1:350 USS Texas BB 35

[DonC]

All, I have wanted to build a model of the USS in plastic for a loooong time. I actually built the Resin 1:700 Texas by Samek about two years ago as I doubted that one would ever come out. Then, lo and behold, Trumpeter released a 1:350 model this summer. I'll post some blow by blow accounts as I build her, but please be patient - this is going to take months!

Don

[DonC]

I will say that I was a little disappointed n the fit of the hull, as I had read that Trumpeter kits fit well together - while the bow and stern fit seamlessly, I had a 1 mm gap running about 80% on the bottom of the hull that I could only close by using clamps and even my garage vise, and still had to use a small amount of putty. The interior bulkheads were a nice touch and really make the hull solid.

[DonC]

I will complete the kit is US Navy Measure 21 as she wore during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns n the Pacific. My 1:700 kit I modeled on her appearance just prior to D-Day.

Don

[Mike Swan]

Don,

Please keep us updated with major progress photos.

I'm trying to motivate myself to start a Tamiya Bismarck that's been tucked away for about 20 years.

Mike

[Jeff V]

Looking good Don!

[Chet Sowersby]

A long way to go but I'm looking forward to it.

Chet

[juoneen]

Too bad we didn't know you were taking on this task a week ago. I saw several books relating to the U.S. Texas . OF course there were different period ships called the U.S. Texas. looks like this is going to be a fun project to complete. I admire the folks who have the patience to do them right. I look forward to watching this model transform.

[DonC]

Thanks, J -

I live about 125 miles from LaPorte so I have had several opportunities to visit the Texas and take copious pictures over the years. I also have the book on Texas that was done right after her most recent major restoration.

I am at the boring stage right now - painting, repainting, and detail painting . I am going to start on the 20 mm and 40 mm mounts tonight if I have some time...

Don

[juoneen]

Unless a person has put together one like this, when completed and the novice is gazing upon the completed model....one has no concepts as to how much time the sum total of the work represents.

Completing a task such as yours takes patience, determination, dedication, and above all else....lots of time. Think of it as therapy from life's frustrations directed to the new frustration.

My brother would take years to complete aircraft wooden models...and on one he added a model airplane engine, and a small gas tank.....took the completed P51 to the airport near where we lived in the country, set the rudder to circle, and climb....started it up, gave it a pitch, and it climbed to the heavens out of sight never to be seen again after years of putting it together.

At least in your case your model will sit on a shelf or possibly in a glass case, and be Oogled over for years to come....not like the Zeppelin I made from scratch to win the led Zeppelin complete record collection tower records had running on the radio once.
With one wag of my dogs tail its was broken in half one day when I was showing it to the neighbor kid, and so I gave it to him to keep....since it had accomplished its purpose anyway to win the record collection .

I feel confident your Texas will be something that will bring you enjoyment , and a feeling of accomplishment as only you will look at it, and still see it in various stages of completion others will not see, nor appreciate . Problem is : time to work on it comes in bits and sprints....many times robbed from other chores when possible and never seems to feel like much got done although slowly it transforms into the pieces to the ship....as a suggestion ...may I recommend either a time lapse photo session with a camera throughout the construction, or even just still shots during its building to show your admirers how it grew from a kit to the final result for better appreciation of your efforts to the final result. This is something that would have been too costly to do in photos back when I was making models as now we have the advent of digital photography, and even digital HD camcorders so whatever way you decide...think about taking shots along with each small step....to the long and winding road you are on and I bet one day the photos of the building of the Texas may outlive the model . Nothing says it like having it in photos or a video..just might get a million hits on you tube ...who knows?

[DonC]

It's probably a good thing that I said I would be posting progress shots here to keep me accountable. Here's some roughed-out 20 mm mounts that I started on last night - only 48 to go, I believe...

Don

[Heydrich]

Hi Don!

Nice to see that you are interested in scale modelling too! USS Texas is a really impressive and forceful battleship, so you made a good choise

As far as I can see from here, you have good skill in airbrush painting. What kind of paint did you use?

By the way, don't forget to make an emphasis on huge horisontal surfaces on the model with slightly lightened base color - it looks good in any scale

[DonC]

Thanks for the advice! Using Tamiya acrylics for now - not sure yet what I will use for final weathering. Almost done with the 20 mm and will start n the 40's next.

Don

[DonC]

OK - It's been over two months and life has gotten in the way a few times, but here's some more photos. Please excuse the rough painting thus far - there's lots of detail work to be done. The photoetched parts are a bear to put together, but they make a huge difference when they start to be added to the superstructure. Fit has been pretty good since the hull issues. My only complaint now is that the instructions, while detailed, often do not show exactly where a part needs to be placed - they would have been better served to have an exploded view of each step to help guide placement. All 20mm, 40mm, 3 inch and 5 inch mounts are completed and awaiting installation.

Don

[Federico Perez]

Looking great!!! the small details and the amount of them is what makes these models so interesting, apart of course of their 1/1 scale counterparts historical relevance an importance. Looking forward for more updates.

[Tom B]

Great so far...keep those updates coming ! Tom