U.S.S. Connecticut - 1/250 Scratch Build

[YankeeBoy]

Beautiful, clean and precise! Brings to mind the several designs that "Golden Bear" (Carl Beetz) did several years ago that were published by Gremir Models.

[PAPER FAN]

She's really looking good.

[Don Boose]

Superb work, as always, on those three-inch rifles, Mike.

To my eye, there is nothing more beautiful in the world of warships than an American ship of the steel and steam "White Fleet" Navy. And you have done that era proud with your previous Iowa (a Carl Beetz kit, Ron) and this scratch-built Connecticut.

Don

[Michael Mash]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

Superb work, as always, on those three-inch rifles, Mike.

To my eye, there is nothing more beautiful in the world of warships than an American ship of the steel and steam "White Fleet" Navy. And you have done that era proud with your previous Iowa (a Carl Beetz kit, Ron) and this scratch-built Connecticut.

Don

Thanks so much Don.
Feel free to tour the interior and the various decks.
Unfortunately, the galley and mess hall are not yet operational.
But I have a crew working on it.


Also, thanks Yankee Boy and Paperfan.

Yankee Boy: I don't know where Carl is or what he is doing, but I miss his design/builds. They were always full of inspiration.

Mike

[romanmodels]

good work Mike

[Michael Mash]

Thanks David.

As I began work with the walls of the shelter deck, I rediscovered the old principle that everything is connected. The forward shelter deck wall leads to the mast. That leads to the lower superstructure. That leads to the bridge deck. That leads to the armored conning tower, etc. So I may get into the forward upper works sooner than planned.

I decided it would be best to produce all the parts I needed for the full inventory of 3-inch guns now, while the forges for the gun barrels were still hot. So the first photo shows all the parts. I can assemble the guns as needed.

As I explored the plans for details about the forward superstructure, I discovered the changes made to the ship during the 1909 refit were more extensive than I had realized. The old superstructure I am trying to duplicate was completely torn away and replaced with the new. I had to do more research and digging to fine some useful information. The interior configurations of old ships are always the most difficult to nail down. So if every interior detail is not 100% correct, I apologize in advance.

I am happy with the color I am using for the superstructure. I pulled it directly from a photo of U.S.S. Olympia, still floating in Philadelphia's harbor.

Regards,
Mike

[Don Boose]

That is an impressive armory in the first image. The shelter deck work reflects your usual skill and precision. The color looks right.

Your research is always so thorough that I would trust your judgment on the appearance of the pre-1909 superstructure configuration. I have been looking at the images in John C. Reilly, Jr. and Robert L. Scheina, American Battleships 1886-1923 (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1980) and John D. Alden, The American Steel Navy, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1972). Your model looks exactly like the images reproduced in those books.

Don

[Michael Mash]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

That is an impressive armory in the first image. The shelter deck work reflects your usual skill and precision. The color looks right.

Your research is always so thorough that I would trust your judgment on the appearance of the pre-1909 superstructure configuration. I have been looking at the images in John C. Reilly, Jr. and Robert L. Scheina, American Battleships 1886-1923 (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1980) and John D. Alden, The American Steel Navy, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1972). Your model looks exactly like the images reproduced in those books.

Don

Thanks Don.
If you see any images of the interior configuration in the books you referenced, feel free to pass them along.
Mike

[Royaloakmin]

It all looks fine, Mike!

[Beachead]

Its only getting better, Mike, although its been perfect any way.