What-If modernized USS North Carolina BB-55

[drdoom1337]

I'm completing some other models at the moment, but I remembered I have a "parts" BB-55 kit in 1/350 scale. It hit me randomly that it might be cool to modernize the kit and place it next to my BB-62. Now by modernization, I mean in terms of 1980's (I want the kit to sail next to the NJ). I'm thinking harpoons, tomahawks, perhaps a VLS system in place of the #3 turret, a helicopter pad (maybe keep the crane?), and the removal of the splinter shields that are molded onto the decks. I'm looking for some other suggestions and I'm going to play around with some photos of the NC to try and get an idea of what can be done.

[Bigdaddy Mark]

I'm not much into What If, but I like the idea! You could add 4 CWIS mounts two on each side up high. I think loosing the aft crane, it may get in the way for flight ops. Keep all three big guns, I think that would have been a huge cost to remove for a VLS system. You could spread a few Tomahawk launchers amidships, and maybe the harpoons where the aft gun tubs are, you could scratch build the aft tubs into square ones, and maybe just use railing around them.
Boy oh boy you could do a lot with her.
You could even remove the port holes on the main bridge for windows. I saw in a thread somewhere where they used a section of PE ladder for windows. That would be a huge change, but not everyone would notice.
Are you planning on putting the big antenna on the front? I remember that was an eye grabber on the NJ.

[drdoom1337]

I've already kind of begun with modding. around the aft structure where the last rangefinder is I'm building a platform for Tomahawks that is level with the bottom of the aft stack. I'll try to take photos. I'm not sure what to do about the bridge. There's definitely going to be a helo pad added aft, and also some anti skid (mostly to make up for where I sanded off deck detail). I'm not good at these cad drawings, actually I don't know how to do them at all, or I'd try to better show off my ideas.

I have a Flagship models NJ set for spare parts for my own NJ, I'm going to steal the antenna and safety nets and such off of it. I'm not sure if I should completely remove the after 40mm tubs because unlike on the NJ, these sit above the deck.

[Bigdaddy Mark]

You sure have my attention!

[HvyCgn9]

Interesting idea!! I might do a modernised RC version of USS West Virginia BB48 one day when I find the time!! I have the plans (pre widening) and should be able 2 draw up a widened version.
But it will have 2 wait until I get the existing project list shrunk abit !!

Bruce