Hi eno07,
Just did some browsing and found out the BB-55 North Carolina is stationed
as a war museum in Wilmington, North Carolina. I don't know how far it is
from your town, Concord, but a trip out there should help answer many of your
questions and I am sure seeing the real thing up close would quite an experience.
I myself am primarily a u-boat modeler and I am planning a trip from Montreal
to see the U-505 exhibit in Chicago. There is nothing like seeing the real thing!
Hope the info has been of some help,
Have a nice day and happy modeling,
Joe