USS Texas, BB-35, in 1/350 Scale

Lots and lots of small parts added during this session, and some nice assemblies.

I started by building and adding the catapult for the two OS2U Kingfisher patrol planes that were assigned to the USS Texas. This catapult sits atop the 3rd 14" Gun turret, amidships. The catapult is a very nice photo etch metal assembly. I painted these parts, cut them out, and then bent them where necessary, glued them together, and then attached them atop the turret and placed that turret amidships, canted as if though preparing to launch.

It was then time to add some more details to the main deck of the ship. There were a lot. I started by building the two small deck houses located underneath each crane which hold life rafts and an observation deck. I then added a lot of details to the main deck. Vents, funnels, and a lot of equipment around the vessel. Many small parts that needed painting and placing. Adds tremendously to the detail and realism of the model.

I then added the numerous sensors and other equipment to the main bridge structure which houses the main mast, and to the structure housing the aft mast. Search lights, sextantrs, binoculars, and other equipment. 12-16 pieces per mast structure. This included stairs and ladders to the main bridge and mast area...the same ones I climbed up in 2014 when I visited the vessel. Again, adding a lot of nice detail to the ship. I will add the main yard arms to the masts last, after the other photo etch railin has been added.

Once this was completed, I had added all of the detail plastic parts to the ship...except for the Kingfisher aircraft which I will paint, add decals to, and attach during the next session. So I took a few pictures showing off the vessel at this stage.


Boy, she is looking very good.

In the next session, I will add all of the photo etch metal railing, numerous other ladders and stairs, the main and secondary mast yard arms, the aircraft, the propellers, and hopefully the decals to complete the model. We shall see if I can get all of that done over the next several days. I do have the Labor Day holiday coming up and may well get the vessel completed in
that time. we shall see.

The next generation is ready i see

FORBIN said:

The next generation is ready i see

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Yes...I guess since those are grandkids...it's like the second generation.

My own kids never got into it...but several of the grandkids are.

Many kids don't like to copy dad, but grand kids think grandpas are awesome.

no_name said:

Many kids don't like to copy dad, but grand kids think grandpas are awesome.

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Well, they all have their own interests and choices, and paths.

My five kids have all made GREAT decisions, and there are numerous things we share in terms of interests and beliefs, for the which I am very grateful.

None of them ever really got into model building...but my kids and I are close and so as they bring the grandkids over and they see me doing this, they get really interested.

Now...hehehe...as they get past 14 years of age and have so many other interests, we will see if they hold onto it.

Perhaps they will...but it will be just fine if they don't too.

Lots to accomplish in this session.

I started by completing the painting of the two O2SU Kingfisher float planes, and then painting the chain for the anchors and the anchors themselves. I also painted the propellers. I then added the chains, anchors, and propellers to the vessel: