Author Topic: Arizona > Gun Boat > Medium  (Read 32119 times)

Offline finsrin

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Arizona > Gun Boat > Medium
« on: March 06, 2013, 04:46:16 PM »
Sticking with my kitbashes end up 1/72 policy.
Revell 1/426 USS Arizona becomes 102ft long as 1/72.
Like to make it a gun Boat.  Will be way different than previous airplane builds.
Only thing firm at this time is all those 1/426 portholes gotta go.
Rest yet to figure out as 1/72.  Hmmmm....
« Last Edit: April 30, 2020, 12:57:55 PM by finsrin »

Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2013, 12:21:44 AM »
Interesting........

Offline Cliffy B

  • Ship Whiffer Extraordinaire...master of Beyond Visual Range Modelling
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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2013, 01:50:02 AM »
This oughta be good!  8)

Try looking for 1/72 submarine and armor accessories for weapons.  Also, check your local Lowe's or other hardware store and browse their "fittings and fasteners" aisle.  I've found some really great little odds and ends there that are great for whiffing.
"Radials growl, inlines purr, jets blow!"  -Anonymous

"Helos don't fly.  They vibrate so violently that the ground rejects them."  -Tom Clancy

"If all else fails, call in an air strike."  -Anonymous

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2013, 10:25:10 AM »
"fittings and fasteners",,, seems like a good tip - thanks.
Will look at 1/72 submarine, PT boat, and armor accessories.
"Interesting" and "oughta be good".   Appreciated, will see how well I piece it all together.

Offline Cliffy B

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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2013, 10:35:10 AM »
Grease Fittings

These might be of some use.  They're nice and small and come in straight, 45 and 90 degree angles.  Gun barrels jumped to mind.  Prices were from $0.99 to $2-3.  Worth a look if you're in the neighborhood.

Also found out they have other "hobby parts" included brass and aluminum rods and sheets along with with wooden parts akin to dollhouse stuff but many wheels and other odds and ends.  They're all in pull out flat drawers on the same aisle as the screws, nuts, and bolts, etc...
"Radials growl, inlines purr, jets blow!"  -Anonymous

"Helos don't fly.  They vibrate so violently that the ground rejects them."  -Tom Clancy

"If all else fails, call in an air strike."  -Anonymous

Offline father ennis

  • I got paint older than most of you guys ...
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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2013, 04:10:28 PM »
Don't forget to look at the figures made for the many Vosper and PT boats and subs as well. You can find the whole dock side if you don't want to build your own.  There are plenty of aftermarket weapons and weapon stations as well for the ships and subs.
I may be old but I'm not dead ... yet anyway ... !!!    And NO I did not know Richard III !!!!!!

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2013, 04:31:56 PM »
Thanks for the tips.
Revell 1/72 PT-109 kits are inexpensive here.  Likely have one of those donate some of the parts.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2013, 04:43:36 PM by finsrin »

Offline Cliffy B

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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2013, 01:57:23 AM »
My local Michael's stores has the 109 kit and with their 40% coupon they're under $15.  Try there if you haven't already  ;)
"Radials growl, inlines purr, jets blow!"  -Anonymous

"Helos don't fly.  They vibrate so violently that the ground rejects them."  -Tom Clancy

"If all else fails, call in an air strike."  -Anonymous

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2013, 02:42:11 AM »
My local Michael's stores has the 109 kit and with their 40% coupon they're under $15.  Try there if you haven't already  ;)

Exactly what I did !
Three colors spray paint for Dauntless II were also bought that 40% way.
We be thinking alike.

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #9 on: March 09, 2013, 06:25:53 PM »
Pleased to report:
Ship yard is in operation.  There has been filing - filling - fitting - cutting - sanding - glueing taking place.
Three types of model kits.  Four individual kits.
Fun meter is registering high on the scale.

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2013, 12:25:44 AM »
Sounds great, finsrin! The most important thing is the Fun Meter!

I can't wait to see this baby!

Brian da Basher

Offline Cliffy B

  • Ship Whiffer Extraordinaire...master of Beyond Visual Range Modelling
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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #11 on: March 21, 2013, 11:53:12 PM »
Having fun is the most important part so good to hear!!  Any updates/photos yet?  How'd the trip to the hardware store go?  Find any interesting parts?
"Radials growl, inlines purr, jets blow!"  -Anonymous

"Helos don't fly.  They vibrate so violently that the ground rejects them."  -Tom Clancy

"If all else fails, call in an air strike."  -Anonymous

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #12 on: March 22, 2013, 06:14:54 AM »
Having fun is the most important part so good to hear!!  Any updates/photos yet?  How'd the trip to the hardware store go?  Find any interesting parts?

Had "scope creep" doing hull mods for better maneuverability in narrow areas of archipelago waters.  Time consuming !
Topside layout and weapons partly figured out.  Some cutting-fitting done.  Four 76mm guns have turned out to be a good replacement for Arizona's four 14" turrets.
Cutting flat stock to build 2nd deck.  Raiding other models and flat stock to build the bridge.  Using some of 1/200 ETV Waker parts.
Converting topside from 1/426 to 1/72 is involved.  Some original parts are serving as 1/72 in their own way.   
Just so happens a Hobby Lobby store opens in town 3/22.  Never been in one.  Look forward to seeing what it offers.
Not done the hardware store browse - is on list if needed.
Now at seven kits and three scales.
Will take/post pictures of what there is to show.
Bill
« Last Edit: March 22, 2013, 10:26:01 AM by finsrin »

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2013, 06:58:35 PM »
OK - Finally have some pictures.
More topside is in work than shown here. This shows basis on which rest of build goes.
Only bow thruster is glued, rest just set in place.  Some paint leakage by masking tape to clean.
Has bow thruster and steerable screws for best maneuverability.  Be good in tight places.  Took lotz of time.
Front green deck is cut from PT boat.  Has 1/72 scale hatch and life raft will be there.
Four 1/72 Sherman turrets fit well after cutting out center of original turret mounts.  Have metal 76mm barrels for them.
Two most outboard secondary turrets on each side are now 50cal.  Three viewing slots near 50cal turrets.  1/426 portholes to be filled.  Port holes on hull filed off.
So much more to do.

Offline AGRA

  • Took the opportunity to tease us with a RAAF F-82
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2013, 07:16:30 PM »
This is cool. Can't wait to see what you do with the bridge and what not.

Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #15 on: March 24, 2013, 08:06:41 PM »
looking good...... :)

Offline Cliffy B

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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #16 on: March 24, 2013, 10:10:36 PM »
NICE!!!  She's taking shape man  8)

Might I suggest an armament upgrade though?  If you're going with 76mm main guns, then you should step down your calibers, IE, add some 40mm Bofors, 20mm Oerlikons (25mm bushmasters maybe?) and THEN .50cals.  Just an example, not sure the time period for this gunboat.  You'd want something with a very high rate of fire but still some punch while the 76mms are pounding away methodically.

Keep at it man!
"Radials growl, inlines purr, jets blow!"  -Anonymous

"Helos don't fly.  They vibrate so violently that the ground rejects them."  -Tom Clancy

"If all else fails, call in an air strike."  -Anonymous

Offline Brian da Basher

  • He has an unnatural attraction to Spats...and a growing fascination with airships!
  • Holding Pattern
  • *
  • Hulk smash, Brian bash
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #17 on: March 26, 2013, 02:44:39 AM »
Finsrin, your Arizona gunboat is beyond cool!

Man just to have one tenth of your limitless imagination...

Brian da Basher

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #18 on: March 29, 2013, 06:44:29 PM »
Thank you for comments and support of concept-build.
About armament: 
Could replace 50cal with 7.62 miniguns for defense against boats/swimmers/repelling boarders.  GAU-8 from 1/100 A-10 look the part.
2x 20mm tri-barrel turrets (add armor) from Cobra helicopters on 2nd deck.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2013, 02:19:23 AM by finsrin »

Offline Kerick

  • Reportedly finished with a stripper...
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #19 on: March 30, 2013, 12:10:29 AM »
I couldn't help but think of a modern version with Abrams tank turrets and Bradley or LAV turrets with 25mm guns. Each would have thermal sights etc to be able to pick out targets. Excellent work and a clever idea.

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #20 on: March 30, 2013, 10:19:49 AM »
If model was 1/350 Arizona there would be room for larger turrets.  At least M60 main turrets.  Like to build one with modern turrets.  M1 turrets as main battery - sweet  :)
1/232 USS Olympia (107ft as 1/72) and 1/225 USS Oregon (112ft as 1/72) are candidates for 1/72 armored gun boats.

Offline Cliffy B

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Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #21 on: April 26, 2013, 08:13:31 AM »
Finny!!!!  SITREP yesterday mister!!!!  >:(

Hope she's coming along and all is well on your end man.
"Radials growl, inlines purr, jets blow!"  -Anonymous

"Helos don't fly.  They vibrate so violently that the ground rejects them."  -Tom Clancy

"If all else fails, call in an air strike."  -Anonymous

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #22 on: May 14, 2013, 03:50:42 PM »
With "sort out the stash" plus Spring yard and car projects/stuff, will have to post it later.  Also want to finish PBH-417 build.
Am enjoying all the other Floaty builds.  Impressed by collective creativity and build skills here at BTS  :)

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #23 on: May 15, 2013, 05:53:36 PM »
Bit of progress.  White plastic is next deck up.
Front position shows support for Bushmaster gun deck and deck placed on support.
Bridge will be just aft of Bushmaster.
Circular tubes under rear of white deck support where armored 20mm turrets will mount.
Bushmaster and 20mm turrets are built.  Bushmaster is open with shield in front of standing gunner.  All three turn and elevate.
White deck will have sides at edges going down to deck below.
White rectangles on rear deck are hatches over two Caterpillar C15 853hp diesel engines.

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: Arizona > Gun Boat
« Reply #24 on: May 16, 2013, 08:17:19 AM »
I couldn't help but think of a modern version with Abrams tank turrets and Bradley or LAV turrets with 25mm guns. Each would have thermal sights etc to be able to pick out targets. Excellent work and a clever idea.

Your suggestion has stuck with me.  Did buy a 1/350 USS Arizona.  This 1/426 is 102ft as 1/72 and 1/350 is 125ft.  Has more room though not a big increase.
See two options:
> Four M48/60 turrets
> Two Abrams turrets.  One fore, one aft.  After plastic surgery to decks.

Be a one size up armored gun boat.  Open to hearing turret preferences from BTS.
Might do it next before finishing PBH-417.  Take advantage of Arizona lessons I have learned while they are fresh.