By Richard Sliwka
1/350 USS North Carolina (Iron Shipwrights)
The model was built using the Commander Series kit. The basic reference was Shoker's "U.S.S. North Carolina Technical Reference 1" and the accompanying 1/350 scale Walkowiak drawing. My original plan was to back-date the model to its 1942 configuration. However, the kit's 1944 configuration looked challenging so I proceeded along that route.
Hull preparation required numerous hours to remove the bottom molding over-pour, fill pin holes, attach the separate skeds, and fabricate the bilge keels from .020" plastic strips. I used Dupli-Color Filler Primer to prep for final painting.
The kit was well-designed with comprehensive instructions. Minimal modifications were required to complete the superstructure; but, considerable advanced planning was required to complete the model. Most parts were assembled (including photo-etch parts) and painted as sub-sections; and, then attached to the basic model. Much time was expended on scratch-building the funnel catwalks from plastic and the main mast/mast supports, tower mast, and tower yardarms from brass rods/tubing. The SK-2 radar and mid-ships cranes were also time-consuming. Other scratch-built details included catapult items, ranging lights/fixtures, tower target designators, ships' bells, whip antennae, etc. The kit's 16" resin barrels were not usable so I modified 1/192 scale Bluejacket 8" barrels (This was before Mr. Nuttall started producing his excellent brass barrels--I would have purchased them if available.) I also modified and attached some 18 Bluejacket chocks along the main deck edge as these were not included on/with the kit. (Time consuming at that time and later when I had to cut-out corresponding sections from the railing.)
Other non-parts used were L'Arsenal's 40mm quad mounts (15), Mk-51 directors (15), 20mm guns (40), and whaleboats, and some GMM photo-etch parts. The kit furnished parts would have been perfectly acceptable; but, I wanted to try the L'Arsenal parts--they are great. WEM Kingfisher aircraft were also used. Rigging was .002"(halyards), .003"(radio lines), and .003"(support wires) dia. fishing line.
I painted the model in Measure 32/18d as shown in Shoker's book using Poly Scale paints (air- and hand-brushed). The model was painted before the "'great" Navy-Blue vs Black controversy so I used 5-N as indicated in the book (I probably would still use 5-N today as neither "camp" has provided definitive proof for their position--Could it have been both at different times??)
I started this model in April 2002; and, by June 2003, was about
80-85% complete. I resumed work in January 2005 and finished it six
weeks later. The driving force was to complete it in time for a local
IMPS contest (KC-Con) in March. I estimate I expended some 600-700
hours on this build; but, I am happy with the result.
