Calling all San Antonio-class (LPD) landing platform dock fans

[PolishMikeD]

Model Warship Forum Readers are invited to log onto Hyperscale's Ship Chat to view my text and photos from my visit aboard the Navy's latest San Antonio Class LPD.
http://www.clubhyper.com/forums/shipchatframe.htm
Also log onto Hyperscale's Plane Talking and Tank Talk to view the ship;s aircraft and vehicles.
Mike

[Timmy C]

Great pics, thanks!

The 30mm BushmasterII caught my attention - being mounted on the center line, it can't aim downwards very much and I don't think it's for Phalanx-like functions; is it just an anti-pirate cannon, basically?

[Sean Hert]

I figured it was about time we started a thread for the modern Gator Ships. I'll start collecting the info from all over the boards, and moving the posts to this thread.

There are some nice photos available online, particularly of the recently commissioned USS New York LPD-21.

The 10 authorized/building/completed members of the class as of Nov 2009

• USS San Antonio (LPD-17)
  USS New Orleans (LPD-18)
  USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)
  USS Green Bay (LPD-20)
  USS New York (LPD-21)
  USS San Diego (LPD-22)
  USS Anchorage (LPD-23)
  USS Arlington (LPD-24)
  USS Somerset (LPD-25)
  LPD-26 (not yet named)

To forestall in inevitable question- anyone found hull lines yet?

[modelersc]

Hi all

This model maker desperately need the best possible plans for the Navy's new LPD's. Especially the Hull Station Lines. Can't afford to get this wrong.

Those of you who know me and who I work for - will quickly figure out why I need them

I've tried Floating Drydock but no luck.

Thanks for the help

Sherman Collings

[MartinJQuinn]

USS New York (LPD-21) visiting New York City for Fleet Week, May 25, 2011:

[navydavesof]

USS New York (LPD-21) visiting New York City for Fleet Week, May 25, 2011:

These are some great pictures, Martin! Thanks for posting them.

[JevJanson]

Thanks for sharing those photos! On the subject of the ship, why hasn't any of the major companies produced a kit of this ship in 1/350? I know I'd definitely buy it, even if I had to wait several months for it to arrive.

[carr]

..

[Timmy C]

Thanks for sharing those photos! On the subject of the ship, why hasn't any of the major companies produced a kit of this ship in 1/350? I know I'd definitely buy it, even if I had to wait several months for it to arrive.

Not in 1/350, but Hobby Boss is coming out with one in 1/700, so they might do a 1/350 in the future as well. L'arsenal was also planning on releasing a resin one in 1/700.

[Russ2146]

When I look at this class design, I have to wonder at the height of the small craft deck above the the water, combined with the use of the Slewing Arm Davit, which dangles a light weight wind catcher small craft called a RHIB on a single cable, with no provision for tag (steadying) line handling closer to the water, nor for a sea painter which holds the small craft clear of the ship hull if the ship is undderway or there is a strong tide running.

It would seem that, operationally, the Navy will not be launching from the boat deck in any significant wind condition, nor while the LPD is underway.

[Timmy C]

In case anyone reads this before the New Releases thread in the main forum, Dragon is releasing LPD-21 this September in 1/700.

[MartinJQuinn]

The 10 authorized/building/completed members of the class as of Nov 2009

• USS San Antonio (LPD-17)
  USS New Orleans (LPD-18)
  USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)
  USS Green Bay (LPD-20)
  USS New York (LPD-21)
  USS San Diego (LPD-22)
  USS Anchorage (LPD-23)
  USS Arlington (LPD-24)
  USS Somerset (LPD-25)
  LPD-26 (not yet named)

According to Wikipedia LPD-26 will be named John P. Murtha.

Thanks for sharing those photos! On the subject of the ship, why hasn't any of the major companies produced a kit of this ship in 1/350? I know I'd definitely buy it, even if I had to wait several months for it to arrive.

Not in 1/350, but Hobby Boss is coming out with one in 1/700, so they might do a 1/350 in the future as well. L'arsenal was also planning on releasing a resin one in 1/700.

A review of the L'Arsenal kit was posted recently to the reviews section. You can find it here.

[MartinJQuinn]

The New York arrived in New York today, for the 10th anniversary remembrances of 9/11. I took these photos from my cell phone as she passed by my windows. Sorry for the poor quality...

[sirpaul]

I Think this is a weak design of a ship. The kit looks nice but the design and construction is a total waste of US tax dollars.

[D-Boy]

I Think this is a weak design of a ship. The kit looks nice but the design and construction is a total waste of US tax dollars.

Can you say more about this, SirPaul?

[JevJanson]

I just got word that in April Gallery Models is releasing a 1/350 scale version of the New York. I've already got it on the top of my list of future ships to buy.

[ESzczesniak]

Anyone have updated information on the Gallery Models 1/350 planned LPD-21? I understand things fall behind, but now being April (originally planned release date) I thought we might at least have a bitmore information.

[Tracy White]

Found a little detail for those who might want to do New Orleans:
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=117550
Check the bow of the lower RHIB.

[Tracy White]

Further details; there are different catwalk types astern on the ships at the time of this post.

Solid:

LPD-17 San Antonio:
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=36189

LPD-18 New Orleans:
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=116722
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=115432

LPD-19 Mesa Verde:
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=83462
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=83292

LPD-22 San Diego:
http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=124264

Slat:
LPD-20 Green Bay:
http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=130823
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=101403

LPD-21 USS New York:
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=130324
http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=134352

It is not abnormal for these catwalks to be folded "up" against the hull from time to time:
http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=121211
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=45772
I would think that the solid catwalks would be better for lower RCS when folded than the slats, but the slats are presumably lighter.

Although perhaps the slats are a new thing; it appears New York commissioned with solid catwalks:
http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=78053

[Heavy Melder]

Howdy.

So any guesses on which 1/350 kit is gonna be the best, the Gallery or Bronco? Was gonna pre-order, but want to get the most accurate one.