1/350 USS Thach

[Gator]

Hey guys. I'm starting my first build in the new studio. Using Academy's 1/350 Ruben James frigate kit, I am going to build the USS Thach. I'm getting some gentle prodding from a good friend and ship modeler to keep me motivated.

Here's my progress so far...

I want to replace the hatches to help look in the bridge but I don't see any pe hatches for modern US ships. Does anyone know if the WWII hatches will work?

 

[jknaus]

I dont know. I'm surprised there is no after market for this kit. Ruben James always conjures up thoughts of the book Red Storm Rising for me.

James

 

[Paulw]

OK this is bringing back memories of a ways back. the bridge looks real good as well as the rest of the superstructure. Keep going Mike. BZ

 

[moon puppy]

Kenny I wouldn't be surprised seeing how some bomb racks are still used, or was used when I was in the service back in the 80s. Besides, who's gonna call you on it here?

Don't let the rivet counters slow you down

 

[Gator]

Thanks guys. Pup, I found some that look very similar from Gold Medal Models and have them on order.

 

[Gator]

Hey guys. Back at the bench and I've been working on the bridge details. Today I got the consoles, helm and binnacle all scratch built and glued it. I've also removed all the exterior hatches so I can replace them with photoetch. I took the week off so that I could relax and get some work done on the kit. I wish I was further along.

 

[moon puppy]

Oh man look at that!! That's cool Kenny

 

[Gator]

Thanks Bob. Thursday night at our club meeting I asked a friend of mine who in in the Naval Reserves about interior colors. In the process of our google search we found several more photos of a frigate bridge. After measuring and double checking the photos, I also found out that the Academy bridge is missing some windows. Once that was factored in, I was able to construct a more accurate bridge including the Captain's sea cabin.

Here is my progress.

 

[moon puppy]

I don't think I have seen the interior of the bridge built on ships before. Nice job Kenny

 

[jknaus]

That is cool. Never saw a bridge on that scale before.

James

 

[Gator]

Thanks guys.

 

[Gator]

Today was all about subassemblies and details.

Bridge overhead. Whip antennas are from Master Model. Photo etch is from WEM.

Main mast

Radar and mast. Radar is part of the Academy photo etch that came with the kit.

Funnel and gun turret. Barrel is from Master Model

Destroyer Squadron 7 emblem that will go on the superstructure to the rear of the bridge.

 

[moon puppy]

Woo!!! Looking good!

 

[lupanzer]

Very cool...

Luiz.

 

[jknaus]

WOW nice work on the PE. looks really sharp.
JAmes

 

[Gator]

Thank you guys.

 

[Gator]

Well after a busy Friday and Saturday I got some bench time to work on the Thach. Here is the progress for today. The photos were taken with my iPhone on my new photo set up. I need to get my photo booth from the old house. It should help with the brightness.

 

[jknaus]

Very cool. Thats some really fine PE work there.
James

 

[Gator]

Thanks James.

 

[Adam Baker]

Looking really good!!

I've been able to keep up w/ your progress since you've been posting it in a couple of groups I'm a member of on Facebook.