Re: My Build of the 1/350 scale PLAN DDG-171, Haikou by Trumpeter
COMPLETING THE MODEL (June 10, 2012)
After masking off and painting the landing area rectangle, I then built and painted the KA-27 ASW helicopter, building it with its rotors in the stowed positon, as it is being moved out of the hangar and onto the Helo deck preparing for take-off.
I then spray painted the model in gloss coat, applied the decals for Pennant Number 171 for the Haikou, and did the same for the helo. Once the decals dried, I did some touch up painting and other grooming, and then spray painted the model in dull coat for the final finish.
Here are twelve good pictures regarding how she looks now, completed as of June 10, 2012:
Schedule of Future Activities (June 10, 2012)
This is a great build. Trumpeter makes some really good products, particularly in their 1/350 scael ships.
Once it is complete, it will be back to the Aircraft Carrier Battle groups. My current schedule calls for the following regarding those groups:
- By June 10, 2012: Start the USS Enterprise, CVN-65.
- By Sep 15, 2012: Complete the USS Enterprise, CVN-65.
- By Oct 15, 2012: Complete the USS Lassen, DDG-82.
- By Nov 15, 2012: Complete the PLAN Ningbo, DDG-139.
- By Dec 15, 2012: Complete the USS Freedom, LCS-1.
At that point I will go back and complete the remained of the PLAN Carrier group, centered on the already completed the PLA Navy's Aircraft Carrier in 1/350 scale by Trumpeter, including Mini Hobby's's DDG-168; two of Trumpeter's Type 054A FFGs, one the FFG-570, Huangshan, and the Hobby Boss PLAN ChangZheng5, SSN-405. (The only ones I need there are the two Type 054 frigates which come out late this summer, I already own all the rest).
Then, it will be on to finish the US Carrier Strike group including Mini Hobby'ss USS Bunker Hill, CG-52, and the Los Angeles Class attack sumbmarine (which I have already completed), Testor's SSN-764, USS Boise (It was actaully the San Juan, but I built and marked it as the USS Boise), Trumpeter's USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, Cyber Hobby's USS Independence, LCS-2, Hobby Boss's USS Texas, SSN-775. (All of which I already own)
When a 1/350 scale USS Gerald R. Ford comes out from Trumpeter, Airfix, Tamiya, Dragon, or whomever else, I will add it to this group along with another AEGIS Cruiser and Burke DDG.
Once the US and PLAN groups are built, I intend on building a complete UK Group including the Airfix HMS Illustrious (which I already own), two Airfix Daring Class DDGs (which I have yet to purchase but have pre-ordered for delivery later this summer), and the Hobby Boss HMS Astute SSN and Airfix HMS Tragalgar SSN, both of which which I already own. One day, when a 1/350 scale HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier comes out, I will add it to this group.
Then it will be a complete Russian CSG (centered on Trumpeter's Kuznetsov) one of the Russian Nuclear Battle Cruisers, two Trumpeter Udalaoy DDGs and Hobby Boss's Akula II class SSN (which I alread have) and the Russian Alfa Class SSN which I have already completed.
Then, again, once the models are available, I'd like to build a Japanese group centered on their new 22DDH carrier and the Hyuga, an Italian Group centered on the Cavour, a French Group centered on the De Gaulle, a Spanish Group centered on the Jaun Carlos, and ultimatly an Australian Group centered on the new Canberra Class. If they ever build the models, an Indian group centered on either the Vikramaditya or their new ADS Carrier the Vikrant would also be nice. You can see all of these actual carriers, read their histories and specifictions at my site:
All of these along with their escorts will be in 1/350 scale. Literally years worth of building.
To see the history, specifications, and pictures opf all opf the modern Aircraft Carriers of the World, see:
...and most of their surface escorts at:
