USS Arizona by popeye the sailor - Revell - 1:426 scale - PLASTIC

[cog]

5 hours ago, SigEp Ziggy said:

Thanks for the welcome and advise. I once visited Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial back in the '70's when I was 12. I bought the book 'Tora, tora, tora' and the Revell model kit as souvenirs back then. I still remember the huge scale model of her at the memorial. But then I saw online a large scale model of the memorial and the Arizona as she is now. That's what I want to model. Model Shipways makes a 426/429 scale version of the memorial and is on my wish list. I have a kit of the Arizona in my stash, just waiting!

So, what are you waiting for?

[SigEp Ziggy]

Well, have done some image hunting and came up with these as plans and what the model should look like. However, I may have to start my own build log, as to not step on popeye's Arizona's toes.

 

 

 

 

[popeye the sailor]

I have those images and probably a couple more.  if you look into some of the links I posted,  you'll see a lot more.  they received another model of the Arizona since you last visited......this one was suppose to have dispelled the question of her paint at the time of Pearl.  I kinda ran with it for a while,  mixing different shades of gray to see if a bluish hue could be derived.  a while after I had given up the quest,  and the paint I had mixed turned to jelly, I made a discovery.  under certain camera angles,  Battleship Gray changes to a bluish hue.  with this new bit of knowledge,  I decided to go with the battleship gray and repaint her.  by all means......do a log on the memorial.......it will look much better than that bronze diorama you've shown     I don't think the tide goes that low.

Edited July 21, 2019 by popeye the sailor

[popeye the sailor]

here are some progress pictures from the other day.   I wish I have more time with her.......could have gotten a lot further.   I began with the planes....they got the second coat on the wings beforehand......I painted the stabilizers and rudders.  I'll get to the cowls later.

there were a couple more levels to the structure that I still needed to trim off the railings.   as mentioned,  it was dependent on whether or not I had enough 1:350 railings.  well damn the torpedoes I say.........'tis enough that I have a few other pieces that I've already put the knife to    here is one of them that I started to apply the railings.

wait!........this other part is sandwiched under this level.  it did not see the knife,  since I saw too little of bare railing detail.  I left it with solid casements.

....already painted so I wouldn't miss hard to reach places    the other parts I mentioned are shown here.........if I were to ask you for any parts Ziggy, the parts for the tops would be it.  I have been trying to square up all the windows,  but it seems that I'm not winning the battle.  I may fiddle with them a little more,  but I'm afraid this is what I'm left with.

this level was trimmed in three places.  so far,  I'm working with the odd cut of railings.......I've only used one full length......got a bunch of short sections with the PE.  noting that some of the railings differ,  I'm making sure to use the same type for each level.....it won't look so weird   

as can be seen,  I'm using the dowel method to bend the railings.......also to smooth out any CA puddlings..   it was then time for one of the two odd pieces to be done.

lots of bends to this little bugger!  while 'anti me' is fumbling with that,  I'll show you what I've done with the ship's boats.  first they were painted battleship gray.

the two boats with the cabins were assembled and masked off with the others.  the bottoms were painted with the primer red antifoul.

.....OK Anti Me.......time to go back into the black hole........looks like your finished     .....three sections you say..........well,  you did a great job of hiding the seams.   I'm proud of you!  tell Andromeda I said hello............🔭

[popeye the sailor]

now to start on that other odd ball........much smaller than the rest of them.  it pictured in the last couple pictures {along with the picture that decided to photo bomb! }

 

the windows that I applied the window maker.....the two housings on the funnel,  are now dry.  I've touched them up a bit.

and as can be seen,  the boats have been unmasked.......very minor touch ups will be done,  and then they can be stacked {the ones that are to be stacked}. 

the tops of those two boats will see some white.......the color I dread the most {the ghosts come out.........scary  }.   the smaller piece is done now.

....and that uses up all of the short sections of railing....if I do any more,  I will have to use a full length.  I did paint the thwarts in the ship's boats....it's hard to tell with them stacked like this.  it can be seen though in the lone one,  and the ones on top.

the tops are painted with a single coat of flat white.........I was going to use light Ghost gray.........would have had the same outcome?

nawwwww.......that would be like calling the kettle black     I have also done some painting on the deck.

[Jim Lad]

Lots of interesting lits bits, Popeye.  She's progressing well.

 

John

[cog]

7 hours ago, popeye the sailor said:

I was going to use light Ghost gray.........would have had the same outcome?

AT this scale, colours should be lighter to make the objet look farther away, so actually your choice is quite good!

[Canute]

White is translucent, so you need multiple coats. Like painting anything yellow or red. Using a light gray primer would help some, but translucent colors like those are a bear to do well. Looking good, Denis.

 

I remember building this eons ago and mixing up a gray blue deck color. I thought it was wrong, but what did we know back then.

[Javlin]

All is looking good Denis Kevin

[popeye the sailor]

thanks to everyone for the kind replies.  we're going through the second day of the oppressive heat that the mid section of the country has endured.....

.....working in it is not fun I refuse to complain though.......I'm not a winter person,  and summers can be short.

 

there is so much controversy about the paint scheme ........I still contend that fading,  water reflection,   and hue refraction from the paint may have played a factor.   I guess the best thing to do is to stick with the naval colors of the period.

 

a couple more days of work,  and then I can get back to more painting.   I can start to assemble the tripod masts........and once I'm finished with the deck stuff,  I can begin to build upward     thanks again for look'in in and the likes  

[popeye the sailor]

I can't believe it!........I got home from work Tuesday.....the usual hub-bub.   have a few beers.......complain to the admiral........shower........eat supper,  and then doze at the computer.   I did get side tracked by Gibbs,  who wanted to spend time in the living room.   I guess I went in there and had a power nap.........cuz,  when the admiral woke me to say that she was gonna turn off my computer,  I sprung into action!   I came out and got back on the computer.........but then I began to do some painting on the Arizona!    it got more involved as the evening progressed........gee......soon I had enough for an update!

 

first thing was to cement the top most level onto the super structure.  I had already added the level below it,  since I had done nothing as far as railing went.  I'm trying to go by the molded detail.

I noticed that the railing on this side was bent........it has been adjusted {I wish my camera would lie to me once in a while}.  it's too bad.......the year that this model was produced.  even though this is a newer release,  it's from the same molds.  there are so many molded detail bits that could have been separate,  adding to the overall parts count in the kit.  this is a good example as to why photo etch came into being.  the top most level was added to the structure.

more was added to the funnel at this time.......the top part and the search lights.

{really starting to get annoyed with the lighting}  fixing the railings from handling has been a trial until now.  I'm tired of it..........the 5 inch guns were put into place on the deck.  I touched up around this area to limit how much I'd have to go back and do later on.  some of them didn't fit right......I found that there was some flash inside the cups.  after scraping them out,  they fit much better.  I did not cement them in place,  since they would be trapped by the second level deck.  it will come in handy,  should I need to move them when the railings go on.

the deck is still a work in progress....it still urks me that there is no wood deck for this model.  ........still trying to get clean lines around all the molded detail.  the second level deck assembly was added to the model.

the deck is bowed in the middle..........thanks to super glue,  I was able to get it laid down without a gaping appearance.   I didn't follow the paint suggestion for the guns either.......they want you to paint the gun barrels silver.   sure........right after I paint the deck green     I did have an idea to fill the portholes with window maker.  I did a small section and didn't like it..........though of all the touching up I'd have to do.  so,  I scrubbed it.

before I touched it it............

[Javlin]

The railing once applied is a PIA that's why I came up with my solution for the destroyer which helped quite a bit. Kevin

[popeye the sailor]

I then though to get the catapult on the #3 turret.   handling that part was getting to be a problem too.   I painted it and set it aside for when I got the guide part on the catapult first.

I was relieved that the guns were elevated leaving enough of a gap,  so not to interfere with it.  next.......the funnel was cemented in place.

at this time,  the rubber bands were cut {why save then......I get new ones every time I order a sub  }   the main parts for the aft tripod mast was assembled.

before it really had a chance to dry,  it was fitted into place

the same was done for the fore tripod mast

there's still a bit more to do on them.........parts and paint.  I finished the evening by doing some more painting on the deck

hopefully,  I can get it looking better than it does.  I should have more later on........

[popeye the sailor]

what method is that?  I'm sure there are many.    handling seems to be my biggest problem.........get working,  adding something else.....and then ....crunch!   then there's the dreaded time limit on the number of time it can be fixed.........I've tossed a few bits already  

[ESF]

It's looking very good Denis.  The curves on the railings are first rate and you did a yeoman's job on squaring up the windows.  Don't be so hard on yourself - you are showing you have the talent to work through all the "little" challenges (little as in small size, but not insignificant as a challenge).

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Steve

[SigEp Ziggy]

It is looking really good Popeye and I agree with Steve that you are too hard on yourself. Be proud of the great job you are doing. Can't wait to see more.

[popeye the sailor]

thanks gents.......and thanks to those who hit the like button    while I am glad that the model is beginning to look like something,  paint tasks like the deck is kind of a weak point for me.  I do most of my painting off the model,  and put it in place later....but molded detail like this........well .....   I'll get it cleaned up eventually.   today I experimented with other PE parts to see if I could use them........some yes........some no.  I'll see what else I can use.   I'm actually chomping at the bit to add the railings 'round the hull.  I fear though that I may not have enough.........if that happens,  I guess I'll need to get more.  thanks again for the kind word.......I'm glad you folks like what your seeing  

[Javlin]

Denis I used a 2" spring clamp on the hull with felt pads attached to the clamp.I then took a block of wood and mortised a 1/2"WX1"LX1"D as a holder like this now when I get to a bigger ship with a wider hull I am going to a ratchet/gear type of clamp and make a new holder/block.

[popeye the sailor]

looks like a pretty good set up.   I need to get new clamps........I have some like yours and most have broken in some fashion or another.   thanks for showing your method  

 

more painting being done at the moment.  something I didn't give much thought about was the stern deck catapult........no location pin for it?  there's a hole on the deck,  but it isn't drilled through....that needs to be done as well.   

[Old Collingwood]

Some fine work going on there denis  - she is looking a treat mate.

 

OC.

[popeye the sailor]

I got some more done on her yesterday....today was a bust though.   spent the morning sitting our five grand kids with the admiral,  while our oldest son and his wife works on a deal with a local car dealer.  as a side job,  Brandon has been piloting a drone,  using it to make videos of homes for sale.  they use it to hover around the home and property,  then takes it home,  where the clips are put together with added music and theme.  I hope this is a big thing for them    it was fun seeing the grand kids!  errands took up most of the afternoon.   so,  I'll post what update I have so far.

 

some of the PE I put together look like lockers of sorts........I have four of these small ones.   two of them I put along the base of turret #2.

the other two,  I'll put them at the base of turret #3,  but I need to paint them first.........then finish touching up around the barbette.  since the life boats are finished,  I decided to cement them in place.......it might cut down on the amount of touching up I'll need to do    

there are a few larger structures that I showed earlier.......I tried one in place on the aft deck.  it needs a roof though........I can cut some brass to fit.

I'm gonna study the pictures I have.........there may be some doors on the taller barbettes I can add.   as mentioned,  I became curious about the stern deck catapult.  centering it may be a chore,  if I don't do something to make it easier for me.  there are some circular pads in the Hood PE that I'll use to do this.   it all starts here.........

the hole in the deck was drilled out,  but with no way to use the plastic pin on the original one,  I came up with an alternate plan.  a hole was drilled in the center of the circle pad,  and the brass pin was cemented to it....flush.

there is a hole in the pad at the bottom of the catapult,  but I didn't bother to drill it out........I cemented the pad to the bottom.

.....a quick test fit after it set.........

[popeye the sailor]

After....the cranes and the catapult were painted and set aside.

some other smaller parts were painted too.....

there is a log of the Hood being done at the moment.......I probably can make some of those larger ammo lockers as well,  but I would have to see if they were present on the deck.  all of the ship's boats are in place now.   I would have thought that the lone boat would be in the center,  but this is the way they were positioned....the locator holes don't lie  

I hope the railings clear the 5 inch guns.......if not, I'll have to modify them.  could be a silver lining.......maybe not    I added the turrets on the deck for a dry fit.   I'll check on ladders as well........got quite a bit of them.

this is where I am at this point in time.   more to come  

Edited July 27, 2019 by popeye the sailor

[Jim Lad]

Wow!  She's really coming along, Popeye.  She's looking first class.

 

John

[GrandpaPhil]

Looking good!

[Javlin]

Looking Sweeeett!! Kevin

[popeye the sailor]

thanks for the good word John,  Phil and Kevin    thanks also for the likes.......I hope to have an update soon!

[SigEp Ziggy]

Popeye or should I call you Dennis, anyhow you mentioned your Hood build, did you do a build log?

 

 

[popeye the sailor]

you can call me either.....but don't call me late for dinner    yes....I've mentioned the Hood.  but all I have is the 1:350 PE set for it.  I still need to finish the HMAS Vendetta.......some of it has filtered into the Arizona build as a plus,  but that's the reason I bought it.  I've also tried to put some of the other parts together........some success,  some failures................but no Hood    I can get one though,  if you want me to........{I love whims}!    

 

Foot note:   I am doing well on my Popeye laugh!   since I got my dentures,  they kinda knocked me back a couple pegs {I was at around a 98% 'nailed it'}.   I have gotten quite used to the new choppers,  and I'm about to celebrate 1 year with them.     I've gotten comfortable enough to do the laugh in public.....so if you hear it in a store,  you'll know I'm around     I used to do it anywhere........it's one HELL of a crowd pleaser,  and kids like it too!

 

sorry.........I went to Bangladesh for a moment there..........on with the shooooooooo 

[SigEp Ziggy]

You made me laugh! I had a flash back to when Moe said 'Niagara Falls... slowly I turned... step by step... inch by inch...' I wish people still watched the classics, Three Stooges, Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy (which I remember seeing on a reel to reel projector at Straw Hat Pizza Palace).

Edited August 11, 2019 by SigEp Ziggy

[popeye the sailor]

now....I didn't want ya to think I sluffed off on 'Zona'.........the heat was unbearable this past week { as Craig can attest to}.  I'd do a little here.........and a little there........but in the long run,  I think I made a couple of decent milestones!  

 

first thing was to paint the lower part of the two tri pod masts

I painted up a few other PE parts while I was at it.   I noticed that there was a second pulley on the boat cranes.  I trimmed up the PE pulleys........but I seem to have lost one of the cranes!  I looked all over for it,  later finding it on the floor in front of the main table.  how it got there,  I have no clue     the railing needed to be fixed,  since god know how many times I must have stepped on it.........that was the only damage with the pulleys in place and painted,  they were fitted into place,

the direction finders and one of the radar units was also cemented in place.

the 5 inch AA guns were added to the deck as well.......these parts still need to be touched up.  the 11 inch guns will be added later.   a roof was made for the small structure that fut over the plastic abomination that sits on the aft deck........added that along with the vents.   the last pair of lockers were added to the base of Barbette #3

I'm forever touching the deck up