j w lacy

Beefy, built this kit about three years ago, really nice, considering it's age. I wanted to do waterline but didn't want to risk ruining that big one-piece hull. I used WEM and GMM PE and it builds into a really attractive model. I made an error I think you did, and didn't remember the hanger and the bridge structure are separate, with a narrow space between. I should have known better because many years ago I built the Heller kit and the Frenchies got it right. Anyway, if you don't mind a suggestion, the kit 20mms tubs are too thick. I used pieces of soda straws, the thick ones you get at fast food restaurants like McDonalds. Keep it up, following your work, Jim

Still loving your work, Warren, amazed how much you've got done in so short a time. I tend to get frustrated by large fingers and 68year-old eyes, not to mention the wife's "honey do list". The GLS stuff is amazing. I've seen completed models but never the construction. The anchor winch is incredible. Too bad a kit like Trumpy's Hood is about the limit of my available space. Keep it up, I'm really enjoying the build. Saludos from Laredo, Texas Gateway to Mexico, where it was only 103 in the shade today, Jim

Always like to see your work Warren, especially on a dog like this. Without the GLS set, it's almost a Lindbergh Blue Devil. With the GLS, you'll have something fit for a museum. I should know, I bought one 35-40 years ago. I started on it, but decided it was going to look like a big toy, so there it sits. By the way, not Revell, Matchbox. I can't bring myself to pay for the GLS and I don't have the space, so I'll stick to 1/350. But keep up the great work.

Not sure if it was a morter, think it was a 40mm grenade launcher. Impressive model. Not sure if it was a morter, think it was a 40mm grenade launcher. Impressive model.

Lookin' good, Phil! While you're thinking of those turrets on an Illustrious, how about a Renown?

Is it scratch-built? Believe it's a Swift Boat. Monogram did one (1/35th?) about 40 years ago. Looks good.

Phil, amazing amount done in about a week! I'm going to be checking daily from now on.

Great start on a great subject. I just returned to the hobby about 18 months ago after a 22 year layoff. I'm doing 1/350 because of 65 year old eyes and large fingers. Just finished a Trumpeter North Carolina, with GMM PE and about a tube of Squadron Green Putty, and starting a Dragon Gearing. Incredible kit. Picking up all sorts of tips from the builds on this site. You've got a big fan down of the Mexican border of the Republic of Texas.

WOW! Blast from the past. I remember Pyro kits, and the molding was kind heavy for those days (Aurora used to mold makings on airplane wings). I'm going to enjoy watching the build.

Fine job, looking great. I doubt there's another kit that old that would build up so good without major surgery. Too bad there aren't many other kits from that era.

Very impressed and inspired with your work (as well as the other builders on this site). I only returned to the hobby a couple of years ago, after nearly 25 years (kids, work, and no place acceptable to the wife to build). I am learning to love/hate PE. Your PE work is amazing and inspires me to work harder. But a question. I know some things have different names in the UK and the US, so,is what you call PVA what we call white glue ? A slightly thick, white glue that can be thinned with water and is usually used with wood or ceramics. It's slow to dry, drys clear, and not as hard and shiney as CA glues. Once again, great work and yes, leave the PE unpainted.

Too late for this project, but FYI, the peacetime colors for USN pre-1900 were white hull, uperworks and turrets, with buff funnels and masts. Guns were white or black. Check the picture of the museum model. The buff uperworks and turrets are post-1900, although there was a lot of individual variation. Unfortunately, the ship as she appears now is not entirely accurate for 1898, she was converted into a minelayer in WWI, and both 8" turrets were removed and single 6" guns placed. The present guns and turrets are dummies. The ship is in VERY bad shape, having not been drydocked in more than 50 years, and in danger of sinking at her moorings. We in Texas treat USS Texas, BB 35, better. She was drydocked in 1990 and more accurately restored to her WWII appearance. Now, money has been raised and appropriated to build a graving dock to keep her out of the water. If your are ever in Houston , be sure to see her, she's worth it.

Believe the hawsepipes were added in a post 1900 refit, so the model is correct for the Spanish American war.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned that this is a reissue of a 40 or 50 year old Revell kit bundeled with modern PE, brass guns, and wood decks. I know I'm showing my age (65), but when this came out, It was one of the best ship models ever. There must have a Spanish American War bug at that time, because ITC (now Glencoe) came out with their Oregon and a company called Pyro (I think) came out with a horrible Olympia and an indescriabable Maine. I'll be interested in this build because I've got a couple of Revell reissues and some Tom's Modelworks PE. And, like everything from that era, it is box scale.