USS Montana fiberglass hull, sub-deck/deck kit, and turrets from Strikemodels

All
The fiberglass hull, wooden sub-deck/deck kit, turrets, and plans for the USS Montana was on display at the build-session here in Ohio yesterday. And all of the folks that were able to see this kit were left in a state of shock and awe.
Shock from the almost unbelievable size of this monster. And awe from the impeccable quality of this entire kit. The hull itself, is pristine. Length, and width are to exact scale measurements. The hull is nice and thick. Straight and true. The gelcoat is flawless. And the armor belt is straight, and crisp. The hull is a true work of art.
The sub-deck/deck kit is truly a wonderful addition to the fiberglass hulls. Especially this new type from Strikemodels, where the sub-deck is pre-cut for the drop-in deck access hatches. This sub-deck fits into this hull nicely. And there won't be a lot of sanding/shaping required. The turret location holes are already cut, so it takes the guess-work out of having to determine where they go. The turrets are very nice looking, and will go a long way toward ending up with an attractive ship model that will be easy on the eyes. The barrel location holes are molded in, so no measuring will be required there. The ship plans are also crisp, accurate, and to scale.
The service was very good, (as usual). I will post some photos of the kit. For your enjoyment..
Mikey

 

That is a very nice looking boat! How many units is a Montana anyway?
Thanks for the pics Mikey,
J

 

Guys,
God, she's Huge! but she'll be a nice boat when she's ready!! She's going to be a heavy little Bugger!!
Nikki

 

The Montana class battleships are 8 units.
So, same units, and speed as the Yamato.
Will most likely turn better.
And also has the extra turret aft.
Mikey

 

It may turn better, but those Yamatos can turn very well indeed. In fact, the full size ship was known for how tight it could actually turn.

Will be interesting to see how they match up as models.

 

That is a Beaauuttiful MONSTER!!!!
Can't wait to see it finished. Well I am sold. I will have to get one after the Wedding, the Honeymoon.

 

I think it will be nothing more than a BB magnet with a lot of undefend area. She has the same units as a yammy or Iowa, I would go with those as they are smaller with the same number of units.I would love to see a nice little 4.5 or 5.5 cuddle up beside her and rip out pannels now that would be something to see. While nice on paper I don't think she will make a great combat model.

 

I have seen a USS Montana battle and it made the HMS Hood look good.

 

Remember, this ship is being built under Treaty rules which limits rate of fire and uses a scale speed chart. That changes the game a bit from the fast gun style of combat.

 

I can't see that to be enough to make it effective. Its too big and while fairly fast by treaty standards its only what 32 seconds. With that much mass her turn rate will just stink. The smaller boats will eat her for lunch.

 

Be great for current fast gun. It would be the same speed as the Yamato and Iowa in fast gun and with the3rd turret you can set up a dual side there or set up a tripple which may allow it to fire better over the stern or use the third turret as a dual stern sidemount or keep it within the stern arc and set it up as a death y. I like the options on a ship that long with a 4th turret. Now if we can get the H39 into it and the Soviet Sovietksky Soyuz which standard displ 59,150 tons, and 65,150 tons LOA- 889ft - Beam 127.8ft and draught 33ft.6 in
Armament 9-16in 3x3
12-6 in 6x2
8 - 3.9 in guns
32.37 mm
8 - 12.7 mm
164,000 shp
4 shafts- 28 knots
Armor Belt upt to 16.75
Deck 8.7
Turret Faces 19.7
Secondary Turrets 3.9in
Conning Tower 16.75

The Giant hull was indentified on the slipway by Luftwaffe reconnassiance flights. The hull was broken up on the slipway after the war.
I will post a pic of how it would look when completed. Had a bearing resemblance to the final classes of US ships.

Montana is only about 3 -4 in longer than Iowa with a wider beam should be more stable and turn quite well with the dual rudders.

 

O wow...thats a big boat