This might be a bit off-topic, but I was wondering if anyone here has tried to built a real "upgrade" of an Iowa class.
You see, I just got Norman Friedman's book about U.S. Battleships yesterday, and it has a large section about this. For example, the official intent was to make the Iowa sisters into Amphibious support ships. The aft turrt would be completely scrapped, as well as various side (AA/5-inch) turrets. They would have to make place for a large flightdeck and a hangar below. Aircraft complement would be up to 32 (THIRTY-TWO!!!) CH-46 helo's. Apart from this, the ship wold also accommodate about 12 LCM's. This all to support a troop complement of about 1,600-1,800 troops apart from the regular ships crew.
Unfortunately Friedman's book only has a side view sketch of the design, but it still looks impressive!!!
BTW, how is Tamiya's model? Is it for beginners, or should you be a little more experienced? I have always dreamt of doing an Iowa class battleship (the modern version), but have't got the nerve to do so....
Remko