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Hey all!Casual modeler, not sure how to handle/what to do. I recently got a Trumpeter 1/350 Ticonderoga CV-14 to build, was really excited....until I tried to assemble the lower hull and upper hull pieces. See, the issue is that either the main hull piece is too short, or the bow piece is. I can't get these to align properly as illustrated in the instructions. (Haven't worked out how to attach photos here)....but there's a 1/8th" gap on the left side of the hull, and a 1/4" on the right between the hull pieces.
I have no idea if this kit was shipped with the wrong pieces, and I've reached out to Stevens International (just double check the instructions that you're doing it right - their idea of helpful advice this is my first model *sarcasm*), and the model shop I had ordered from was friendlier, but wasn't able to help (we don't have spare parts, call Trumpeter).
Words of wisdom? The hobby store won't take it back, I got too far into the assembly/paint of the superstructure and planes before I found the issue (newbie error, probably)
This from IPMS page review:
Kit Building Tips:
Following the kit instructions did not lead to any problems (I usually alter the sequence of assembly, but not this time). However, there are a few pitfalls to be aware of.
Followed order of assembly illustrated on page 6, but first glued bottom plate to Upper Hull II. Had to use accelerator in order to get the bottom plate to attach to hull. Glued stern hangar deck before the two other hangar deck pieces. Test fitted center hangar deck and found out will need to take care with the bow portion – trimmed a tiny piece off the starboard front corner to fit the hull. I figured that it was better to trim the straight edge forward than the curved area aft.
Important: test fit the bow hull section and the Fore hangar deck piece before gluing these pieces, in order to make sure they will fit properly (Figure 2). To get the deck to fit properly, I had to leave a rather large gap between the bow hull and main hull sections (Figure 3). The gap was large enough to require rectangular plastic rod to fill (Evergreen 2x4 HO scale strips), and bending the plastic rod was part of the process. Much gap-filling cyanoacrylate with accelerator was used to fill the rest of the hull gap. Sanding this seam smooth was tricky because of the curvature of the hull and proximity of portholes. The center hangar deck was not flush with the stern hangar deck after the glue set – it was raised slightly at the junction. This will affect later assembly of the flight deck pieces. Fore hangar deck fit very nicely into the bow hull section.
This kit sounds like a dog as regards the hull fit. I'd try to follow the advice given there and do the best you can.
Bill
Modeling is an excuse to buy books.
Maybe this will help:
https://www.ipmsusa.org/reviews/Kits/Ships/Trumpeter_350_Ticonderoga/Part_01/Trumpeter_350_Ticonderoga_01.htm
Your comments and questions are always welcome.
Tojo72The Trumpeter ships usually have a flat bottom plate to make it a water line kit,if it's beyond your capability to correct it,make it a waterline display.
Unfortunately the gap still exists with the waterline hullplate. No ifs ands or buts I gotta fix the hull pieces for this to work
Yeah this thing is not enjoyable so far and really not making me want to purchase anything else from the brand.
On the bright side, challenge is a good way to build some skills I didn't have. Probably won't look as good as it should have it it came perfect out of the box, but it should pass muster and anything other than a close inspection
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