Build: USS North Carolina, JSC, 1:400

rlwhitt

Active Member
Getting back into the build thread mood again! This time I try my first ship. I'm starting small with a relatively "simple" 1:400 model, though even this simple model has a good many fiddly little bits! I've selected the obvious choice for someone born and raised in North Carolina, old number 55.
 

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rlwhitt

Active Member
This is a simplifed hull design. It uses only card stock, there are no laminated formers. The hull is built in 3 sections and later joined. The first steps are to gather parts that form the bow section. Then do the same for the stern section, and finally the middle.
 

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rlwhitt

Active Member
Next each of the 3 sections is flipped over and formers are inserted. The "formers" in this case are simply folded card pieces with glue tabs. This picture shows a sequence of formers going in.
 

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rlwhitt

Active Member
I find that in bow section, I got a lot of bowing in on the lower side, so I inserted some cardboard braces to help straighten it out a bit.
 

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rlwhitt

Active Member
Jumping ahead a bit, the 3 sections are joined, and here we see a few parts that are used to reinforce and build up the lower half of the joined hull.
 

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rlwhitt

Active Member
Finished hull with decking, with a stern and bow view.
 

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Great looking work rlwhitt. Those JSC models always have their little "wrinkles" but it looks like your off to a good start.

The NC is a favorite of mine also. I have this model and will build it some day too. I'll let you de-bug it for me. :mrgreen:
 

Teamski

Member
:eek: Slick! It's great to see another NC being built! Awesome start, too! Looking forward to the continuation!!

For an "old" JSC kit, the NC is an awesome ship. It turned out better than I had hoped, especially in light of the newer computer designed models. You'll have a lot of fun with it.

-Ski

p.s. Too bad my pictures didn't make it through the server migration on my build thread......
 

airbob

Member
Nice job your doing on this classic WW II BB!:thumb: I toured the Alabama many years ago...and was impressed by the sheer bulk of these "little" BB's....the side armor was like knocking on two foot thick concrete:eek:....there was a cool B-52 there then also....a lot of shade under those big wings...I will enjoy watching the build as you progress!
 

rlwhitt

Active Member
Thanks guys! I am anxious to do a "real" ship model (you guys certainly know what I mean!) but thought I'd better start small like this. Not quite ready for full hull plating! This'll at least get me used to some of the parts, building guns, etc.

On that note, any recommendations for 1:200 full hull that'd be a good next step up? I'm not afraid of complexity at all, just bad fit. I've got the Halinski Bismarck, but I think that may be too big a step for the next ship.

Rick
 
Hey, I notice on your "currently building" list you indicate that you are working on the Neuschwanstein castle. How is that coming? Got any pics? I've been there and wouldn't mind building a model of it if there is a decent one out there. Your North Carolina is coming along swimmingly.:thumb:
 

Teamski

Member
Thanks guys! I am anxious to do a "real" ship model (you guys certainly know what I mean!) but thought I'd better start small like this. Not quite ready for full hull plating! This'll at least get me used to so of the parts, building guns, etc.

On that note, any recommendations for 1:200 full hull that'd be a good next step up? I'm not afraid of complexity at all, just bad fit. I've got the Halinski Bismarck, but I think that may be too big a step for the next ship.

Rick

It would NOT be the Halinski HMS Hood!!

-Ski
 

airbob

Member
Rick,
maybe try one of the destroyers....I have the 1:200 "Military Model" DD USS Heerman- Fletcher class in my build pile...it seems to be excellent....maybe a challenge...but good for 1st full hull try!:mrgreen:
 

barry

Active Member
One from Gremir always fit well and produce a good model and you have as many chances at the hull that you want.
 

rlwhitt

Active Member
Aw drats, I forgot to update my sig. The Castle is finished. I did not do a build thread, but rather put a couple of pics in a gallery. I'm not sure where, I'll get back to you.

Hey, I notice on your "currently building" list you indicate that you are working on the Neuschwanstein castle. How is that coming? Got any pics? I've been there and wouldn't mind building a model of it if there is a decent one out there. Your North Carolina is coming along swimmingly.:thumb:
 

rlwhitt

Active Member
Just a little progress. Main superstructure first, then most of the fore superstructure in place.

I have noticed 3 things about this model that I don't like. First, there are color registration problems here and there. Not a big deal, but still... Second, parts fit is kinda hit and miss. Makes for some things that lean in ways that they shouldn't! Lastly, the deck and top of the main superstructure have no solid support under them. Thus the surfaces tend to be "wavy" and it's hard to stick walls and such to them solidly and without deforming them further. Just the nature of these older JSC kits I think, as others have noted similar issues. It won't be my best looking model by a long shot, but this is a "learning experience". Yeah, that's it...
 

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Z

Zathros

I had the opportunity go go aboard the Norther Carolina about 10 years ago. The machine shop in there is to die for. What a great ship. Yours is looking great!
 

Teamski

Member
I think it's looking pretty damn good for a learning experience, hehehehe.... Excellent job! Clean, for sure!! It looks absolutely perfect, seriously!.....

-Ski
 
rlwhitt,

You're off to a good start. The superstructure looks sharp!

I noticed the same thing about the wavy decks with the older JSC kits. What worked for me was to add some balsa wood strips longitudinally underneath the deck and between the formers. This gave the decks some extra rigidity. Worked well with my JSC KGV.

You might be able to go back and add these at this point and help stiffen your decks?
 
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