U.S.S. ARIZONA-1/200-TRUMPETER - UPDATE

Well , I guess you could call this a "BIG---- W.I.P. .I got run out of the shop by wasps ,so I thought I would give all of you a heads up on what I did today. There are some points I would like to make about the TRUMPETER upgrade set too . I have gotten to the #1 catapult and this is a very well molded set of parts , " WARNING " Here,s where you have to start painting ! There is gear INSIDE the catapult framework that can be seen ,  so paint it BEFORE you assemble it . You might like to know the searchlights are molded in clear as well as the lenses .You can fill them with TESTORS silver paint ,let dry and have some beautiful lights .I chose to use foil chrome in mine .This can only be accomplished with craft type hole punches .  They are the size necessary to put a nice shiny disc inside each light like a reflector , then do the sides with TESTORS silver so when you paint the outside you will definitely say "OUTSTANDING !" You will notice that one of the directors has separate arms. "Well , more than one . There is one though that has open bottoms to the optical extensions . Use some .010 plastic and make a bottom. Be very careful and using a sprue cutter , cut well away from some parts as they have a little lip that you don,t want to remove .Now , for the detail - up sets . You will find there is NOT enough vertical ladders to do all the vertical ladders on the ship. They give you enough to do the masts , that,s it ! I fudged and used 1/192 and you really can,t tell if you use GOLD MEDAL MODELS brass . TOM,S is a little more noticeable , but , they will both work if 1/200 etched brass is unavailable .  That,s it for today. I apologise for NO pictures . I still can,t seem to get the hang of it . Oh , well , I will still try and paint a good word picture for you . Remember this though . BEFORE you get to putting stuff on the ship you will build a LOT of mini-kits of components . I believe she will will be like a CURTIS-MATHIS T.V.(Before your time probably) expensive , but , darn well worth it ! Catchya you next installment.        tankerbuilder