Recommendations on USS Arizona?

RTimmer wrote:

Hi All, There is a nice thread going regarding the 1/200 Arizona that is forthcoming, and I didn't want to get off-topic there, so I'm asking anew here on recommendations for "best" (fit, accuracy, etc.) kit for the Arizona.  I would prefer something in the 1/350 scale, and happy with either as fitted out in Dec. '41 or as fitted out in the mid-30s. Thanks!

Since all of the 1:350 scale styrene Arizonas are all from the same molding and have been released under several labels,  they all suffer from the same problems.   They are covered in Brad Chaucer's review, and from other reviews and build-ups since the initial release.

The most accurate, 1941 version 1:350 scale Arizona model, in any media, is the old Toms Modelworks kit.  It is now produced and sold by Iron Shipwright.

http://www.commanderseries.com/ships_350.html

There is no styrene kit, in any scale, of a pre-1940 Arizona.   Therefore, the best & most accurate kit of the Arizona in the pre-war guise falls to the Tom's 1921 Arizona kit, again being done by Iron Shipwright. 

The best 1:700 scale Arizona is most likely the Dragon version.   Be sure to get the Premium Edition with the included PE.  The resin Waveline version in 1:700 scale is also good.

Thanks, Ed!  Can you direct me to Brad Chaucer's review - was that in a back issue of FSM or on the Web?  I think as a first go that I will probably pick up the Dragon 1:700 version you mentioned.

Cheers, Rick 

RTimmer wrote:

Thanks, Ed!  Can you direct me to Brad Chaucer's review - was that in a back issue of FSM or on the Web?  I think as a first go that I will probably pick up the Dragon 1:700 version you mentioned. Cheers, Rick

http://www.steelnavy.com/ArizonaBanner350.htm

It was linked in the other Arizona thread discussing the 1:200 item

In the 1/350 class Arizona models, be careful of one thing.  The Mini Hobbies versions says "Static Model" on the box, don't get it.  The bottom, aft end of the hull is reworked into a square configuration for acceptance of a motor.  I'm not talking internally, but externally.  I've had three 1/350 Arizona models.   The tag on the kit is about 3 inches long with a white background and black lettering.  It's a sticker applied to the box.  Just a warning.

Jesse

RTimmer wrote:

Hi All, There is a nice thread going regarding the 1/200 Arizona that is forthcoming, and I didn't want to get off-topic there, so I'm asking anew here on recommendations for "best" (fit, accuracy, etc.) kit for the Arizona.  I would prefer something in the 1/350 scale, and happy with either as fitted out in Dec. '41 or as fitted out in the mid-30s. Thanks!

Should you decide to go with the Banner 1/350 kit I believe that you will find the Eduard PE set tremendously helpful in solving most of the problems with the kit. It will require considerable cutting and sanding but the results will be rewarding. There is a great example of how this will turn out found on modelwarships.com. The builder is Peter Van Buren. It can be viewed at

http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery/bb/bb-39/350-pvb/pvb-index.html

Even better is that it is painted in pre-war standard Navy Gray and not that awful MS-1 scheme.

WS

Both the  plastic and resin kits will produce something that looks like arizona out of the box. The resin offerings are probably better looking out of the box. However, if you want to accuraze your Arizona I think that the Banner kit is an easier start place, as it is easier to cut off the entire first level of superstructure in plastic than it is resin.

The resin kits shaped some areas wrong to increase mold life and fixing it pretty much requires lopping that entire lower level off. But the hull detail on my Tom's kit is a lot crisper than the Banner kit, which has softer shapes and edges.

 

The one, to me, glaring error on every model of the USS Arizona that I have seen is the Engineering Access Covers on each side of the deck just forward of the #3 Turret.  All but one case I have seen to date show these to be steel plate bolted to the deck, with a smaller access hatch bolted to the larger one.  The only exception I have seen is the 1:250 scale paper model by DigitalNavy.com.  This deck is correctly shown as wood, but a closer look shows it is just a continuation of the deck colors thru the outline of the hatches.  The bolt head pattern is still there on all four hatches.  I have not had the privilige of seeing the Tom's Modelworks models, so I can only hope they got it right.  If you have not seen any pictures of these areas of the Arizona, there are several in the book "Battleship Arizona, An Illustrated History" by Paul Stillwell.  I am sure there are many other pictures available of similar era ships, also.  These pics show the large hatch to be outlined by three deckboards.  Either two around the edge of the deck and one around the edge of the hatch, or vice-versa.  The small hatch shows to be outlined by two deckboards (1-1, 2-0, or 0-2).  There are also several small openings, I presume for attaching gear to lift these hatches.  In today's age of accuracy, I think it is time this matter was corrected.  To the credit of all the previous designers, they appear to have made the shape of the hatches correct.

I have built all 3 1/700 (1/720) Arizonas.

The Dragon is by far the best. Closest in appearance and details.  

Next the minihobby USS Arizona. Less acurate for 1941, compared to the Dragon kit  

Last the old Revell 1/720 kit. Revell should retool the mold because kit has so many problems with flashing and cavities, and incorrect sea planes.