Tom,
I'm guessing that you are the one who answered my post on World Affairs Board. Do send me a PM as I mentioned in that long reply.
Thanks for the kind remarks, they're well appreciated. As for the Main Mast (2 legs w/2 attachments to after stack):
I've only constructed the after 2 leg portion with diagonal support tubes and the equipment platform. The radio array I've scrapped to begin anew - it just didn't look right. I set up a plywood board (jig) with the legs positioned correctly on it and held in place with wooden square pieces on either side. I then placed the diagonal supports in position and held them in place likewise. Then soldered the affair together and once cool sanded, ground, and filed all joints to a smooth finish. I
may redo this as well. The legs, while I checked the diameter of the brass tube I was using met the required diameter, just doesn't look thin enough. Anyhow, I then constructed the equipment platform and put it in place. I used the kit PE railings throughout both mast constructions since it will be surplus when I use the Pontos PE on the model itself. Then came the upper radio antenna and that's where I stopped. The 2 forward "legs" of the mast (which are actually the attachment points on the stack) can't be constructed until the stack is completed and in place. Here is where the Pontos PE comes into play. I think these two tube braces are part of the WWII supports the kit (and Pontos) include - I will have to double check this. The point of attachment is the same, but the parts will have to be checked for proper diameter, etc. I don't think that the lower Main Mast was replaced on NJ, only the platform and upper radio equipment was new. I'm going to confirm all this with my west coast BB consultant (Rusty Battleship, WAB) in case he has another slant on things.
You might want to purchase one of these grab bags of assorted brass, alum., copper, and other metal tubes from Micro Mark. That's where I found all the various sizes of metal tubes for my masts.
The SPS-6C and SPS-8 radars will have to be scratchbuilt. Here is a link to a valuable U.S.N. radio site that I found a lot of information on -
http://www.navy-radio.com/ You can download the .pdfs of his antenna info and then peruse it at your leisure. I can send you info on the SPS-6 (PM me with your email), but the SPS-8 was not part of NJ in the mid-60's. The construction was with styrene plastic, brass wire, and kit PE screen that was originally intended for some floater nets. The foundation and lower parts, etc. were mostly plastic. Make sure when you spray paint the units that you also air blast them to clear paint out of the screening - I didn't do this, so they're not 100% in the appearance dept.
As I mentioned on WAB, I can send you copies of my hull plating drawings from which you can print on any std. printer. I'm using Strathmore paper and I can give you that info in the email.
Hope this helps,
Hank
Login
Register
FAQ
well, the more I work on the Mo the more I feel like the curly "why certainty, whoop whoop whoop."