USS California 1/200. 3D printed.

[George Morrissey]

That photo of the afterdeck from above has some photographic distortion. This photo shows the second aircraft cradle pretty well. from https://navsource.org/archives/01/044/014492y.jpg

 

[Davidp]

Bryian, your model appears to represent post January 1945 not 1944. there is no gap between the funnel & the forward part of the superstructure that was there in 1944 as that gap was enclosed to be used as a chart room. main turret #3 lost it's side mounted range finders in 1945 but still there in 1944. there are other details that should or should not be there but will wait til you post pictures of if in your own hands.

 

[Bryian]

Thank you David and George for the information. Its greatly appreciated.

 

[Davidp]

you are welcome.

 

[Bryian]

Hi guys,
A small update on the USS California model.

Seems like there was a rush on orders from China recently, and I assume its to do with the tariff issue. I have still not received my model even though I ordered and paid for it in February. But on the bright side, I did receive my airplane order the Vought SC-1 floatplanes.
Unfortunately one of the planes arrived damaged. The tail has been broken off which is most disappointing. I have emailed the vendor and asked for a replacement.
I have to say, the 3D printed airplanes have excellent detail, and come with clear plastic canopies and decals. A few photos below of the planes in their printed sprues.
I think this is a rather expensive item at $ 50 US or $ 80 Australian. Its 1/200 scale so its quite small with a 60 mm wingspan.

.

 

[Davidp]

is a pity that all those line on the body & wings are there as only lines you normally see are the outlines of the flaps, elevators & rudder.

 

[Bryian]

is a pity that all those line on the body & wings are there as only lines you normally see are the outlines of the flaps, elevators & rudder.

Do you think the lines are too bold David ? I haven't build an airplane since I was a boy so asking for advice.

 

[Davidp]

can you feel the lines(not flaps, elevators & rudder) with both fingers & finger nails & are they noticeable?

 

[Bryian]

can you feel the lines(not flaps, elevators & rudder) with both fingers & finger nails & are they noticeable?

I cannot feel the lines in the wings or fuselage , so I reckon by the time its been primed and painted, it will not be overly noticeable.

 

[Davidp]

prime them 1st to see if lines are still there or mostly disappeared. are you using brush or air brushing? if you don't have a uv light then put the planes into the sunlight for about 30 minutes then flip over so sun gets the bottom side. do that after removing planes from supports as resin is still a bit soft. use the resin print rafts as test beds for uv, priming & painting before doing same on the planes. the plane with the broken rudder can be repaired with a piece of styrene plastic of correct thinness & crazy glue.

 

[Bryian]

Thanks David. I’m using my airbrush for the planes.

 

[Bryian]

Hi guys,
Been back at my hobby bench today, and thought I might start on the California. I have unpacked the 3d printed parts and removed most items from the sprue.
Here’s a few photos of how the kit looks.

 

[Bryian]

The hull is exceptionally well detailed. I’m going to start work tomorrow.

 

[Davidp]

ask the seller what is the purpose of the hole in the hull were the bow joins the keel as i've seen that a few times & it has to be filled in.
also the armor belt at the stern to protect the steering mechanism is missing as shown in this picture.

 

[Wedgie01]

Hi guys,
Been back at my hobby bench today, and thought I might start on the California. I have unpacked the 3d printed parts and removed most items from the sprue.
Here’s a few photos of how the kit looks.

View attachment 532511View attachment 532512View attachment 532513View attachment 532514

That's a lot of resin! Good luck with it all. Can't wait to see it come together.

 

[Bryian]

Hello David,
it’s alway good to get your feedback, thank you. There is a hole on the bow port side and stern starboard side. Thought they were torpedo tubes.

 

[Wedgie01]

Hello David,
it’s alway good to get your feedback, thank you. There is a hole on the bow port side and stern starboard side. Thought they were torpedo tubes.

View attachment 532674View attachment 532675

Too far FWD and AFT for tubes. An artefact of the printing process perhaps. Shouldn't be too hard to fill over. Love the detail on the props and docking keels!

 

[Davidp]

is not the torpedo tubes as the tubes are at a right angle to the keel like today's submarines. in this picture you can just make out the torpedo tube forward of the armor belt & below that belt.

http://www.navsource.net/archives/01/01441i.jpg

Battleship Photo Index BB-44 USS CALIFORNIA

 

[Bryian]

Indeed, thank you gentlemen. I agree its probably drainage holes for the resin. I am in the process of filling them.

 

[Bryian]

Hello friends,
I have glued up the segmented hull of the ship and filled the seam with Tamiya putty. In addition, I have cleaned the model with detergent and warm water to remove any contamination as per instructions. Next step was priming the hull with grey plastic primer and then a fine sand with 800 grit wet and dry sandpaper.
A few photos of the excellent fine detail of the 3D printing process.