U.S.S. Connecticut - 1/250 Scratch Build - Page 11

**Michael Mash** · #**101** 08-14-2019, 04:48 AM

Thanks Fred and Greg.

The bulwarks (image 92) are made of paper. There were six separate sections that needed to be created and installed. Even though they had to be nudged into position around those posts, to my surprise they all fit rather well. So I’m expecting the same when I create the bulwarks for the aft area of the shelter deck. The wooden mast columns I used to mark the mast positions were then covered in paper (images 94 and 95). Those are removable, and will remain so till much later. Finally, four of the 3-inch guns assembled earlier were put into position around the bulwarks.

Note: The area in photo 97 is currently completely open to view. However, as the work progresses, this area will be covered by two more decks from above. In all the photos I have, this area is covered in shadow and cannot be seen. It is located directly below the armored conning tower. There is too much darkness, and the turrets cause obstructed views. Also, the post 1909-refit drawings I have do not show this area as it originally was. After much searching, I located some “model instructions” for a “Resin” kit of the Connecticut. I created a structure in Sketchup that resembles that seen in the Resin-kit model instructions. It may be seen in image 98. The mast column will pass through the middle-forward part of the structure, represented by the circle on the roof. The structure will rest up against the forward bulwarks.

Regards,
Mike

**PAPER FAN** · #**102** 08-14-2019, 05:13 AM

Beautiful work. I often used wooden masts wrapped in paper for my larger mast poles etc. the lathe work on the pegs looks very precise.

**Don Boose** · #**103** 08-14-2019, 07:44 AM

Always a great pleasure to see images of your crisp, precise work. And I enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of the design and construction process.

Don

**YankeeBoy** · #**104** 08-14-2019, 08:25 AM

I can't say it any better than "The Colonel" - wonderful buiid and photography.

**shipbuild** · #**105** 08-14-2019, 02:11 PM

Marvelous work ! Doesn't get better than this !

**birder** · #**106** 08-14-2019, 07:16 PM

Nice project Mike, agree with everyone, progressing smoothly

**Michael Mash** · #**107** 08-26-2019, 04:50 AM

Thanks Modelers. I appreciate the kind comments.

After the forward bulwarks received its cabin, I went aft and installed the bulwarks there.
Four more 3-inch guns were assembled and installed. The aft cabin (or docking bridge, if I am correct) fit nicely. All the parts and assemblies in this update were made of 22lb paper, except the cabins. They were cut from 28lb paper. That will be enough for the shelter deck for now. Next time: 12-inch (305mm) Primary Turrets.

The old photo (from navsource) shows one of the ships in this class: U.S.S. Minnesota.

Regards,
Mike

**Royaloakmin** · #**108** 08-26-2019, 04:21 PM

Alway good to see your updates, Mike.

**Michael Mash** · #**109** 08-26-2019, 05:34 PM

Thanks Fred.

**Michael Mash** · #**110** 09-09-2019, 04:49 AM

Hello Modelers,

Before beginning work on the 12-inch (305mm) turrets, I contacted Airdave (Dave Winfield) to ask if he was interested in designing the turret. He was, and the work he sent to me was an excellent design for the large turret, complete with gun barrel elevation capability, and the barbettes. As I got further into the work, I changed my mind and decided to make the gun barrels stationary. So I did some redesign work on the interior of the turret. Also, some other minor modifications were made to add some details that I had neglected to send to Dave. No changes were needed for the barbettes. The result is a Winfield/Mash hybrid. The result of the collaboration is the turret you see taking shape in these images.

The old photo (from Navsource) shows the gun installation for one of the turrets aboard U.S.S. Connecticut.

Regards,
Mike