“A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain death — the seas bear only commerce men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. The entire world is quietly at peace.”
General Douglas MacArthur
Kit Details
- Scale: 1/350
- Brand: Tamiya Models USS Missouri BB-63 Circa 1991
Summary
The USS Missouri is easily one of the most famous warships in US Naval history. Originally launched in 1944 and entering service in the Pacific Theatre in 1945, her career spanned 3 wars and 51 years. She was eventually retired completely in 1992, and currently sits as a museum ship in Pearl Harbor.
Before this kit, I completed the 1/350 scale Tamiya Fletcher, and the 1/144 Type VIIC U-boat, so I thought I was ready. I quickly realized after opening the box that I was in way over my head. The hull measured at just over 30″ long. With well over a dozen sprues, I had my work cut out for me.
I was all over the place with this kit, and learned some hard lessons up front. I failed to properly research my aftermarket options, and purchased the wrong Eduard photo etch kit (instead getting the one for the 1945 Missouri). Since this was my first major warship, I didn’t quite know the order of operations yet. I would do a bit of construction, paint a bit, weather a bit, etc. In no particular order or having any real plan.
In the end, it came together. The brass 16″ main guns really stand out, in addition to the wooden decks. I learned quite a lot with this build.
Photos
Burgundy Models 