of careful cutting, trying to make them fit, then filling the gaps in logical ways, quite a challenge. But I had the models and I had the idea, and I thought it would work and make an interesting subject.

By single demand: HMS Temeraire

proditor · January 05, 2011, 07:58:00 PM

Heh, Temeraire is one of my favorites. Your corsair inspired the gyrocopter on the back of my flying battleship.

anthonyp · January 05, 2011, 09:23:23 PM

Nice!!! Now, how 'bouts an 80's "Reagan Refit" of the old girl?