It needs something.....but what?

One thing you must know when it comes to ship models is the little things are what makes them look realistic.  Adding photo etch, rigging, and most importantly, a natural looking water base will go miles to give you the look you're looking for.  Just my opinion.

It looks like you've done a nice job.  Ship models are very tough but like Tom said, it's all about the details.  Maybe try to add a little rigging or a base and see how it comes alive.

Don't give up.  Ship models have a lot of visual appeal.  You have to remember that you're building very small cities at sea.

Cheers,

Wayne

I figured the photo etch would make a huge difference, but I wasn't going to mess with it for my first try at this. I do plan on doing a base, after I do the other kit I got with this one (1/700 USS Hancock.) I want to do them together, which may not be entirely accurate, but should at least look cool.

Thanks for the feedback, Budd

As long as YOU like it, that's all that really matters.

If you do depict South Dakota and Hancock together, a scene where they are moored together would be realistic as would one where the carrier was UNREPing the BB at sea. Otherwise, there would be no other practical reason why they would be so close together as to fit on one base.

Lee

In my mind, a PE set is the single best addition to virtually any ship model, especially any ship that has railings and ladders.

I think your effort looks very good, Budd.  One thing I've  noticed is that Hasegawa's offerings seem to be intrinsically "toy-like," compared to some others like Trumpeter and even older Fujimi mouldings.  That may be subjective, but it's my observation, for what it's worth.

I've dabbled with a few PE fittings, mostly radar since the kits don't seem to come with very good examples, and sometimes are incomplete.

I haven't gotten up the nerve to try railings, yet.

Point is, try something minor, like radar and work your way up to the more complicated stuff.  If you are interested, or think it's worthwhile, check the "Pearl Harbor" GB (I did the USS New Orleans) and "Force of Nature" GB (USS Wisconsin).  I added some small PE details to each, just to gain some experience and improve the parts that came with the kit.

I found myself to the point where PE was--almost--fun.

Anyway, very nice job on South Dakota.  She's a sister to the Alabama, isn't she?

Fair winds and following seas.

SORRY ;

I hit the wrong button day before yesterday .I wanted to say , it's a good looking model .The problem you are seeing is caused by the colors of the "GREAT BLUE FLEET "

Those colors make it look so dark , that any detail just dissappears .I have a 1/350 "BUCKLEY " that I did in blue, NO MORE ! . The blues swallowed up any detail and that was with P.E.

You can do a little P.E. to pop it out a little . If you are mostly satisfied with it , it's your call .It's your model , what pleases you comes first .    Tanker-builder