Battleship Missouri

[GCB]

Hi to all,
I am thinking to build a ship for once. For those who have seen some of my posts, I mainly built planes, helicopter and modern armored vehicles.
As such, and looking at what is available, I would be tempted by the "famous" Missouri, and would go for the 1/350 scale.
Tamiya has one (78029), and Hobby Boss has another one. From all the models I have built, Tamiya has always been the easiest one to build.

Also, there are a lot of upgrades available for these models from Artwox, Pontos, etc... and ranging from 40€ (wooden deck) to 250€ (decks + PE parts).
I am not a big fan of PE parts, however, I recognize that there is no choice for some elements (radar, stairs, etc.)

Questions:
1) What do you think of the 1/350 scale for such ship
2) Missouri good choice to start?
3) Tamiya model comments?
4) Upgrades: what would make sense? Considering the cost of the model (130€), I am not looking to double or triple the price on upgrades, not even knowing if I will be able to use all PE parts. However, without some of these upgrades, the model may look very simple..??So, should i go for a wooden deck, barrels, ??

Thanks for your comments.

 

[BOATMAN]

HI YES SHIP builds can be good an a missouri is a brilliant battle wagon as ive got a big 1/200 USS HORNET CARRIER to build when ive finished my BIG PHANTOM SO YES GO FOR IT IN MY PINION
CHRISB

 

[blakeh1]

I have not built any 1/350 ships from Tamiya yet, but the 1/700 ones I have have been great quality, or at least ones tooled in the 2000s and beyond anyway

as far as upgrades, I feel like at 1/350 scale you need at least some PE railing sets and to replace the antenna and other things with photo-etch at minimum.
Some of the more fiddly photo-etch stuff can be nice, but is not really needed. Depends on how much work, time and money you're prepared t invest

I feel like the wooden decks sets might be in the nice to have vs need to have category. I have seen people get good results with them though

 

[BarleyBop]

... impatiently sitting here on the couch with one hand in a bag of corn chips, reading the thread like I'm watching the trailers before the feature film!
Can't wait to see what you're gonna do!

 

[Calico Jack]

Since you have asked, I will give my opinion and you can take it from there. As far as the USS Missouri goes in 1/350 scale, it can be a challenging build for a few reasons. Firstly, at that scale it is large enough to be a big build, but not as big as you may want when dealing with the smaller parts at that scale, i.e. ladders and rails (whether PE or plastic parts), mast and antennas, armament and directors, just to name a few. Second, depending on what version you decide to build, (the Tamiya version you mentioned is a much later refit of 1991 era, whereas the Hobbyboss version is of it's launch and war service 1944-1945), you will have more parts and work to do on the 1944-1945 version. Lastly, is the paint scheme for her depending on what era you decide to build. 1944 version would have Measure 32/Design 22D, mid to late 1945 would have Measure 22, and the late 1991 version would be a little tricky requiring more research into the actual FS colors used on the horizontal surfaces (decks), including the fantail and helo deck. The vertical surfaces were painted Hazy Gray. The wood decks were natural, and unpainted from the 1950s forward.

As far as the two kits you mentioned, the Tamiya is the newer release, which includes very little photo etch for radar, helo deck rails, and I believe the bow antenna. The kit has a one piece hull, but lacks details as well as some fit issues in the deck parts and some superstructure areas. There are various photo etch sets for the kit as well as wood decking, however, they add to the overall cost depending on how far you want to go.

The HobbyBoss model depicts her in her 1944-1945 configuration, is a one piece hull construction with some details compared to the Tamiya kit. The main deck is also a single piece, which is nice, but will require some care when assembling. It also includes photo etch parts, metal barrels and anchor chains. It will pretty much give you all you need to make a very nice model with plenty of details.

Another kit to consider is the Very Fire deluxe kit which provides you with the most detail in the plastic kit itself, with hull plating and better molded details throughout, as well as extensive photo etch parts, 3D printed parts, and wooden decks. One of it's draw backs is the two piece hull, but that is made up for by the high detail throughout the hull. IMHO, the Very Fire kit gives you the most detail and bang for buck out of the three kits mentioned. It to me is only rivaled by the Joy Yard model kit which is highly detailed with a single piece hull and single deck with extensive photo etch, metal barrels, and deck masking included, making painting her easier. However, the kit is very costly.

I don't think you would go wrong with any of the kits mentioned, but I would rank them as follows as far as details, PE and metal parts included, and cost overall for the model;

1st Very Fire Models
2nd HobbyBoss
3rd Tamiya

However, if you are looking for the modern version of the Mighty Mo, you will only get that in the Tamiya kit. I hope you find this helpful and can't wait to see what you decide to do and your Missouri build. If it's anything like your armor builds, it will be a Masterpiece!

 

[BarleyBop]

my opinion

Now there's a recommendation worthy of a Patreon channel! Bookmarking for future reference!

 

[Calico Jack]

Thanks @BarleyBop I wish I had the time to run a channel for ship builders...lol.

 

[GCB]

Thanks for your advises and comments...

Calico Jack, your comments are great, and really appreciated! Which ones did you build?
I even had to search what "Measure" meant! And re paint, I would not go for a camo paint as it will already be challenging to paint such large hull. So, Measure 22 looks easier.

Looking at prices on "Super-Hobby.com" as a reference (can probably find better prices)

• Very Fire basic model (350909): €132 (not many details on this one and would have to add a lot of upgrades)
• Very Fire deluxe model (350909 DX): €337
• Hobby Boss (86516): €212
• Tamiya (78029): €135

and it appears that the Joy Yard model is difficult to find in Europe.

As you mentioned, the Hobby Boss includes most upgrade parts, and still 1/3 cheaper than Very Fire deluxe kit. I would only potentially add a wooden deck (worthwhile?? )
As such, Hobby Boss looks a winner to me... still need to dig a bit more into it, and think about these PE parts.


.

 

[GCB]

And found this web site for the Measures... I assume it is correct?
https://www.shipcamouflage.com/measure_22.htm

 

[Calico Jack]

And found this web site for the Measures... I assume it is correct?
https://www.shipcamouflage.com/measure_22.htm

That would be correct.

 

[GCB]

So, this appears to be right.
Waterline black, below, red hull and above Navy Blue, with top of the bow grey, same than the structures above deck. And the wooden deck painter dark blue

 

[Calico Jack]

So, this appears to be right.
Waterline black, below, red hull and above Navy Blue, with top of the bow grey, same than the structures above deck. And the wooden deck painter dark blue

View attachment 145636

That's the correct call out for Measure 22.

 

[Calico Jack]

Thanks for your advises and comments...

Calico Jack, your comments are great, and really appreciated! Which ones did you build?
I even had to search what "Measure" meant! And re paint, I would not go for a camo paint as it will already be challenging to paint such large hull. So, Measure 22 looks easier.

Looking at prices on "Super-Hobby.com" as a reference (can probably find better prices)

• Very Fire basic model (350909): €132 (not many details on this one and would have to add a lot of upgrades)
• Very Fire deluxe model (350909 DX): €337
• Hobby Boss (86516): €212
• Tamiya (78029): €135

and it appears that the Joy Yard model is difficult to find in Europe.

As you mentioned, the Hobby Boss includes most upgrade parts, and still 1/3 cheaper than Very Fire deluxe kit. I would only potentially add a wooden deck (worthwhile?? )
As such, Hobby Boss looks a winner to me... still need to dig a bit more into it, and think about these PE parts.

Thanks for your advises and comments...

Calico Jack, your comments are great, and really appreciated! Which ones did you build?
I even had to search what "Measure" meant! And re paint, I would not go for a camo paint as it will already be challenging to paint such large hull. So, Measure 22 looks easier.

Looking at prices on "Super-Hobby.com" as a reference (can probably find better prices)

• Very Fire basic model (350909): €132 (not many details on this one and would have to add a lot of upgrades)
• Very Fire deluxe model (350909 DX): €337
• Hobby Boss (86516): €212
• Tamiya (78029): €135

and it appears that the Joy Yard model is difficult to find in Europe.

As you mentioned, the Hobby Boss includes most upgrade parts, and still 1/3 cheaper than Very Fire deluxe kit. I would only potentially add a wooden deck (worthwhile?? )
As such, Hobby Boss looks a winner to me... still need to dig a bit more into it, and think about these PE parts.


.View attachment 145632View attachment 145633

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1870396366...fWLtVfmTU2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I'm not sure what the shipping shows for you purchasing here directly from Very Fire, but converting dollars to Euros it seems it would be about the same as the HobbyBoss. It list for $165, but they accept offers at $150, basically $15 off asking. Just wanted to show that option, but considering your hesitation on PE, HobbyBoss may still be the better choice for you. As fas as the wood decking, it will be painted Deck Blue anyway, so it will get by with the molded deck detailing.

Just throwing another monkey wrench in your works...lol.

 

[GCB]

Haha thanks Calico Jack...
Yep, will go for my first ship with Hobby Boss... and if successful and enjoying it, will check for Very Fire.
So, placing the order and looking at paints. Thanks again, and pretty sure will revert with questions when starting to assemble it.

 

[GCB]

Starting with a simple questions (told you will be asking lots): paints should be flat or semi-gloss?

 

[Calico Jack]

Starting with a simple questions (told you will be asking lots): paints should be flat or semi-gloss?

Always use flat paints. Where you will place decals or adding weathering, add a coat of clear gloss, apply decals and/or weathering, then finish with flat clear.

 

[GCB]

ok, similar to the planes and military vehicles then...

 

[Calico Jack]

ok, similar to the planes and military vehicles then...

Absolutely, but you do have to stock up on larger amounts of gloss and flat clear as big ships like to eat it up....lol.

 

[GCB]

And paint... what do you use as varnish? So far I have been using MR Hobby Super Clear sprays (everything else is with airbrush), however, maybe better to use varnish with the airbrush for the size of this one..?

 

[Steve Ski]

Alrighty then, now ya piqued my interest. Incredible write-up, CJ, impressive intel. G, looks like an epic build, Ruck On! I'll be watchin this one.