Calling all Virginia-class (CGN-38) fans

[scottj]

I just pulled my Cyber Hobby Arkansas kit out of the stash and intend to build her as CGN-39 Texas since I live in Texas. I've got the Flyhawk PE kit for it, too. I'll build her with the Tomahawk, Harpoon, and CIWS as configured in the kit.

I'm trying to figure out how much, if anything, I need to modify to get Texas instead of Arkansas. So for I've got:

1)I think that I need to use an SPS-40 radar instead of an SPS-49 but am hoping someone can confirm that's right. This thread gives the answer for the other three Virginias but not Texas. I found one photo labeled 1991 that is clearly the SPS-40

2)The life raft configuration is a bit different from what's in the kit

3)Hull number and name (duh)

4) ??? seems like there has to be more but I'm not catching it? What am I missing?

Thanks,
Scott

[Admhawk]

As far as I can tell, the 4 ships were fairly close to being identical, with very minor differences, except for the Arkansas having the SPS-49, while the other 3 had SPS-40's.

The life raft configuration looked to be about the same on all 4, on the forward Superstructure anyway.

So aside from pre and post refit differences, the only way to know what needs changing is to compare the kit with photos of Texas, because the kit probably has more errors than differences between the real ships.

[scottj]

Thanks, Darren, that's very helpful.

After more digging, I figured out it was the model that has an incorrect number of life rafts. Fortunately that's easy to correct. I've been comparing photos and will continue to do so. The research is something enjoy.

Scott

[Bwheel01]

Good day everyone I hope you all have fair. Winds and following seas.
I have been in and out of of the hospital for various reasons related to my broken spine and another minor stroke.
So please excuse me if this Isa repeated question....
How is the ISW USS Virginia Cgn 38 kit is to build?

[Guest]

Thanks, Darren, that's very helpful.

After more digging, I figured out it was the model that has an incorrect number of life rafts. Fortunately that's easy to correct. I've been comparing photos and will continue to do so. The research is something enjoy.

Scott

If you havent already, have a look at the cruisebooks- there can be some good photos or details in the background for you.
Scroll down to the CGNs:
https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/index.html#cg

Otherwise ask here if you cant find something specific- some of us may have photos with what you need (when I start my 1/350 Mississippi, Ill need to break out all my old photos to get as much detail as I can. I have some main deck and upper deck/superstructure photos).