Here's a couple of progress pics of my current build, a modernised New Jersey not unlike Mike Taylors BBG-61 here: http://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net//features/385

Kit is the Tamiya 1/350th New Jersey and the following is a list of changes/updates I've got planned:

Replace midships Tommahawk with VLS
Replace aft Tommahawk with VLS
Retain existing Phalanx launchers (Veteran Models)
Replace 4 of the 5" turrets with 5" MK45 single mounts (Veteran Models)
Replace 2 of the 5" turrets with Bushmasters for close in support
Replace existing MK37 directors with SPG51
Add rear mast with dome for UAV control and SPS48E?
Retain SPS49

All barrels on the 16 and 5" guns are being replaced by turned metal ones and the wooden parts of the deck will be real wood. The Tommahawk decks have been raised to allow for the fitting of VLS









John

Looking good so far John.

Magnificant work. How do you get the nice semi-gloss black sheen on the stacks and mast? Closest I could come to that is Citadel Chaos Black.
Cheers from another grumpy old modeller,
Julian

The tops of the stackes are painted with Tamiya X1 Black albeit they will be repainted with matt black at some point.

John

Tamya X1 black, the effect is great, I would just about commit murder for that sheen. Much more lifelike than flat black, (unless the ship was fitted with Werkspoor diesels: then everything would have been flat black )
Cheers,
Julian

Work continues with the 16" turrets detailed with PE and styrene stock:







John

Beautiful work John.

Thanks Kenny,

Detailing on the foremast and the superstructure continues with the addition of a new platform for a SATCOMM dome and some extra PE railing:



Next on to the one job that I really wasn't looking forward to but one that has such a massive impact, the replacement of the moulded bridge windows with PE (lower ones still to do):



John

Beautiful work John. How do you get such a clean application of the PE? To hazard a guess you are using super glue.
Cheers,
Julian

Hi Julian,

Yes, I'm using superglue. I place a puddle on a non absorbent surface then lightly touch the bottom of the PE to the top of the puddle - this transfers, hopefully, just enough glue to get it to stick without making a mess.

John

Julian, I can also recommend Tamiya X-18 if you want Semi-Gloss Black... Works perfectly every time for me.

Not much progress this week as I've run out of railings, the GMM New Jersey set has no where near enough for what I need so I'm going to have to order another set...

A bit of work has been done on the superstructure with more railings, the foremast has been painted and I've started detailing the armoured conning tower:



John

Veteran Models Harpoon launchers have been added and a couple of small details (including a part from a 1/35 scale Panzer 4 :heh: ) added to the midships VLS deck:







And a look along the starboard side which, unfortunately, highlights the bad depth of field my camera has:



John

Nice and crisp looking John.
It's going to be a beauty when finished.
cheers,
Julian

Cheers Julian,

Started work on the refuelling kingpost, GMM PE and I've started scratching the winches around the base:





John

Not a huge amount of progress but I have been working on detailing the aft funnel including a representation of what I assume is some form of crane that can be seen in photos. It's a little overscale but this was the smallest I beam I had to hand:



John

WoW! Some nice clean and neat work John.Cheers Kevin

John, your PE and scratch building work is immaculate. I wish I could work as neatly as you do. The final effect is fantastic !
cheers,
Julian

Very impressive!! Great work!!!

Finally got round to doing a little more work on this one and I'm trying out the real wood planking that I'm planning on adding. Started somewhere small to begin with - there are a couple of gaps but nothing that a well places crewman won't hide:







John

Beautiful stuff John. I will start mine one day.. when that day is who knows! Till then I will keep a close eye on your build.

really magnificent John, beautiful work !
Julian

Thanks guys, I have to admit, I'm not 100% sold on the wood deck yet...

John

What are you using for a wood John?looks soft.I am not sold on it yet myself.it looks fuzzy sorry.

I'm using HO scale 1*2s from the North Eastern Scale Lumber company but I have now decided not to carry on with the decking. I'm going to have a look at a new aftermarket wood deck instead.

I've started the detailing of the superstructure at weather deck level which, as there is no detail on the kit at all is going to be a big job. I've started with the small room just forward of the number 2 turret with new vents made of plastic strip and PE details:





John